Jackets — I love ‘um.
I admittedly even collect them, far more than I do shoes or bags.
But, alas, I’m embarking on a big cross-country move that’s taking me from the snow-globe winters of northern Michigan to the coastal seaside of California. While jackets will still be worn in the winter, my wardrobe will no longer require the same kind of jackets.
I already donated my thicker parkas (and even stashed a few at my parents for when we visit home in the colder months), and it left me realizing I don’t actually have a whole lot of in-between jackets.
Jackets for a chilly 50-degree morning? Uhhh…those are just called sweatshirts, right?
Trending This Fall: Bomber Jackets, Trench Coats, Leather Blazers & Faux Shearling
I took this as a fun opportunity to see what’s out there in the world of lightweight coats, jackets and the like. Turns out, you can have a lot more fun with style when you’re not searching for “suitable for temperatures of 30 below” in the descriptions.
I even went as far as doing a little deep dive on the internet for what jacket styles might be trending for this next season. Leather (or faux-leather) blazers are a thing, the quilted look is still here to stay, but the most common term coming up in every article?
Bomber jackets (oversized, aviator and more of the like).
Whenever I’m dipping my toe into a trend, I love to hit up Nordstrom Rack. Especially if I’m not so certain I’m going to love the trend, but I want to at least give it a whirl. The prices are better, the styles represented are vast, and I can always find really great brands that I know and love.
I was excited to see all the reported trending jackets represented in Nordstrom Rack’s collections, so I scooped up a few to try. Spoiler alert: I didn’t love them all.
Levi’s Aviator Jacket
While Levi’s jeans will always be a fave, specifically the Wedgie style — which I just rocked over in this article — I haven’t tried much of anything else from the brand.
At least not that I can remember (side note: I don’t have the best memory).
I’ve been spotting images on the internet of celebs like Hailey Bieber rocking oversized bomber jackets as the mornings get cooler. Specifically, a bomber jacket just like this (but probably worn at least two sizes bigger than your usual).
I wasn’t sure I would love that look on me, so I pivoted for a more structured aviator style.
I’ve always been drawn to this look of jacket, with the faux-shearling collar and cuffs. I think it looks totally cool, in all of its ’80s “Top Gun” glory.
Levi’s did this one right. The interior of the jacket is soft with its faux-shearling lining throughout, yet it’s not so thick it would make me sweat. The jacket is structured, but I can still easily move and hug someone (yes, I tested that out).
This aviator jacket would be stellar with black pants (bonus points if they’re vegan leather), and if you don’t like the variety of shades in the color I’m wearing, Nordstrom Rack is also carrying a classic black-and-white version from Levi’s too! P. S. They’re 50% off.
Fit Notes: I run between a size medium and large and chose a large for this one. While the jacket is oversized, I wouldn’t size down.
Billabong Quilted Jacket
I was easily most excited about Billabong’s quilted jacket in that fabulous Gold Dust hue. I was maybe the most let down by it too.
For once in my life, I should not have sized up.
I’m wearing a large and felt like it swallowed me whole (and not in a cute, Bohemian, Free People way, either). Unfortunately the arms hit just awkwardly too short on me, but I liked the way they looked cuffed (as if purposely cropped).
If you are shorter than me (I’m just over 5’9”) and/or have shorter arms, I think this jacket could work great for you.
The color is far more muted in real life — although still pretty fun.
Fit Notes: I sized up to a large and should not have. A medium would have fit better, but I would have lost even more length in the arms, making it not-so-tall-girl-friendly (insert sad face here).
Kenneth Cole Batwing Collared Faux-Leather Jacket
Another aviator-esque jacket, this one by Kenneth Cole leans more classic bomber style and is buttery soft — which is quite delightful.
The jacket has big pockets, an eye-catching collar (fuzzy collars are supposed to have a serious moment this fall), and definitely has more of the oversized look that celebs have been rocking with their bomber-jacket looks.
The one thing I couldn’t get super-excited about was the color, and I think that’s just because I’m a naturally pale human, and I felt washed out. Otherwise, this jacket is really good!
jacket | jeans | shoes (similar)
Fit Notes: I went with a medium, and the jacket fit perfectly… I would probably size up at least one if not two sizes, though, if I wanted to get a look more on-trend with streetwear.
Avec Les Filles Open Front Trench Coat
I hemmed and hawed about ordering a faux-leather blazer/trench-style coat. I knew it wasn’t my natural style, but I couldn’t resist.
I maybe should have resisted.
OK, don’t get me wrong, this jacket is incredibly fun, and I’m sure on someone else incredibly chic.
The Avec Les Filles trench coat is soft, easy to throw on, and would be an excellent layer in a mild climate.
But my wardrobe is not suited for this kind of jacket (which just goes to show that my gut instincts were right). The look is giving “character from ‘The Matrix.'”
I would absolutely love to see this rocked by someone on our team who wears more sexy or glam outfits (Kat? Scotti? Someone please try this style!).
Fit Notes: I chose a medium because I was trying to avoid this one being too oversized. Everything fit great except the shoulders, which were a bit snug — however I am broad shouldered.
In the end? Levi’s won the lot. But there are SO. MANY. OTHER good coats at Nordstrom Rack right now. And as our team has learned, the good styles do not last long.
What jacket styles are you rocking this year?
Lightweight Jacket Styles At Nordstrom Rack
Xx,
Amy
Let’s be friends on Instagram! Sharing life from my sleepy little beach town, daily style, makeup favorites, Gilmore Girl binge-athons and endless cups of coffee — all with a good dose of adorable toddler content too.
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