Six Fall Jackets To Die For

By Emily Smith

TFW Contributing Writer

Black and White

Black and white jacket from Cheap Thrills. (Photo: Emily Smith)

Go prim and proper or razor-edged “Rocker-licious” when finding your favorite version of black and white this fall.
Either way, make it your mission to rock a black-and-white palette as part of your fall outerwear collection in 2010. It is minimalism in its purest, simplest form, and it goes with nearly every other color on the wheel.

The Trench

Semi-lightweight and as versatile as your trusty pair of broken-in jeans, the basic trench coat has been a fashionable (and a functional staple) for decades.
No longer worn by stuffy, old businessmen specifically to repel the elements, the modern day nod to the belted classic comes in endless variations, many shaped just for the female form. But don’t assume that you must settle for the old khaki standby. I found mine in a bright Razorback red with great buckle detail. A trench with a twist!

Denim Denim Denim

When it comes to the all-encompassing cover-up for fall, nothing beats a great piece of denim.
Much like the oversized one your boyfriend lent you in high school, the jean jacket for 2010 possesses plenty of moxie and is best when the material has been worn-in a bit. Heck, a few holes or rips can actually add charm and individuality! I prefer mine fitted, lovingly embroidered by a past owner and with lived-in, imperfect character, telling a story with each worn stitch.

The Cape

Great Trench Coat variation. (Photo: Emily Smith)

Not just for the Girl Scout anymore, the cape is making a huge comeback for fall 2010.
A throwback to the hippies of the 1960s, today’s cape is more structured and refined. Militaryesque neutral hues and minimal, modest detail make for the most sought after capes this season. Try pairing your cape with tall, black boots to bring out your inner (sexier) Little Red Riding Hood.

The Sweater Coat

Fabulously comfortable and completely effortless, the oversized sweater coat can be thrown on in an instant to pull an outfit together.
Not terribly heavy, the glorified cardigan can be used on warmer fall days or layered under heavier pieces when the bitterness of winter rolls our way. These great pieces also double as an afghan at chilly evening football games and look best with jeans or layered atop a fun dress.

The Military Parka

Everywhere you look, designers are trying their hand at military minimal this fall.
I, myself, have always been a fan of the Army Surplus store (surprise, surprise) and love knowing that they carry the AUTHENTIC apparel we seek when it comes to looking like Private Benjamin, minus the weak upper body and feathered tresses, of course. I found a wonderful vintage parka in a shiny olive green that is lined in florescent orange (my favorite) and know that I will be able to use the multipurpose, subzero-bravin’ subtle coolness that is the military parka for years to come.

Military jacket from Cheap Thrills. (Photo: Emily Smith)