Being a Northern Michigan girl, I own a lot of winter coats. Puffers, wool coats, ski jackets — got it.

But for those in-between days that are cold, but not freezing…when I don’t really want to bundle up in a giant puffer (yet), but I still want to be comfortable outside. So, if I’m chasing the kids around the playground or going for walks along the lake, I want a jacket that will keep me warm and still allow me to move.

Which is why I fell in love with this jacket.

A Lightweight Zella Jacket For When It’s Cold (But Not Freezing): 2 Fall Outfits

The Zella Hybrid Jacket has a front puffer panel, stand collar and thumbholes for warmth; a stretchy knit fabric on the arms and back for complete ease of movement; and a ton of pockets for carrying all the things. Plus — it’s cute. Which makes this utilitarian-style jacket my go-to for fall.

1. The Zella Jacket With Jeans + Boots

The best thing about this jacket (aside from the fact that it’s $40 off in the NSale) is that I can wear it with jeans and a pair of boots just as easily as with leggings and sneakers. It’s obviously a great choice for outdoor workouts, but the fact that I can also dress it up a bit for non-workout days makes this one a keeper.

jeans (28) | top (XXS, runs big) | jacket (M) | boots | bag

I tried both the small and medium, and while both worked, I like the slightly longer length of the medium. (It also comes in black, but I love the olive green color that goes with so many colors — especially for fall.)

jeans (28) | top (XXS, runs big) | jacket (M) | boots | bag

The jacket’s side panels are stretchy and comfortable, while the front puffer panel adds warmth without adding bulk. And I love the standup collar that can be left open or zipped up for extra warmth.

jeans (28) | jacket (M) | boots

I love the extra-long sleeves with thumbholes — perfect for keeping hands warm. Speaking of thumbholes, the long-sleeve tee (also Zella) I layered under the jacket also has them.

jeans (28) | top (XXS, runs big) | boots

This is a great tee for layering — it’s thin enough to fit underneath without adding bulk, and is made from really soft 100% cotton. I found it to run a bit big, though. I’m wearing an XXS here and am typically a small in tops. I knotted the bottom for less of a workout look with jeans. It looks like this top is sold out in almost all colors, but it’s a longtime Zella favorite, so it’ll likely be back.

jeans (28) | top (XXS, runs big) | jacket (M) | boots

Happily, these PAIGE flare jeans are not sold out (like the jacket, they’re part of the NSale), and I highly recommend. PAIGE denim is my go-to for good butts (actually it’s a pretty close tie between PAIGE and MOTHER), and these flares are no exception. High-rise, flattering flared leg, and SO comfortable from the minute I put them on. Super-soft with zero breaking in necessary. (And they go perfectly with these surprisingly comfortable platform boots from Marc Fisher that are in the NSale too — LOVE the height these give me!)

jeans (28) | top (XXS, runs big) | jacket (M) | boots | bag

I love a white bag like this AllSaints crossbody for fall & winter too. I overlooked it the first time around (in my defense, it was high up on a shelf, and I’m only 5’4″ 😂), but it’s absolutely my top pick for bags in the NSale. It’s big enough to hold all the essentials, small enough to not be cumbersome, and the neutral white color goes with everything yet is a fresh alternative to black. (It also comes in Winter Orchid Red, a pretty darker red color.)

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2. The Zella Jacket With Leggings + Sneakers

jacket (M) | leggings (S) | T-shirt (S)

Obviously Zella’s Hybrid Jacket goes perfectly with leggings — especially these high-rise leggings that have pockets! I’ve gotten so used to my leggings having pockets that it’s super-annoying when they don’t have them.

jacket (M) | leggings (S) | T-shirt (S)

These Zella leggings are convenient for holding everything from my phone to credit cards to a room key…for hands-free walking around the city.

jacket (M) | leggings (S) | T-shirt (S)

And let’s be honest, I’m not always going to work out just because I’m wearing workout clothes. BUT…I feel like maybe I’m one step closer to it when I’m dressed like this.

jacket (M) | leggings (S) | T-shirt (S) | sneakers

Oh, and these Nike sneakers? On sale for under $60 (normally $75) and wildly comfortable. I walked around (without socks!) for over a mile the first time I wore them with zero problems.

jacket (M) | leggings (S) | T-shirt (S) | sneakers

So, yeah…this is going to be a definite go-to outfit this fall.

XOXO,

Scotti

Photo credit: shalimar b photography

A huge thank-you to Collective Voice and Nordstrom for sponsoring this post! I love Nordstrom’s Zella line of athleisure and activewear, as well as your huge selection of denim (especially when it’s on sale)! Shalimar, I had fun working with you again! And readers, thank you SO much for your continued support. It does not go unnoticed and is so very much appreciated!