The 15 Best Shackets for a Go-To Transitional Layer

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During the weeks of transitional weather separating the end of summer and the true start of fall, I usually top off my outfits with one of my best shackets. There are plenty of fall outerwear trends to embrace when the new season starts; this year, runway-approved red coats and heaps of shearling are on my wish list. But until the leaves start to change and temperatures drop, shackets are an ideal layer for this in-between moment.

The best shackets combine the structure of a collared, button-up shirt with the coziness of a flannel (or, in winterized versions, a wool coat). No matter the specific fabric, it's garment you can throw on without a thought and instantly complete an outfit. Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner have set a fall example with their favorite fleece shackets, worn in the past with off-duty black leggings. Meanwhile, Hailey Bieber has demonstrated the shacket’s year-round potential in an oversized denim version that’s fitting with cut-off shorts now and long, baggy jeans later.

To choose the 15 best shackets ahead, I evaluated fabric weight, texture, and silhouette, along with dedicated shoppers’ honest reviews. From Dôen’s herringbone wool to Madewell’s laid-back denim and Loewe’s luxurious cashmere blend, each shacket combines the best of two staples into one perfect transitional weather essential.

Ruby Jacket

If you're looking for a single piece to achieve Kendall Jenner's laid-back street style look, this is it. This oversized Free People shacket comes in the broadest range of colors we've seen, with the oversized, blanket fit the best shackets have.

What reviewers are saying: "Big, comfy, versatile. Wearing it with everything. I need every color!!"

Sizes: XS–XL

Colors: Stone, olive, champagne, mustard seed, jade, and incense

Clyde Jacket

New to Dôen's pre-fall collection, this cozy wool shacket is a step above classic neutrals with its textured herringbone knit. It's just as functional as it is rustic-chic, thanks to a secret interior pocket alongside three more on the exterior.

Sizes: XS–XL

Color: Herringbone

Denim Oversized Cargo Shirt Jacket

Follow Hailey Bieber's lead with an oversized denim shirt jacket. It's a one-stop ticket to bring more proportion and texture into your outfit, whether you wear it with cut-off shorts and a crop like Hailey, or with a baggy wide-leg jean. This Madewell version amplifies the grungy, relaxed energy of a typical shacket with extra-large cargo pockets.

Sizes: XXS–XXL

Color: Blue

Washed Cotton Overshirt Jacket

This jacket's generous cut and stark ivory shade speak volumes through their minimal (but deliberate) details. This is a lightweight layer to embrace at the end of summer.

Sizes: XXS–L

Colors: Ivory, black

White House Steps Quilted Reversible Jacket

Here's a shacket for true fashion insiders—and one that's selling fast. Bode's outerwear is made in small batches with a decidedly vintage feel; this version flips from a geometric print to a floral pattern.

Sizes: S/M, M/L

Colors: Blue/Floral print

Leather-Trimmed Wool and Cashmere-Blend Jacket

On an average fall day, this gray shacket neatly dresses up straight-leg jeans and a turtleneck sweater. By the time you're packing for Aspen, Vail, or Jackson Hole, it's a cozy layer for aprés ski lounging.

Sizes: FR32–FR44

Colors: Gray

Gingham Oversize Shirt Jacket

Forget what you assumed about gingham's seasonality. It becomes a transitional print in this honeycomb shade, to wear with a ribbed tank top now and a long-sleeve T-shirt later.

Sizes: XS–XL

Colors: Tan multi

What reviewers are saying: "Impressed. I honestly was hoping I wouldn’t love this because it is pricy for a shirt jacket but I’m keeping it — quality is 10/10 and I feel like it will be super versatile this fall / winter because of the neutral colors."

Martin Regenerated Leather Overshirt

Take your shacket in an edgy direction for fall. Nanushka's new version has the slouchy, oversized fit we adore, with the added bonus of material made entirely from regenerated leather. Try it with a vintage band tee and equally oversized slouchy denim.

Sizes: XXS–XL

Colors: Black and dark brown

Ribbed Velour Mountain Side Shacket

This cinnamon velour shacket is even cozier than it looks. The soft-to-the-touch fabric is also warm enough to wear with just a turtleneck underneath on chilly days.

Sizes: 0–14

Colors: Brown, ivory, black

What reviewers are saying: "This ribbed shacket is the softest, most comfortable and made soooo well. Oh! did I mention super cute too. Quality is awesome."

Layne Corduroy Jacket

Here's a minimalist shacket made from cozy, sustainably-sourced organic cotton. From the understated design to the slightly oversized fit, you'll find yourself wearing this shacket daily when temperatures drop.

Sizes: XS–XL

Colors: Beige, brown

Graham Flannel Shirt Jacket

The textbook definition of a perfect shacket, right this way. Apparis's style has everything: a '70s plaid, roomy pockets, and an oversized fit through the shoulders and sleeves that lets you layer underneath to your heart's content. You can also shop a shirt-length style in four shades of faux leather for less than $200.

Sizes: XXS–XXL

Colors: Green plaid, amethyst plaid

Shirt Jacket

One-time rental: $35

Thakoon's style has an exaggerated oversized fit and comes in a cool pistachio shade. If you're not ready to commit, you can rent it through Rent the Runway (and if you make the investment after a trial run, you save ten percent by shopping through RTR).

What reviewers are saying: "I loved this jacket and got a lot of wear out of it. It was perfect for the surprise cold weather we were having for Memorial Day weekend. Fits true to size and is a nice, soft felt material."

Sizes: XS–XL

Color: Mint green

Will Jacket

Count on Sézane's shacket to bring all the French girl vibes. The cut is reminiscent of the best chore jackets, but in a fun fall print.

Colors: Vintage blue, black, camel, and more

Sizes: XXS–XXL

Fontizi Coat

Isabel Marant's longline shacket combines the best of the menswear shape and an autumnal plaid print. Even before fall officially sets in, this shacket will layer beautifully over tanks and denim for those tricky transitional weather days.

Colors: Anthracite

Sizes: XS–L

What reviewers are saying: "5 stars, would recommend."

Jaro Coat

The midi length on this shacket allows you to wear it as a final outer layer or as a midi dress. Just make sure to layer fleece-lined leggings or tights underneath.

Colors: Tan Pacific check, camel Buffalo check, blue Buffalo check

Sizes: XXS–2X

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