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we → purchase → commission
With autumn’s arrival, it’s out with summer staples and in with layering.
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it → ’ → layering
During these in-between months, when it’s raining one day and sunny the next, the best autumn jackets are the top of the agenda.
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jackets → rain → agenda
Among the hardest-working items in your closet, the right jacket will not only prop up your autumn wardrobe, but serve you right through to spring.
Whether you’re partial to leather or denim, cropped or longline, trend-led or classic, there’s plenty of choice when it comes to outerwear this season.
Best autumn jackets at a glance
Best overall – Nobody’s Child cobalt blue coat: £139, Nobodyschild.com
Best raincoat – M&S shower resistant lightweight longline utility parka: £55, Marksandspencer.com
Best trench – M&S the trench: £95, Marksandspencer.com
Best leather jacket – H&M belt detail biker jacket: £64.99, Hm.com
Best denim jacket – H&M fluffy collar denim jacket: £64.99, Hm.com
Funnel necks aren’t going anywhere, dominating both designer collections and the high street, while military designs and jackets with frog fastenings are sticking around for autumn too.
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designs → work → autumn
Car coat silhouettes are emerging as a key trend, while peplum jackets and cropped trenches offer something a little more structured.
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jackets → emerge → something
How I tested
Whether your preference is for leather, denim, cotton, quilted or wool, I sought out jackets to suit every taste and trend.
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I → test → taste
Considering comfort, practical appeal, style and value for money, these are the best autumn jackets to nail transitional dressing
Nobody’s Child cobalt blue coat
★★★★★
Best: Overall autumn jacket
What we love: Flattering, statement colourway, comfortable, and water resistant
Take note: Not one for neutral dressers and isn’t fully waterproof
This arresting shade of cobalt blue is everywhere for autumn, and you’ll be surprised how well it complements most outfits.
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it → consider → outfits
Be it denim jeans, a white midi dress or patterned maxi skirt, this Nobody’s Child coat adds joyous colour to cold-weather ensembles.
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coat → add → ensembles
The cut is perfect – it’s oversized but doesn’t drown you out – while the adjustable drawstring waist and funnel neck allows you to play around with styling.
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you → ’ → styling
The coat is water-resistant rather than waterproof, but kept me dry during light down pours.
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coat → keep → pours
H&M funnel neck trench coat
★★★★★
Best: Autumn trench coat
What we love: Comfortable, stylish and lots of styling versatility
Take note: Lightweight and thin for cold weather, and isn’t waterproof
The funnel neck is reigning supreme this season, particularly in trench form – and H&M’s high street offering is bang on the money.
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offering → love → money
The trench offers ample styling versatility, whether worn fastened all the way up to the funnel neck, unbuttoned and loose, or cinched in thanks to the belt.
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trench → offer → belt
The cut is already oversized, but I’d suggest sizing up for an extra inflated fit.
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I → suggest → fit
Though lined, it doesn’t offer tonnes of warmth, making it ideal for autumn’s milder days.
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it → line → days
M&S shower resistant lightweight longline utility parka
★★★★★
Best: Autumn raincoat
What we love: Practical and stylish, waterproof, comfortable and has a hood
Take note: Too thin for cold temperatures
A raincoat, but make it stylish, thanks to M&S.
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it → love → M&S.
This enveloping jacket features a longline cut, roomy oversized fit and practical hood.
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jacket → feature → cut
I love how the hood isn’t too noticeable when down, while the high neckline is a fashionable yet functional design detail during downpours.
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neckline → love → downpours
Finished in poppy red, it’s a playful alternative to drab raincoats.
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it → finish → raincoats
It passed the waterproof tests with flying colours during London’s recent rainfall, and folds away compactly for throwing in your bag.
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It → pass → bag
Barbour corduroy Antonella trench coat
★★★★☆
Best: Cord autumn jacket
What we love: Vintage look, comfortable and warm
Take note: Expensive, too thick for mild autumn days, and isn’t waterproof
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we → love → days
The British heritage brand Barbour has reimagined the classic trench this season in a seventies-inspired corduroy material.
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As warm and insulating as you’d hope, the longline cut combines with a waist-cinching belt, wind flaps and brown buttons.
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cut → hope → belt
The rich corduroy texture perfectly contrasts tartan lining: wear the spread collar upright for a flash of Barbour’s signature print.
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texture → contrast → print
This is a well crafted coat that will really come into its own during winter’s colder weather, and style over white dresses with loafers in the meantime.
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that → craft → meantime
Cos nylon funnel neck jacket
★★★★☆
Best: White autumn jacket
What we love: Lightweight, flattering and easily styled
Take note: White finish could stain easily, and too light for colder autumn days
A utility and track jacket hybrid, Cos’s nylon piece boasts a laidback, comfortably oversized fit.
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piece → love → fit
The nylon material is supremely lightweight and perfect for autumn’s in-between weather – it’s the layer you need when the sun is still shining.
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sun → ’ → weather
The off-white tone slots seamlessly into your wardrobe, whether styled with denim or tailored trousers.
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tone → slot → denim
Complete with an on-trend funnel neck and a drawstring waist to adjust the fit, the jacket is chef’s kiss.
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jacket → adjust → fit
H&M belt detail biker jacket
★★★★☆
Best: Leather autumn jacket
What we love: Contemporary take on a biker, various ways to wear it, and warm
Take note: Isn’t real leather
H&M’s faux leather jacket looks like something you’d find at The Frankie Shop, but at a fraction of the price.
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you → love → price
A contemporary take on often-overdone biker jackets, the outerwear features epaulettes and dropped shoulders, with an adjustable belt below the hem adding the final flourish.
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belt → overdo → flourish
Whether worn in a balloon-shape thanks to belt, or loose and unzipped, it’s a stylish layer for dry autumn days.
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it → wear → days
M&S the trench
★★★★★
Best: Classic autumn trench coat
What we love: Classic design, water resistant, flattering and comfortable
Take note: Could be too short for taller women, though it does come in petite
This M&S trench coat is about as classic as you can get.
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you → love → women
Designed with a double-breasted cut, a detachable belt and wind flaps, it’s got all the traditional signatures – plus a checked lining dug up from M&S’s archive.
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it → design → archive
The trench balances structure with just the right amount of movement, complete with epaulettes for shoulder definition and a rear wind flap.
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trench → balance → definition
Mock horn buttons add to its expensive feel.
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buttons → add → feel
The lining is soft cotton but the exterior is lined with M&S’s ‘Stormwear’ technology for shower resistance.
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exterior → line → resistance
I only wish it came in a longer length for my 6ft frame.
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it → wish → frame
Free People outset funnel neck jacket
★★★★☆
Best: Lace detailed autumn jacket
What we love: Unique design, comfortable and lightweight
Take note: Isn’t waterproof
Free People’s jacket boasts a simple, utilitarian silhouette with feminine detailing.
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jacket → love → detailing
Crafted from cotton for a lightweight and soft feel, the workwear-inspired piece boasts a delicate lace trim that makes it a standout piece.
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it → craft → trim
…and 27 more, not listed.
The Aporia
