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‘I’ve scoured all the pre-autumn drops and these are the jackets to shop now because the best go early’
From M&S, Hush, Massimo Dutti, Boden and more
I am an unapologetic autumn person. While I love a balmy summer's evening as much as the next person and I can recognise great summer style in others, I am just someone who's way more comfortable in cosy knits, buttery-soft leather and sweeping coats.
My favourite time in the fashion calendar is when the autumn drops start arriving in-store and we get a taste of what's to come (at least until winter takes over and we have to drag out the heat tech and puffer coats). And this autumn, there's a lot to get excited about, with plenty of bold colour layering, skirt suits (thanks to Chanel), abundant checks, animal print (of course), utility wear and more.
But first, jackets. The odd cardi aside, this will likely be the most significant purchase you make for pre-autumn, aka that in-between stage when it could be 30 degrees one day, and 19 degrees and hailing the next (the post-summer perineum if you will). To help you find the one, I've taken note of the key jacket trends for the new season and trawled the high street for the best version of each. These are the ones I recommend snapping up now, because the best designs go fast.
M&S Faux Leather Funnel Neck Bomber Jacket
M&S Faux Leather Funnel Neck Bomber Jacket
Quelle surprise, you cry (I imagine), we're starting at M&S, but for affordability and on-trend designs, it's become our go-to. It's the new Topshop for millennials.
Funnel-necks are still big for autumn (and practical in strong winds) and, together with the slightly oversized design, make this a smart buy. It's selling fast for a reason.
Mango Short checked trench coat with belt
Mango Short checked trench coat with belt
Mango is sometimes overlooked for its more showy sibling, Zara, but it's a great spot for affordable tailoring and this short checked trench shows why. Available in a wide range of sizes, it will look equally chic with your jeans as with office tailoring.
Hush Nerina Leopard Collar Cotton Barn Jacket
Hush Nerina Leopard Collar Cotton Barn Jacket
The barn jacket is still a popular, lightweight style for in-between days and this one is a little more grown-up than the shorter, more fitted versions we've seen on the high street previously. Plus there's a detachable leopard print collar. Sold.
Boden Branscombe Wool Bow Jacket Brown Herringbone
Boden Branscombe Wool Bow Jacket Brown Herringbone
This boxy herringbone jacket with bow detail from Boden has a real swinging 60s feel. Style with tailored trousers and ballet pumps for a chic, transitional look.
M&S Checked Funnel Neck Windbreaker Jacket
M&S Checked Funnel Neck Windbreaker Jacket
If you want lightweight, practical and chic, this jacket has it all: a funnel neck and cuffs to keep the wind out, plus stylish checks and sporty fabric. A great buy for under £50. Want something more colourful? Arket's blue windbreaker was our next favourite pick.
Massimo Dutti Mid-length double-breasted coat with button detail
Massimo Dutti Mid-length double-breasted coat with button detail
If we were choosing an autumn jacket for Cate Blanchett, this would be it. The mock neck adds a certain je ne sais quoi and we'd wear it exactly as styled, with a blue shirt, relaxed blue denim and kitten heels.
& Other Stories Oversized Utility Jacket
& Other Stories Oversized Utility Jacket
We're possibly verging into winter territory with this oversized utility jacket, but we couldn't resist. If you've loved the cropped cargo trousers that have been popular this summer, you'll love this style for autumn, and & Other Stories is the place to shop the look.
If this is too oversized for you, check out the brand's more tailored take on the trend.
Zara ZW Collection Denim Jacket
Zara ZW Collection Denim Jacket
This Chanel-ish denim jacket was picked out by our style director, Melanie Rickey, as a key buy for early autumn. The frayed collar and cuffs and the cut of the sleeves make this one feel more luxe than the price tag suggests.
Mango Straight jacket with toggle fastening
Mango Straight jacket with toggle fastening
We blinked and suddenly frog-fastening jackets were everywhere. While we love the white peplum blazer version at Zara, we're not sure a crisp white blazer is that practical for everyday, so this boxy Mango jacket in charcoal grey is a great alternative.
Sezane Antonio Jacket
Sezane Antonio Jacket
This is an investment buy but the spice shade and blouson design make it a completely unique piece you'll keep in your wardrobe (and be asked about) for years. I love the slightly vintage, 80s style with the gathers along the shoulders, arms and back.
John Lewis Wool Blend Short Peacoat
John Lewis Wool Blend Short Peacoat
For some reason, we can picture Claudia wearing this short wool peacoat somewhere in the Scottish Highlands come Traitors time. It would look great with some wide-leg checked trousers or her signature skinnies. Size up if you're worried about the cropped fit.
We finish as we began, at M&S. Because sometimes, a classic trench is all you need to pull your autumn wardrobe together, and this is The Trench, complete with all the heritage details, from the double breasted cut to the storm flap and checked lining. It's Burberry detail at M&S prices. ‘Faultless’ reads one of the hundreds of online reviews.
