Bold Layers That Make the Outfit: My Favorite Statement Coats & Jackets This Season | Jo-Lynne Shane

7 Fall/Winter Coats & Jackets I’m Loving Right Now

Here are seven “statement coats” (and jackets!) I’m excited to wear this season. Some are true outerwear pieces that make an entrance but come off once you’re inside, while others are lighter layers that feel like part of the outfit itself. Either way, each one adds that extra something that pulls a look together.

1. Bold Plaid Coat: Classic Pattern, Modern Feel

EVEREVE Wesley Plaid coat (S) // Notdstrom Cashmere Creneck sweater (M) // Agolde Harper Straight Leg jeans (29) // Sam Edelman Saige bootie (8.5) // Clare V Petite Moyen Messenger // Tom Ford Wallace sunnies

A plaid coat is the definition of timeless with a twist. This one has a bold pattern and longer length that make a simple base outfit look instantly more put-together. I love how it adds personality without feeling over the top; it’s the perfect mix of classic and current.

I love the combination of chocolate brown and blue, so I let that inspire the outfit underneath. I paired a chocolate brown cashmere sweater with relaxed straight-leg blue jeans and bookended the look with brown suede boots. A belt and a bold pendant necklace add extra points of interest and help the outfit feel complete when I remove the coat.

I also carried a fun animal print bag for a bit of pattern mixing! I wore this exact outfit to meet a work colleague in Philly last week and felt so chic and put-together — but not fussy or overdone.

2. Brown Herringbone Coat: Subtle Texture, Timeless Style

Abercrombie & Fitch Wool-Blend Tailored topcoat (S) // Jenni Kayne Flynn (S) // Agolde Harper Straight Leg jeans (29) // Sam Edelman Saige bootie (8.5) // Treasure & Bond Maria belt // Clare V Petite Moyen Messenger // Tom Ford Wallace sunnies

If you prefer something more understated, this brown herringbone coat is a beautiful way to add depth and texture to your look. The pattern is classic and refined, but the warm brown tones make it feel fresh and modern.

For this outfit, I wore the same jeans and boots as the look above but swapped out the chocolate brown crewneck for a V-neck sweater in a soft oatmeal shade to lighten things up. I also carried the same animal print bag for a subtle pop of pattern.

This coat is so versatile. It could easily be paired with an all-brown outfit for a chic monochrome effect or layered over leggings and a tunic for a more casual, everyday look, and that’s just the beginning. I have a feeling this one’s going to be a real workhorse in my wardrobe this fall.

3. Suede Bomber Jacket: A Modern Twist on a Classic Shape

faux suede bomber (S) // LNA tee (M) // AG Brinley (29) // Dolce Vita Vaydin (8.5) // EVEREVE Davina stone necklace // Jane Win pendant // Clare V Petite Moyen Messenger // Tom Ford Wallace sunnies

The bubble-hem bomber is everywhere right now, and I think it’s such a fun update on a classic silhouette. The suede texture gives it a softer, more elevated feel, while the cropped length keeps proportions balanced.

It’s definitely a more voluminous shape, so I layered it over a close-fitting tee and paired it with a different pair of relaxed straight-leg jeans. These are slightly shorter than the ones I’m wearing with the long coats, which makes them perfect for a more casual low-heeled bootie.

I added a belt for waist definition and another point of interest, along with some jewelry and a larger brown-and-black woven messenger bag with just the right amount of slouch.

This look feels a little more trend-driven than the others, but I love how wearable it still is. The shape gives a nod to current styles while the neutral tones keep it timeless enough to mix into my regular rotation. That’s also why I initially went with the Amazon version, so I could test the trend without spending too much, but I’ve since ordered the Zara one in brown, and I think I might keep it too!

4. Cropped Plaid Jacket: Short, Structured, and Chic

EVEREVE Dakota Plaid Wool Jacket (S) // LOFT scoop neck tee (M) // MOTHER Hustler Roller (30) (budget option) // Vince Sutter (8) (budget option) // Freja Hudson Lizard // Celine sunnies (option) // shield hoops // Gorjana Parker necklace

This cropped plaid jacket is such a fun piece. The shorter length gives it a modern, flattering shape, and the faux leather collar adds just a touch of edge. It’s one of those jackets that feels more like part of the outfit than outerwear, which makes it perfect for days when you’ll be mostly indoors.

For this look, I layered it over a fitted scoop-neck tee tucked into wide-leg jeans in a faded black wash to balance the proportions. I finished the outfit with black leather boots and a coordinating lizard-embossed bag for a polished, pulled-together vibe. I actually wore almost this exact look to church a few weeks ago, but I swapped the scoop-neck tee for a crewneck cashmere sweater, which gave it a more conservative, work-ready feel.

The structured shape and mix of textures make this jacket feel modern yet versatile enough to wear casually or dress up for dinner out. I also think it would be fun to dress it down with a lighter top, blue jeans, and Mary Jane flats… I plan to try that next!

5. Brown Scarf Coat: Cozy Meets Chic

Zara Wool-Blend Short Coat with Scarf (S) // Nordstrom Cashmere Creneck sweater (M) // Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise 90s Relaxed jeans (30) // Sam Edelman Saige bootie (8.5) // Clare V Moyen Messenger // Jenny Bird Florence earrings

This scarf coat is one of those effortlessly stylish pieces that looks like you tried (even when you didn’t). The built-in scarf detail adds both warmth and visual interest, while the shorter length keeps it modern and easy to wear.

I have the Quince version in black from last year, and this year I grabbed a chocolate brown one from Zara. It’s a great price point and feels super soft and cozy. I also love that the scarf is removable, which makes it extra versatile. The two-button closure, pretty seaming details, and cutaway hemline give it a polished look with just enough visual interest. For an even better price point, I found an under-$30 option at Walmart.com!

For this look, I styled it with a soft brown cashmere crewneck sweater, blue jeans, and those brown suede ankle boots again — although I actually think these jeans would look even better with the lower-heeled Dolce Vita pair. Anyway! These are all simple pieces that let the coat take center stage. I love how the built-in scarf drapes just right and adds movement to the outfit without the fuss of adjusting a separate scarf.

6. Leather Jacket: The Timeless Statement Piece

Michael Kors Short Leather Jacket (S) (budget option) // Michael Stars Nara (M) // KUT from the Kloth Meg (8) // Veronica Beard boots (8.5) (budget option) // FRAME belt (M) (option) // Jenny Bird Aurelia Hoops // Freja Hudson Lizard // Tom Ford Wallace sunnies

A leather jacket is one of those wardrobe staples that never goes out of style. It adds just the right amount of edge and instantly makes even the simplest outfit feel more intentional. I love how it brings structure and polish to casual looks while still feeling effortlessly cool.

This button-front version from Michael Kors has a boxy, ’90s-inspired silhouette, which I absolutely love. It feels like such a fresh update to the ubiquitous moto and bomber styles. It’s a really nice quality, too, but definitely a spurge at full price. I managed to snag mine on sale back in the summer. For a similar option for less, check out this one from Mango!

For this outfit, I styled the black leather jacket over a blue ribbed mock-neck top for texture and subtle color contrast, paired with black wide-leg ankle jeans. I finished the look with black suede ankle boots and a structured bag for a fun date-night vibe.

This is the kind of piece that works with almost anything. Wear it with jeans and sneakers for errands or layered over a dress for dinner out. I’ll never be without at least one black leather jacket in my closet, but if black feels too harsh for you, consider brown, taupe, or even oxblood for a softer take on this timeless staple. I also like this softer leather look option from EVEREVE.

7. Faux Fur Jacket: Luxe Warmth for Any Occasion

Gap Factory Faux Fur jacket (S) // Reformation Clara Cashmere cardigan (S) // Agolde Harper Straight Leg jeans (29) // Sam Edelman Saige bootie (8.5) // Clare V Petite Moyen Messenger

Finally, when you want to level things up a notch or two for holiday events, or you just want a little extra glamour for a date night, few things make an outfit feel more elevated than faux fur. It adds instant texture and polish while keeping you warm and comfortable — the best of both worlds!

I love this relaxed faux fur in the rich Terra Brown shade from Gap Factory. It’s so soft and cozy, and the easy fit works well with everything from blue jeans to cocktail dresses, while the brown hue makes it feel especially modern this season.

I wanted to create a casual holiday look with this jacket, so I paired blue jeans with a cashmere V-neck sweater in a festive shade of red, then topped it off with the brown faux fur and finished the outfit with the same brown suede ankle boots and animal print bag. (As an aside, I didn’t realize how many outfits I styled with that combo until I started putting this post together! I guess when it works, it works.)

This is one of those pieces that just makes you feel special the moment you put it on. I also think it would look great with my brown coated jeans and a brown sweater for a monochromatic look. Whether you’re heading out for dinner, a holiday gathering, or just want to dress up your denim, a faux fur jacket is an easy way to elevate your look while staying warm and cozy.

Statement outerwear is such a fun way to refresh your wardrobe this time of year. Whether you’re drawn to classic wool coats, soft suede, edgy leather, or plush faux fur, having a few standout layers makes it easy to elevate even your most casual outfits. I love how each of these coats and jackets adds its own personality to an outfit. Which one is your favorite?