I'm Not Ready for Heavy Puffers—34 Lightweight Jackets I'm Turning To Instead

Those down coats are staying in storage.

Bailey Burke's avatar
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Published In Buying Guides
two women street style wearing baggy jeans and two windbreakers one is white and one is blue
(Image credit: Getty Images)

One of the best parts of fall: the ability to leave the house in a light layer. There's no clunky coat to ruin the vibe of the outfit, because the jacket is the outfit—and that, my friends, is one of the most beautiful things about the September-November period.

I've spent most of my days in cold states, so I've had a lot of practice with this. A good light jacket is truly timeless, and earns its spot in your wardrobe for years (even decades!). For me, a light jacket has to meet some important criteria: not too trendy, not too limiting, and not flimsy. I have screened the following 34 selects against these rules.

bailey burke wearing a polka dot funnel neck jacket and black trousers with adidas and black sunglasses and a black chanel crossbody

(Image credit: @baileyyburke)
Bailey Burke
Bailey Burke
Contributing Editor, Fashion

Bailey Burke is a New York–based contributing fashion editor to Marie Claire and Who What Wear. By day, she works on the Creator & Community team, overseeing influencer and branded content programs across both publications. It's a role that keeps her deeply plugged into the fashion and creator landscape—and has given her a keen eye for the dernier cri. Once (accurately) labeled a shopaholic, she now considers it market research.

A Chicago native who spent three years in Los Angeles before landing in New York City, Bailey's unique style is a direct product of everywhere she has lived. Outside of work, you'll find her planning her next trip, trying new restaurants, attending concerts, or convincing herself she needs just oneeee more thing in her cart. Follow her on Instagram at @baileyyburke.