Fashion Editors Agree: This Classic Jacket Style Will Be Your Smartest Fall Buy

The period after Labor Day is my favorite time of the year because it means I get to meticulously assess my collection of jackets and coats to decide which ones to part with and which new styles to integrate. While going through it a few weeks ago, I noticed a lot of wool and leather long jackets, following last year's outerwear trends. While I love each one with my whole heart, I know my wardrobe will look a lot different this year because short jackets are officially back.
Now, I'm not suggesting that you should get rid of all your longer outerwear. That said, I am noting that short-hem jackets will become more prevalent on the streets. How do I know? The fall 2025 runways revealed an array of short coats. The variety was impressive, including Altuzarra's short fur jacket, Brandon Maxwell's sporty style, Alexander McQueen's funnel-neck leather iteration, Burberry's brown wool jacket, and Bally's bomber jacket. Now that the arrival of fall is right around the corner, more outerwear brands have embraced the silhouette, putting out an array of options on the market.
To simplify your shopping experience and help you navigate the trend, I've carefully curated an edit of the 22 best short jackets. Keep scrolling to shop the pieces and discover a few chic short-jacket outfit ideas to inspire your style as we transition from summer into fall.
Fall hasn't even started, and all we fashion editors can think about are suede jackets. Trust me—get your hands on this one while it's still available.
Take notes from the Brandon Maxwell runway show and pair a sporty jacket made from a technical fabric with a polished pencil skirt or tailored pants.
If a jacket has a funnel neck, I'm immediately adding it to my cart.
If you haven't noticed, dark-wash denim is the current trend among fashion enthusiasts. Grab this cropped denim jacket and pair it with a dark-wash denim skirt, loafers, a sweater, and socks for a preppy-chic look.
Midi skirts and short jackets make a perfect pairing for fall.
Quilted jackets are this season's coziest coat trend.
Take style notes from Anouk and balance out formal trousers with a casual collarless jacket.
Barn jackets aren't going anywhere.
We're suckers for a faux-fur coat that looks real.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Nikki Chwatt is an associate fashion editor based in New York City. She joined Who What Wear in 2024 after writing fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content for WWD, Well+Good, Editorialist, and more. With a passion for personal style and the creativity that comes with it, one of Chwatt's goals is to help others understand that there is no such thing as a “good” or “bad” style; it’s just about putting an outfit together that makes you feel confident in yourself. When she's not writing, you can find her taking a Pilates class, reading a powerful romance novel, or exploring a new wellness spot in Manhattan.
-
I Just Saved $1200 By Shopping This Viral COS Sweater Instead of Its Designer Reference
Girl math.
-
Low Budget, High Taste: 28 Under-$500 Items I’d Buy to Look On-Trend This Fall
Your must-have items lie ahead.
-
It's True: The Best (Real) Suede Finds of the Season Are From Zara, Mango, and More
No need to overspend.
-
Elsa Hosk is My Ultimate Fall Style Muse—7 Trends I'm Stealing From Her
Plus, where I'm buying them.
-
My Mom Is in Her 50s and Asked Me for Fashion Advice—8 Chic Nordstrom Outfits I Put Together for Her Under $425
Outdated prints and "ugly" shoes included.
-
These Easy Outfit Formulas Make Even Fall's Most Polarizing Boot Trend Look Cool
See the inspiration inside.
-
Click Here for Proof That This Sophisticated Shoe Color Works With Both Jeans and Dresses
Versatile and chic.
-
If You Want an Elegant-Looking Fall Wardrobe, These 35 Nordstrom Sale Finds Belong in Your Cart
Up to 50% off.