10 best women’s autumn jackets and coats that are cosy but lightweight
From classic leather to comfy borg fabric, prepare yourself for unpredictable weather in style
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Your support makes all the difference.Now that summer is officially over, we can start really getting into the autumn spirit. But the transition to colder climes can be tough to dress for.
From sunny but breezy days to colder rainy ones, you’ll need a jacket that is versatile enough to withstand the unpredictable weather while being lightweight enough to avoid overheating.
Beyond simply keeping you cosy, a good coat is a great way to show off your sartorial flair.
A statement jacket can completely change an outfit from simple to special.
We tested pieces across the market, from more practical water-resistant jackets to woollen trenches.
We wanted to find options that were comfortable and that would work well with most outfits.
You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps us to fund journalism across The Independent.
M&S Collection aviator jacket: £69, M&S
We were impressed with this jacket from the start. It has a very convincing faux-shearling that is incredibly soft to the touch, giving it an ultra-luxurious feel. We tried it in the black mix colourway and loved how the chocolate brown fur lining complemented the black faux leather. There’s even an option to close the neckpiece clasp shut, giving it that authentic aviator jacket look.
Zara faux leather jacket: £49.99, Zara
Everyone needs a good leather jacket, it’s a fashion staple. This one gets the job done, works with most outfits and made us feel like we could be in an Eighties music video. The double-breasted front and silver hardware makes it feel more expensive than the price-tag. It also comes with a belt, which is handy for colder days when you want to fully wrap up. The sleeves also zip open and closed beyond the wrist, depending on how much movement you want.
Topshop camel soft borg coat: £69, Topshop
This neutral-toned coat offers both comfort and style, with a fluffy finish that’s bang on trend this season. The outer fabric is so soft it almost feels like you’re wearing a blanket, and isn’t that the ultimate goal? The inside, however, is lined with silk so you won’t feel like you’re drowning in fluff, or sweat. There are also two lovely tortoiseshell buttons that close up the coat for colder weather. The two large pockets would easily store a phone and a wallet, giving you the option to go bag-free.
Finisterre Nimbus jacket: £165, Finisterre
This piece from eco-friendly brand Finisterre is the one you’re going to want to wear on all your autumn country outings. It is windproof as well as water resistant, so you don’t have to worry about getting caught in the rain. The down-free insulation makes the jacket incredibly light while being weatherproof at the same time. Even better, the fabric, fill and zip are all recycled, so although you may be paying a little more, this is a purchase you can feel good about.
Hobbs Saskia trench coat: £199, Hobbs
A quality trench is an autumn must-have. Not only is it weatherproof, but you can wear it with anything. We chose this one from Hobbs because it is the ultimate classic: the cut, buttons and belt are all in line with the old Hollywood aesthetic. After all, the likes of Marlene Dietrich, Brigitte Bardot and Audrey Hepburn made them iconic. It comes in classic tan or a more daring burnt orange. It’s also available in a petite variety, which will accommodate smaller frames.
Novleigh grey heritage black check longline belted coat: £36, In The Style
Instagram-famous brand In The Style is popular with influencers, and it seems for good reason. This coat fits like a trench, but has a softer feel and a looser fit. We loved the cosy cotton fabric and the tasteful black and red check print. It falls below the knee, which is perfect for those blustery days when you want some leg coverage. Though simple, the attached belt worked to keep the coat shut as we moved around.
Rag & Bone Rach reversible coat: £660, Rag & Bone
If you’re a little uneasy about spending so much on a coat, think of it this way, you’re really getting two for the price of one. We’ve always loved the idea of reversible items – they take up less space in your wardrobe and you can inconspicuously wear the same thing two days in a row. The Rach has a loose fit and a thick, woolly texture, which will keep you warm well into December. The two colours it switches between – camel and pale grey – are neutral enough to pair well with a simple black outfit or a more colourful ensemble. One word of warning, though, our tester found the fabric to be a bit itchy, so you’ll want a layer over exposed skin.
Warehouse oversized aviator jacket: £89, Warehouse
Warehouse is another brand that has mastered the art of faux fur. The lining to this oversized aviator is plush and silky, and the outside features leather piping and accents, giving it a unique look compared to other similar jackets. We also loved the oversized collar and wide buckles on the sleeves, which gave it an edgy look. We tried it in black, but it also comes in brown and dark grey.
Bershka double sided biker jacket: £49.99, Bershka
This cropped jacket was comfortable and easy to move in. It’s not the warmest option of the bunch, but the fit allows room for a thick jumper underneath. It also has piping over the faux-shearling outside, giving it a more fitted look. The sleeves feature a zipper, making it possible to roll them up. At under £50, we think this one’s a bargain.
Barbour x Alexa Chung Edith wax jacket: £379, House of Fraser
Barbour holds the standard for quality English coats. The brand’s wax jackets are water resistant and protect against wind, perfect for autumnal walks. Barbour has teamed up with fashion It girl Alexa Chung for a twist on the classic. Though it’s not that different to the original, this jacket has a large zipped pocket and oversized fit. We liked that it wasn’t too heavy, and the dark colour meant we could pair it with anything.
The verdict: Women’s autumn coats and jackets
From all the options we tried, we have to go with the M&S Collection aviator jacket. It looked great with our autumn wardrobe and the material felt soft and luxurious. If you’re after a piece that’s more weatherproof, we’d recommend the Barbour x Alexa Chung wax jacket.