Fashion Editors Agree: This Classic Jacket Style Will Be Your Smartest Fall Buy

Short jacket looks from Hermes fall/winter 2024 show, Isabel Marant fall/winter 2024 show, Khaite fall/winter 2024 show, Burberry fall/winter 2024 show, and Bally fall/winter 2024 show.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics/Imaxtree)

The day after Labor Day is my favorite day of the year because it means I get to meticulously assess my collection of jackets and coats to decide which ones to part with and which new styles to integrate. While going through it the other day, I noticed a lot of wool and leather long jackets, following last year's outerwear trends. While I love each one with my whole heart, I know my wardrobe will look a lot different this year because short jackets are officially back.

Now, I'm not suggesting that you should get rid of all your longer outerwear. However, I am noting that short-hem jackets will become more prevalent on the streets. How do I know? The fall 2024 runways revealed an array of short coats. The variety was impressive, including Hermès's short puffer jacket, Isabel Marant's shearling-lined style, Khaite's leather iteration, Burberry's bomber jacket, and Bally's cropped jackets. Now that the arrival of fall is right around the corner, more outerwear brands have embraced the silhouette, putting out an array of options on the market.

To simplify your shopping experience and help you navigate the trend, I've carefully curated an edit of the 22 best short jackets. Keep scrolling to shop the pieces and discover a few chic short-jacket outfit ideas to inspire your style as we transition from summer into fall.

Sylvie wears a short black jacket, white slip skirt, black heels, and a black bag.

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Midi skirts and short jackets make a perfect pairing for fall.

Anouk wears a gray short jacket, a black top, black pants, white Adidas Sambas, and a brown suede tote bag.

(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Take style notes from Anouk and balance out formal trousers with a casual collarless jacket.

Associate Fashion Editor

Nikki Chwatt is an associate fashion editor based in New York City. She joined Who What Wear in 2024 after writing fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content for WWD, Well+Good, Editorialist, and more. With a passion for personal style and the creativity that comes with it, one of Chwatt's goals is to help others understand that there is no such thing as a “good” or “bad” style; it’s just about putting an outfit together that makes you feel confident in yourself. When she's not writing, you can find her taking a Pilates class, reading a powerful romance novel, or exploring a new wellness spot in Manhattan.