A few weekends ago, I was out shopping when I noticed something peculiar. Almost every retailer I popped into, from Aritzia to Uniqlo, offered some type of fleece outerwear. You’re probably thinking, it’s fall, of course fleece would be everywhere. But I know better. Fleece jackets, for this season at least, are a trend.
Fleece is normally used to create coats, jackets, and footwear for the great outdoors, but also works just as well for a city girl like me. The material, unlike wool or shearling, is completely synthetic (it’s made of polyester), super warm, lightweight, and resists annoying fall/winter elements like moisture. I like to bundle up when the temperatures dip, and luckily, this fall, there is no shortage of cute and fashionable fleece jackets. I picked out my favorite nine styles, below. They all offer something a little different.
1. The Most Versatile Fleece Ever
Aritzia tna fleece jacket, $178
Before you purchase your first fleece outerwear, explore all your options. Don't know where to start? Go with the simplest of styles like this one from Aritzia. It comes in four different colors—all neutral hues and easy to match with—and has no fussy embellishments or designs, just zippers. This low-key piece will suit women of all ages.
2. The Feminine Fleece Jacket
Zara fleece jacket, $100
On the opposite end of the spectrum, if you're not loving the neutral-colored fleeces, this pink one from Zara will brighten up your day (and closet). It's feminine, playful, and pairs well with an all-black outfit or floral dresses with a bit of pink in them. The price isn't bad either, if you're on the hunt for something affordable.
3. The Luxe Fleece Jacket
Burberry striped fleece hoodie, $1,390
SHOP IT
If you’re feeling fancy, wrap yourself up in this Burberry fleece hoodie from its fall 2018 collection. The cream-colored fleece provides the perfect canvas for red, yellow, and blue stripes to make their splash. Take a cue from the model on the website and wear layers underneath your hoodie for warmth.
4. The Pretty Fleece Vest
Madewell x Penfield Lucan fleece, $135
When the weather permits, a fleece vest is an easy layering piece if you don’t want to wear a full jacket. Massachusetts-based Penfield teamed up with Madewell to create this ivory coral fleece vest for your fall wardrobe. You can wear it over a long-sleeve shirt for weekend hikes or over a hoodie and leggings on your way back from pilates. Consider this the laidback piece your closet’s been missing.
5. The "Teddy Bear" Fleece Jacket
Goodnight macroon fleece teddy, $89
One unique quality about this fleece jacket is its oversize fit. This gives you more room to easily layer a sweater or cardigan underneath without appearing overly bulky. It comes in a nice auburn color that reminds me of fall, while the elasticated cuffs and hems ensure the jacket is fitted to your body. Wear with a gray turtleneck top, flared jeans, and platform combat boots.
6. The Cool Fleece Jacket
Sandy Liang cordury-panel fleece jacket, $525
City girls might feel drawn to this icy-blue fleece since the designer, Sandy Liang, herself grew up on the streets of NYC. It’s the wearable piece you throw on without a second thought as you made a mad dash for the train. One cool aspect of this jacket is that Liang sewed corduroy fabric pockets and elbow patches on top of the fleece for a completely unique look. This must-have outerwear is already in my checkout cart.
7. The Edgy Fleece Jacket
ASTR the Label fleece jacket, $158
ASTR the Label offers fleece outerwear that’s slightly more structured, like this moto jacket-inspired piece. It has a spread collar and an asymmetrical front-zip closure, not too different from most leather jacket styles. Side zippers give you a place to stuff your hands into when it’s cold. Since the front is tricky to zip up completely without looking off, style with a scarf to cover up any skin left exposed to the elements.
8. The Perfect-for-Hikes Fleece Jacket
Columbia mountain jacket, $80
There’s a reason this Columbia jacket has the description “mountain” in its name: The abstract print resembles the rocky formations. Brown and gray shapes cover the entire fleece outerwear, giving it a fall/wintery feel. Just imagine this jacket draped over you as you’re sipping coffee on a snow day. Nothing sounds more relaxing and cozy, right?
9. The Eyecatching Fleece Jacket
Sea madeline fleece jacket, $875
Sea released its new fleece jacket just in time for fall. The piece has detailed black stitching on the scalloped collar and sleeves while bold black buttons trail down the front—a departure from the zipper styles we've seen. Shrug it on over cozy separates and pair with cowboy-inspired boots to channel the current western trend in fashion.