Just as the heat of summer distills our wardrobes down to a dress and a dress and a dress (or maybe a skirt!), fall’s brisk bite calls us to thoughtfully layer—puzzling together the pieces of our wardrobe into a cohesive outfit. For some, the most important layer of all is the final one: the jacket.
Creating a perfectly edited outfit, where each piece can stand on its own, takes a practiced eye for style that simply comes with time and practice. However, one can easily create the illusion of the time invested with a good jacket, as it can easily be the centerpiece around which you build the rest of your ensemble—and the specific styles trending for fall 2026 certainly make a statement. On the runways and at our favorite retailers, we’ve seen embellishments and head-turning silhouettes everywhere. Whether it’s in the form of tassel and fringe bags, funky jewelry, or tailored outerwear, the more dramatic or eclectic, the better for this season—and the jackets are no exception.
Napoleonic Military Jackets
Military jackets first trickled back into the trend reports this past spring, with the tailored silhouette making appearances on the runways for Alexander McQueen, Balmain, and Ralph Lauren. The style’s only picking up steam, with more recent looks from Dior and Khaite demonstrating a shift into the ornately bohemian realm of Napoleonic military jackets. Now, the jacket’s a canvas for flourishes of detail like braided cords, sharp stand collars, embroidered detailing, and gold buttons.
Dramatic Dusters
Every piece in Ralph Lauren’s spring/summer 2027 collection was a study in undone elegance, none more so than the muted teal-blue embroidered velvet duster that floated down the runway and proved that the billowing overcoat is here to stay. This season, the dramatic style invites bohemian and vaguely Victorian touches. While the long length of a duster technically bridges into coat territory, the lightweight nature of a duster gives it a lighter sensibility that makes it a jacket in spirit.
Pankou Closures
Also known as frog closures, these braided decorative buttons have been slowly appearing on military jackets and blazers for the last few seasons. The gilded jacquard Tilda jacket from Kallmeyer’s fall/winter 2026 collection solidified pankou closures as the jacket detail to look for this year. Typically paired with a stand collar (more on that below), the toggles can add intrigue to more minimalist silhouettes or add to the mosaic of more bohemian styles.
Peplum Jackets
Peplums and nipped waists have been all the rage over the last year, making appearances on dresses, shirts, and now jackets. On outerwear, the style takes cues from the big shoulders and structured lines of ’80s blazers—offering a distinctly femme look for those who prefer a fitted profile.
Minimalist Collars and Collarless Jackets
Collars are coming off this fall, or at least taking a step back in lieu of a more minimalist stand collar. These clean lines create a sharp, sophisticated frame that balances simplicity with a dash of unexpected iconoclasm.
Funnel Neck Jackets
Phoebe Philo might’ve first turned us all onto the funnel neck jacket three years ago, but this season, the oversized silhouette’s reaching new heights. Consider this a more adventurous alternative to your classic bomber—it’s boxy, it’s sleek, it’s a little edgy, and that chimney neck will surely keep you shielded and warm through all the elements.
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