6 Coat & Jacket Trends You’ll Be Seeing This Autumn

If we were to come up with our holy trinity of autumn outerwear, it would be: the trench coat, the leather jacket, and the oversized blazer. Most of us have at least one of the three in our wardrobe, if we’re fortunate. But it might be time to refresh our rotation of coats and jackets for the new season. Fortunately, a new crop of outerwear trends is on the horizon — and they’re as exciting as ever.

The autumn 2024 runways gave us a preview of new coat and jacket styles six months ago, from statement tailored jackets by Jil Sander and Chanel to trendy leopard-print coats at Versace, Isabel Marant, and Christian Dior. The designer collections are now ready to shop, and our favourite high-street brands have gotten in on the fun, too: Crowd-favourite Aligne has a range of bright blazers, while Uniqlo has fresh quilted and wool staples. Capes, denim jackets and collared bombers have also made their way to the market from brands like ASOS, Marks & Spencer, and COS.

If the recent street style at London Fashion Week  is anything to go by — fashion-forward guests showed us just how versatile barn jackets, trench coats, and denim jackets can be — these new arrivals offer an opportunity to assess our wardrobe for the season ahead. Scroll on to discover the top six coat and jacket trends to expect for autumn 2024.

Barn jackets have been a street-style win this Fashion Month, and for good reason: the workwear-inspired layer can be worn over just about anything — dresses, suits, trousers, you name it — while the contrasting collar adds an extra touch of style. Country went couture on the autumn/winter 2024 runways, too, from Hermès’ longline belted tops (with matching trousers) to Victoria Beckham’s leather fits.

The jean jacket is having a well-deserved renaissance, thanks to the enduring Western fashion trend. Oversized, longline, and cropped styles offer variety, while statement-lovers can find options with diamanté details (as seen all over NYFW), bold prints, or patchwork. If you’re lucky, you might have a long-forgotten denim jacket at the back of your wardrobe, just waiting to see the light of day again.

If you’ve been all about the leopard-print trend this summer (lifelong fans, we see you), you’ll be happy to know the look is still going strong, showing up on standout jackets and coats on the autumn 2024 runways. We spotted the print on long coats at Christian Dior and Balenciaga, on jacket linings at Isabel Marant, and in red and black at Versace. Off the runway, brands like Ganni, Sister Jane, and Damson Madder have become known for their leopard prints. While you’re at it, add a matching bag or hat for an even bolder look.

Autumn 2024 sees the gilet become an outerwear staple. Quilted and printed tie-front styles (a Scandinavian mainstay) are leading the charge, although you can also expect to see bouclé, puffer, and workwear versions. The best part about gilets? Their functionality and versatility. Wear them alone on warmer days, or layered over a T-shirt or jumper once the temperature drops.

A bright blazer offers the perfect seasonal contrast to autumn's muted tones. As proven with this year’s trends, like waistcoats and collarless jackets, tailoring can be more versatile than ever. Take a leaf out of stylists’ books by pairing a bright red, green, or yellow blazer with a more toned-down jeans and a tee, a midi dress, or even a gym outfit. For an added touch, cinch your blazer with a mismatched belt, just as Emilia Wickstead and Chanel did on the autumn 2024 runways.

New York Fashion Week’s autumn 2024 shows made a convincing case for capes. Contrary to the superhero aesthetic, Tibi and Ulla Johnson’s knit capes, Marina Moscone’s scarf version, and Brandon Maxwell’s dressy styles proved the range is quite vast. On the high street, you'll find trench and raincoat capes that are practical for autumn weather, and embellished, accessory-style ones that are useful even now for an air-conditioned office.