The Real Chic Life

Recently, I started pulling out my old fall clothes for inspection (per the instructions in Exactly How to Transition Your Current Wardrobe to Fall), and when I tried on my trench coat—a Theory trench I got at a great discount a few years ago—I realized I wasn’t loving the fit anymore. I think the problem is that it’s a bit too bulky up top for my height, and I’m ready for something a little less dramatic and more streamlined for my current wardrobe.

But as I started browsing for new trench coats, I realized I was actually in the mood for something different this year. The trench coat is undoubtedly a classic, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only option. And if you’ve worn the same trench year after year, you might be ready for something new in your wardrobe rotation. Or perhaps you’ve simply never loved the look of a traditional trench.

Either way, there are plenty of other outerwear options that can give you that same polished, pulled-together feeling without actually wearing a trench. Here are five chic alternatives to consider (click the photos to shop).

1. The Barn Jacket

The barn jacket has been having a major fashion moment lately (Tonya even listed it as one of her top fall trends), and I completely understand why. It has the relaxed and practical feel of a classic utility jacket but can look surprisingly sophisticated when styled with more polished pieces.

Look for one in a neutral shade like camel, brown, olive, or navy. I especially love the idea of pairing a barn jacket with a cashmere sweater, straight-leg jeans, and loafers for an easy fall weekend look.

And don’t assume a barn jacket has to look really casual. One of my favorite ways to wear one is to contrast its slightly outdoorsy feel with something feminine or luxurious—think a silk shirt, a satin skirt, or a delicate knit.

2. The Suede Jacket

If you want something that feels a little more bohemian, consider swapping your trench for a suede jacket.

Suede has that beautiful ability to make even the simplest outfit feel richer and more intentional. A camel or chocolate-brown suede jacket is so lovely for fall and works beautifully with the season’s deeper colors.

Try yours with a simple white blouse, dark denim, and gold jewelry. Or throw it over a sweater dress with knee-high boots when the weather gets cooler.

The key is to think of suede as your fall neutral. It can play the same role that a beige trench often does, but with a softer and more luxurious feel.

3. The Jacket-Style Cardigan

Don’t overlook the humble cardigan when you’re looking for transitional outerwear. A substantial cardigan with a structured shape can function almost like a lightweight jacket—and it’s often much more comfortable.

Look for a longer cardigan, sweater coat, or jacket-style knit in camel, oatmeal, navy, gray, or chocolate brown. The more structured the silhouette, the more polished it will feel.

This is especially good for those early fall days when it’s technically still warm enough that a coat feels like overkill, but you’re ready to start dressing for the season.

Wear it with trousers for a polished look, or throw it over jeans and a simple tee for an easy coffee-run look.

4. The Leather Jacket

A leather jacket might seem like a completely different category from a trench coat, but that’s exactly why I love it as an alternative.

If your wardrobe leans classic and feminine, a simple leather jacket can add just enough edge to keep your outfits from feeling predictable. You don’t need a moto jacket covered in hardware, either. A streamlined leather jacket in black, brown, or cognac can feel very sophisticated.

5. The Wrap Coat

If you’re looking for an alternative that feels just as timeless as a trench, the wrap coat is worth considering.

A lightweight wool or wool-blend wrap coat is elegant without feeling overly formal, and the belted waist creates a beautiful silhouette. It’s also one of those pieces that can instantly make a simple outfit look much more expensive.

Camel is an obvious choice, but don’t be afraid to consider black, oatmeal, chocolate brown, navy, or even a deep burgundy.

A wrap coat works particularly well with the pieces we’re already reaching for in fall: soft knit sweaters, wide-leg trousers, jeans, loafers, and boots.

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The trench coat is a classic for a reason, but I don’t think every classic piece has to be a wardrobe requirement. Sometimes the chicest thing you can do is choose the version of a classic that fits your personal style and wardrobe goals. Maybe that’s a trench coat or maybe it’s one of the alternatives I listed above. The goal is to find the pieces that make getting dressed feel easy and make you feel like yourself when you walk out the door.

Which fall jackets are you feeling most drawn to this year?

Xo, Courtney