September is always such a weird month. It feels like it should be fall (maybe because I am always so ready for it to arrive), but the weather says not so fast. It was almost 90 degrees over the weekend here in Pittsburgh, so I was definitely not wearing a coat at all lol. But at SOME point, the weather is going to cool down. And when that happens, you’re going to need a beautiful piece of outerwear to layer over all your fall outfits.
Coats and jackets for fall can be tricky – again because of that pesky weather. You need something that will keep you nice and warm when there’s a crispness to the air in the morning. But you also need something that won’t make you sweat profusely when the sun comes out in the afternoon. I love a good trench coat for this reason.
Trench coats are a classic. If you purchase one, it’s a guarantee that it will just as fashionable five years from now as it will be 50 years from now. They come is such a range of colors and patterns today, but you can’t go wrong with a classic camel shade. Most trench coats are cotton that are lined well and have a nice waterproof coating to them to help keep you dry if it rains.
The trench coat I am wearing in these photos is a favorite of mine. I got it last year, but they brought it out again this autumn in some slightly different colors. It’s not your typical trench coat fabric – it’s more of a really thick knit. It won’t keep you dry in the rain (although to be honest I’m just guessing; I haven’t worn this in the rain), but it’s SO comfortable. It does a good job at providing some warmth when needed without making you feel like you’re roasting when it’s warmer out. The shape is quite flattering too, and I love that it has pockets. I’ve paired it here with a dress and boots, but you could obviously wear this with a skirt, trousers or jeans as well.
When we get further into the fall season and it starts to be properly chilly each day, your best bet is going to be a lighter wool coat or blazer. A borrowed-from-the-boys topcoat looks sophisticated and elegant, and they give you just the right amount of warmth for dropping temps. I have one from Mango that I even wore all throughout winter too since it was so warm. I think a neutral tan or black is a no-brainer for these, as well (since you can dress them up and down so easily), but a burgundy or bright blue could also be really fun. I have a low-key obsession with this blue coat Betty Draper wore in Mad Men, and I am always on the hunt for something similar.
If you’re looking to add a little “cool factor” to your outfit or something to wear out for date night, I would definitely recommend a leather jacket. I’ve worn my Allsaints Balfern jacket in several posts (here, here and here), and it’s a staple in my wardrobe. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth the investment. They go on sale occasionally – I got mine during the Nordstrom sale this year – but you can also just grab a faux leather one if you want, too. I love leather jackets with dresses (shocker), but they’re also great with a pretty blouse and jeans.
