The Best Jackets to Wear in Between Summer and Fall
Overview
Transitional weather calls for transitional outerwear, and this season the two standout categories are cropped trenches and utilitarian bombers. Both styles bridge the gap between the last warm days of summer and the first chill of fall, offering just enough coverage without the bulk of a true winter coat.
Why the Season-Change Wardrobe Is Tricky
Early fall temperatures can swing 15 to 20 degrees between morning and afternoon, which makes heavier coats impractical and light cardigans insufficient. A jacket built for this window needs to work over a t-shirt at noon and a sweater at dusk. That's why lightweight, structured outerwear — rather than insulated parkas — dominates seasonal transition edits.
Cropped Trenches: The Polished Pick
The trench coat traces back to early 20th-century military outerwear, originally cut long and made from water-resistant cotton gabardine to withstand trench warfare weather. The modern cropped version keeps the belted waist, storm flaps, and structured collar but shortens the hem to hip length, making it easier to wear with high-waisted trousers, midi skirts, or denim without overwhelming the frame. Because the fabric is naturally water-resistant, it also does double duty on the first rainy days of the season.
Utilitarian Bombers: The Easy Layer
Bomber jackets originated as flight jackets designed for pilots, prized for their ribbed cuffs and hem that seal in warmth. Utilitarian versions borrow cargo-style details — patch pockets, drawstrings, boxy silhouettes — from workwear, giving them a more relaxed, unfussy feel than the trench. They're built for movement, which makes them a practical choice for commuting, errands, or travel days when a belted coat feels too formal.
How to Style Both Pieces
A cropped trench pairs naturally with tailored pieces — think wide-leg trousers, a slip dress, or a pencil skirt — since its structure already reads dressed-up. A utilitarian bomber leans casual by default, so it works best layered over simple basics: a plain tee, straight jeans, or joggers. Both styles benefit from being left open over a lightweight knit, which adds warmth without requiring a full coat swap as temperatures shift throughout the day.
Fabric and Care Considerations
Cotton gabardine trenches hold their shape well but wrinkle if stuffed into a bag, so they're best hung rather than folded. Nylon or poly-blend bombers are more travel-friendly and generally machine washable or wipeable, though leather or suede versions require spot cleaning. Checking the care label before the first wash prevents shrinking or stiffening the ribbed trim on bombers.
FAQ
Can I wear a cropped trench with shorts? Yes — the shortened hem was designed partly to pair with shorter bottoms without the coat swallowing the look.
Is a bomber warm enough for early fall? For mild transitional weather, yes; for colder days, layer a sweater underneath rather than swapping the jacket entirely.
Source
Originally published at www.harpersbazaar.com.