I Live for Layering Season—These Are the Outerwear Trends to Shop at Every Size

Three I'm already wearing, and a few more I'm currently shopping.

Sarah Chiwaya outerwear trends
(Image credit: Sarah Chiwaya)

We’ve officially reached one of my favorite times of the year: layering season. As a fashion girl who loves to build a look piece by piece, it's always something I look forward to, especially when it comes to outerwear trends. Coats, jackets, and blazers all can be the perfect final touch to bring a look together—and really good ones can even make the look.

Fortunately, the diverse coat trends this season mean there are a lot of really good ones on the market right now, in every size and aesthetic. I've rounded up some of the best options, from budget to designer, in the styles to know for fall and winter, including some tried-and-true favorites in plus sizes. And if you can’t decide on just one there are plenty of coats and jackets here that hit multiple categories at once (think faux fur and animal print, and funnel neck and bold color).

Faux Fur Coats

Sarah Chiwaya wearing a faux fur jacket with jeans

(Image credit: Sarah Chiwaya)

Whatever your aesthetic, you should know that faux fur is having a real moment this season. And it’s not just the ostentatious Mob Wife aesthetic coming back around (though, it is a bit of that, too!). You can go for realistic soft neutrals, a retro shag, a fur collar or cuff, or full-on patterns and unexpected colors.

A faux fur jacket is an outfit-maker. This cropped faux fur jacket from Eloquii is a great example: It can take a simple jeans and crop top combo to the next level—or, if you're like me and subscribe to the more-is-more ethos when it comes to styling, it can be paired with a coordinating faux fur mini skirt (like the brand styled it on the runway for its first NYFW collection) for maximum impact.

Animal Print Jackets

Sarah Chiwaya wearing an animal print jacket

(Image credit: Sarah Chiwaya)

Leopard—a classic, in my opinion—has been having a sustained trend moment over the last few seasons, but less-conventional animal prints have been bubbling up as of late. Think zebra, snake, tiger, deer, even Dalmatian. (Faux, of course. No Cruella behavior here.)

I personally love this python print trench coat by Baacal, one of my all-time favorite brands for plus-size outerwear. The L.A.-based label has been a game-changer, bringing designer Cynthia Vincent's decades of fit and design expertise to extended sizes, while engaging in sustainable production practices. I’ve built up an extensive coat wardrobe over the years, but I still always find myself reaching for my Baacal coats and jackets, and this one is no different. I get countless compliments every time I wear it out, so don’t be surprised if you see me wearing this one regularly.

Coats in Bold Colors

Sarah Chiwaya wearing a bold color wrap coat

(Image credit: Sarah Chiwaya)

If neutrals and muted hues aren’t your cup of tea, take a cue from the Fall 2025 runways and inject your wardrobe with some vibrant color. Designers like Saint Laurent showed saturated jewel tones and bold colors like deep purples, rich reds, burnt oranges, and emerald greens—all of which look especially amazing on coats. This wrap number from the incredibly inclusive brand Universal Standard (it carries sizes 00-40!) is a great example of why this trend is an instant outfit pick-me-up: The lush color spices up even the simplest look, and is perfect for anyone who wants to stand out in a sea of black and brown coats.

Suede Jackets

I know, I know. Brown suede for fall? However Miranda Priestly might react, it hasn’t stopped it from taking over as one of the standouts of the season. Soft suede is the number one-texture trend right now, and it's especially cool in outerwear. It works in a number of silhouettes, from boxy blazers to waist-nipping trench coats, and there are chic options in both real and faux suede. And while rich shades of brown are dominating, it's just as good in colors like olive and dusty pink.

Unexpected leather jackets

Like leopard, a classic moto jacket is a wardrobe staple that will never really go out of style—but this season, unique leather jackets feel particularly fresh. Whether that comes in the form of interesting embellishments, cool waist detailing, or an unconventional silhouette, if you’re shopping for a new leather jacket, go for one with a little extra.

Funnel Neck coats

If your main prerogative is to look pulled together, the funnel neck jacket trend is going to be the one for you. There’s just something incredibly chic and polished about a funnel neck coat, especially in wool or other rich natural fabrics—perfect to wear to the office. If you love the silhouette but want something a little more casual, try one in denim or a bold print like buffalo plaid.

Oversized bombers

For something with a little more edge, oversized bomber jackets are just the thing. The slouchy shape can elevate a basic jeans and tee look, and is a great way to add volume to an otherwise simple outfit. As temperatures dip further, the oversized aspect also makes them great to wear over chunky sweaters for a cozy layering moment.

Sarah Chiwaya

Plus-size fashion expert, size inclusion advocate, editor, brand consultant, and style influencer.