We've all been there, tidying up our mess of a closet to find a jacket we haven't worn in years or one with tags still attached (who knows how long ago we bought it), but no longer on-trend. Well, it's time to get smart about shopping, and that means making sure you're covering your basics before you worry about the fads. Among the closet essentials that will stand the test of time are the jackets below [1]. They'll carry you through any occasion, from your desk to dinner to weekend outings. Ask yourself if you have the jackets on this list. If not, get a move on: this is one big investment you won't regret [2].
- Black blazer [3]
- Trench [4]
- Field jacket [5]
- Moto jacket [6]
- Denim jacket [7]
- Puffer vest [8]
- Tweed jacket [9]
- Winter jacket [10]
- Statement jacket [11]
A Black Blazer
A sharp power piece that says you mean business as soon as you throw it on. Boss status, indeed.
H&M Black Double Breasted Blazer [12] ($50)
Theory Elkaey Stretch-Wool Blazer [13] ($485)
Topshop Ponte Boyfriend Blazer [14] ($75)
Balmain Double-Breasted Wool-Twill Blazer [15] ($2,385)
A.L.C. Wool and Cotton-Blend Blazer [16] ($291, originally $727)
Trench
The jacket for Spring showers and for when it pours in the Winter. Stay dry with a trench.
Calvin Klein Double-Breasted Belted Trench Coat [17] ($100)
Burberry London The Kensington Trench Coat [18] ($1,795)
Vivienne Westwood Cape Trench Coat [19] ($655)
Carven Trench Coat [20] ($1,015)
A.P.C. Twill Trench Coat [21] ($635)
Vince Camuto Double Breasted Shimmer Trench [22] ($70)
A Field Jacket
An easy weekender jacket. It's a staple that can be layered in so many ways. Try it over a buttoned-up shirt or a rock tee. Olive is the new neutral.
H&M Cargo Jacket [23] ($50)
Velvet by Graham & Spencer Ruby Army Jacket [24] ($150)
Alexander Wang Boyfriend Cargo Jacket [25] ($1,195)
Mango Military-Style Jacket [26] ($120)
A Moto Jacket
A jacket that makes you look cool to the core and says you are not to be messed with.
Madewell Ultimate Leather Motorcycle Jacket [27] ($528)
H&M Biker Jacket [28] ($70)
J.Crew Collection Leather Motorcycle Jacket [29] ($550)
Topshop Suede Biker Jacket [30] ($360)
Forever 21 Zippered Faux Leather Moto Jacket [31] ($35)
All Saints Bleeker Leather Biker Jacket [32] ($595)
A Denim Jacket
Now if you don't have a denim jacket, it's time you got one. Just like a pair of trusty blue jeans, it works with nearly anything you put with it.
Forever 21 Distressed Denim Jacket [33] ($28)
Topshop Moto Denim Jacket [34] ($75)
Acne Studios Tag Jean Jacket [35] ($300)
ASOS Noisy May Denim Jacket [36] ($51)
J.Crew Denim Jacket in Tyler Wash [37] ($128)
Puffer Vest
When you don't want to wear a jacket because sometimes layering takes too much effort, throw on a puffer vest with your basic tee or a long-sleeved sweater. The feather down will be enough to keep you from the chill.
J.Crew Shiny Quilted Puffer Vest [38] ($100, originally $128)
Zara Puffer Vest in Khaki [39] ($70)
H&M Quilted Vest [40] ($20, originally $35)
Tommy Hilfiger Puffer Vest [41] ($90, originally $130)
Madewell Penfield® Rockford Vest [42] ($200)
Ralph Lauren Wine Puffer Vest [43] ($150)
Bernardo PrimaLoft® Vest [44] ($59, originally $118)
Rag & Bone Hybrid Quilted Vest [45] ($495)
Rag & Bone Quilted Vest [46] ($545)
Joe Fresh Pack Away Puffer Vest [47] ($69)
J.Crew Excursion Quilted Flannel Vest [48] ($128)
A Tweed Jacket
The sophisticated ladylike jacket for when you feel like throwing on something chic.
Giambattista Valli Boxy Fitted Tweed Jacket [49] ($2,700)
Diane von Furstenberg Alberta Tweed Jacket [50] ($749)
See by Chloé Wool-Blend Tweed Jacket [51] ($565)
J.Crew Metallic Tweed Jacket [52] ($248)
Truth & Pride Tweed Jacket [53] ($275)
A Winter Jacket
When Winter rolls around, you need warmth. Find it in a Winter jacket, preferably wool, but fleece is an option if you're allergic.
Zara V-Neck Jacket [54] ($50)
Forever 21 Buttoned Wrap Cocoon Jacket [55] ($50)
Donna Karan New York Belted Cashmere Wrap Jacket [56] ($1,497, originally $2,995)
Bassike Kimono Style Wrap Jacket [57] ($850)
H&M Wool-Blend Jacket in Dark Gray [58] ($99)
Closed Wool Blend Jacket [59] ($521)
A Statement Jacket
The fun, colorful, happy side of you wants to express itself. Do it in a statement-making jacket.
H&M Embroidered Kimono [60] ($129)
Tim Ryan Neon Multi Color Lurex Fringed Jacket [61] ($2,450)
Zara Embroidered Jacket [62] ($149)
Fendi Color-Block Stretch Jacket [63] ($2,550)
Topshop Scarf Print Bomber Jacket [64] ($105)
Mango Printed Cotton Jacket [65] ($70)
Chicnova Baseball Uniform Jacket [66] ($25)
Dolce & Gabbana Portofino Printed Brocade Jacket [67] ($3,295)
Moschino Cheap & Chic Leopard Blazer [68] ($476)