Sometimes everyday products our editors use don’t make it into our in-depth, long-form comparative pieces in which we vigorously test similar products head-to-head. That’s where our Editor Recs come in: We highlight everyday products we personally stand by and use on a daily basis, and think you should too.
While we love fashion pieces like shackets, denim jackets and sweaters to get us through the dicey weeks of transitional weather, at some point we have to reach for the jackets that will keep us toasty no matter what. As the brisk days of fall become more frequent, our editors are reaching into their closets and dusting off their warmest, most stylish and most-used jackets and coats to keep the cold at bay.
Ahead, our editors share their 14 favorite fall and winter jackets that they depend on season after season.
This is my everyday jacket when the weather starts to get cold. It’s incredibly warm for how light it is, thanks to its insulation made from alpaca wool. If the temperature is between 50 and 30 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll find me in this jacket. It’s got a multitude of pockets (including two fleece-lined ones for your hands) so it’s easy to carry everything you need, and it packs down super small too, making it the perfect travel layer. — Kai Burkhardt, testing, outdoors, sustainability and pets editor
This fleece jacket is the perfect combo of casual yet polished. The Camel color is super versatile for fall dressing, and the fleece is exceptionally warm for being lightweight. The gold buttons give it a classy look, and they even coordinate with the lining of the jacket, which speaks to the quality of the piece. It runs just a tad large, which works well when you want to layer a sweater underneath. I even like wearing it on top of a hoodie for that off-duty look. — Sophie Shaw, beauty and fashion editor
This is seriously the warmest coat I’ve put on my body without having to sacrifice style. It has some weight to it but guarantees you will stay warm even without the layers. I love the uniqueness of combining a puffer coat with denim. But if that’s too bold, it also comes in black. — Molly Flores, photo editor
This REI jacket is easily the most versatile jacket in my wardrobe. It keeps me warm while still being lightweight, which lets me move easily while hiking, walking or running errands. It’s also ultra packable and ideal for travel (especially if you’re looking to save as much space as possible). It’s comfortable to wear, easy to layer under heavier winter coats when the temperatures really get bone-chilling and its simple silhouette won’t totally cramp your style. — Jillian Tracy, associate editor
I bought this admittedly pricey jacket during Black Friday a couple years ago and don’t regret buying it in the slightest. I wear it practically every day in the winter and especially to and from the gym. I love the fit (I recommend sizing down since it’s oversized), and it looks chic but keeps me warm, thanks to the faux fur. It also pairs well over a hoodie for extra warmth. Some things with Alo can be hit or miss when it comes to sizing and quality, but this jacket is a total win. — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor
Gearing up for a California fall and winter is bound to look a little different than the rest of our New York-based team’s prep. Los Angeles seems to be between heat waves at the moment, but when that fall breeze finally kicks in, I’ll be reaching for this sweatshirt from Free People. I received this as a gift almost a year ago, and it’s become one of my favorite pieces. It’s warm, flowy and can be dressed up or down depending on how I style it. I love to layer it with a white turtleneck top and pair it with bootcut jeans. On days I need a little extra warmth, I throw on a long-sleeve [shirt] underneath — a great combination that’s cozy but not too hot. — Gareen Puglia, associate testing writer
When I really need to stay warm and I want to look like a marshmallow, this is the jacket I reach for. It’s the warmest synthetic jacket Arc’teryx makes, and compared with other jackets from the brand, it isn’t ridiculously overpriced. Unfortunately, it looks like Arc’teryx stopped making this jacket, so it’s only available in a few sizes in the women’s version. If your size is in stock, I would definitely recommend snagging one for those brutally cold winter days. — Kai Burkhardt, testing, outdoors, sustainability and pets editor
Ever since seeing Zoë Kravitz in “High Fidelity,” I had to have her leather trench. Assuming it was vintage, I searched all over the internet for something similar and came across this one from Quince. It’s reasonably priced for leather, has an amazing fit and will definitely keep me warm and stylish well into the coldest winter months. — Molly Flores, photo editor
I just got this lightweight puffy from Black Diamond, and so far, I’m loving it. I still need to test it in colder conditions, but I really like how warm it feels and how packable it is. Plus, it’s built with 20-denier ripstop nylon for solid durability and is coated with a PFC-free durable water-repellent coating to help shed light rain and snow. — Kai Burkhardt, testing, outdoors, sustainability and pets editor
Arc’teryx is not inexpensive, this I know. But I am addicted to this puffy down vest with a high collar because it’s my perfect fall to winter staple. I can throw it on over a tee when the temperatures lower in the evenings or put it on for a long walk on the riverfront where the wind is always blowing. When it does get colder, I rock it over a sweater or sweatshirt without having to reach for my giant winter coat. Plus, I know that anything Arc’teryx makes is not just going to last me a long, long time but it’s going to look darn good too (even if I hide it under my ski jacket for an extra shot of insulation on the slopes). — Tobey Grumet Segal, health, fitness and food editor
I’ve had this jacket so long that I have no clue if The North Face still makes it anymore. I bought it when I started college. Now I'm almost 30, and it's still going strong. The Junction Insulated Hoodie seems to be an exact replica, if not the same thing. Light and layerable, it'll get me through to the spring with no problem. — Joe Bloss, associate testing writer
This is my favorite layering piece, especially for the shoulder seasons. It’s basically a fleece and a puffy in one, using synthetic Primaloft insulation for the torso and stretchy recycled polyester for its sleeves and side panels. It’s perfect for those in-between temperatures or for throwing underneath another jacket for severely cold days. — Kai Burkhardt, testing, outdoors, sustainability and pets editor
This is my go-to jacket for when fall starts to get chilly and for warmer winter days too. I always get compliments on it, and it doesn’t look like a jacket you’d expect from Amazon’s in-house brand, since it looks and feels like something you’d shop from a department store. The olive green color is always in style year after year, and the jacket is roomy enough to layer sweaters and scarves underneath. — Ellen McAlpine, updates writer
A puffer jacket isn’t the only way to stay warm, and it also doesn’t go with every outfit. Although this wool jacket is cropped, it's incredibly cozy and dresses up any outfit. It comes in two autumn-friendly colors that are also timeless. — Molly Flores, photo editor