The 15 Best Shackets That Will Seriously Upgrade Your Fall Wardrobe
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Your fall essentials await with picks from Old Navy, Amazon, Anthropologie, and more
People / Kristin Kempa
A shacket is the marriage of a shirt and jacket, which has become the must-have autumnal fashion staple in the past few years. You’ve probably seen them all over your Instagram feed and are pinning them to your “Fall 2023” Pinterest boards, but have you picked up one of your own yet?
“Shackets are meant to be a little oversized, and they are so versatile — they go with everything from jeans and a sweater to a dress,” says Sky Pollard, Head of Product at Nuuly, the women's rental clothing service from Urban Outfitters. Whether you’re sporting this jacket to the pumpkin patch or pairing it with leggings like a Jenner or Hadid, there are several ways to style this trendy piece (and countless different fabrics and designs it can come in). Think leather shackets to edge up your going-out ‘fit or corduroy to throw on over your favorite jeans to go grab an autumn-inspired coffee (you know the one we’re talking about).
With so many of these stylish shirt-jackets on the market, it can be hard to narrow down one (or three) for your closet. In the spirit of shopping, we spoke with stylists and did a deep dive on the best shackets of 2023 that you can grab to look trendy now, but still reap the benefits of for seasons to come.
Best Everyday: Old Navy Soft-Brushed Shacket
One essential item for anyone’s wardrobe is a simple, yet stylish jacket that can be thrown on any day, with any outfit. Lucky for us, this shacket from Old Navy ticks all of these boxes with its clean-cut design, neutral color options, and classic details like button-up lapels and front-facing pockets. Its heathered fabric provides just enough warmth for those early fall days when there’s a slight chill in the air or even late spring, but you may need a few layers over or under this jacket if you want to wear it when the temps are a little lower.
Its roomier fit allows for extra layers underneath, but you can also wear the shacket as a top over boyfriend jeans, a skirt, or leggings, making this a versatile addition to your transitional wardrobe. We appreciated that this particular jacket came in a good range of sizes, from extra small to 4XL, to ensure that most people can get some use out of this trendy piece. We’ll be finding ways to style this classic shacket for as long as the seasons will let us.
Price at time of publish: $34 (orig. $69.99)
Colors: 2 | Sizes: XS-4XL | Material: Polyester
Best Budget: Uaneo Plaid Button-Down Shacket
If you’re someone who likes to save a little cash or simply wants to try out this trend without committing to a big-ticket buy, then you’re in luck. This pick is an Amazon favorite and comes in nine shades of varying plaid prints to ensure that you find the right color combo for your seasonal wardrobe. This cozy shacket features an oversized fit and front pockets to keep in line with the button-up shirt style, but with a flannel-like twist.
This style is made from polyester, which means that it’s on the thinner side as well (as most shackets are), so you might feel a bit chilly in the spring or fall. Your best bet is to do some fun layering underneath with your favorite sweater and pants when the weather starts to cool — but you can also wear the jacket as a layering piece itself, stacking an oversized blazer on top for a bit of edge or a puffer jacket in the heart of winter. In all, this comfy shacket is the perfect way to try out this fun trend without spending too much cash.
Price at time of publish: $29.99 (orig. $45.99)
Colors: 9 | Sizes: S-XXL | Material: Polyester
Best Colorful: Yeokou Women's Fall Color Block Plaid Flannel Shacket Jacket
If you’re anything like us, then it’s easy for your autumn and winter color palette to become drab with gray, black, and brown hues taking over our outfits. Changing this narrative is this bright pink shacket from Amazon — a fuzzy and soft piece that will undoubtedly keep the Barbiecore craze alive and well throughout the changing seasons. It comes in several fun prints and colors if pink isn’t your thing, including Kelly green, rustic orange, and a few neutral shades for the color palette traditionalist.
This cozy flannel features two convenient side pockets and a button-up center to keep things traditional while your loud hue does the talking. If you feel like your winter wardrobe needs an increase in saturation, then we’ve found the shacket for you.
Price at time of publish: $32.97 (orig. $69.99)
Colors: 11 | Sizes: S-XXL | Material: Polyester, spandex
Best Leather: Abercrombie Oversized Vegan Leather Shirt
If your style leans a little edgy, then we have just the shacket for you. This style from Abercrombie is the perfect transitional piece to style as a top or wear open as a jacket during the fall (or truly anytime). Its faux leather fabric shakes up this button-down in a fashionable way, adding a bit of texture to any outfit you pair it with.
It’s worth noting that vegan leather elicits a different feel, so this shacket may be better suited for nights out on the town rather than chilling at home in something comfortable. Leather is a perfect way to take this usually casual style and upgrade it to something worthy of a more elevated wardrobe.
Price at time of publish: $67.50 (orig. $90)
Colors: 5 | Sizes: XXS-XL | Material: Polyurethane, polyester
Best Denim: Dokotoo Oversized Denim Jacket
While a jean jacket will never go out of style, a denim shacket is certainly the coat of the moment. This frayed-hem style is casually cool with its comfortable, light wash denim material and traditional button-down design, making a case for the Canadian tuxedo in 2023.
We admire the jean jacket accents that were included in this style, like the metal buttons sewn onto the front placket and decorative pockets. Plus, you can get this style in a myriad of colors, ranging from army green to black denim, all with artfully ripped hemlines along the bottom. If this style feels a bit too basic for you, then we recommend the Madewell Oversized Cargo Shirt in all of its rugged, dark wash glory — but if you appreciate a bargain buy, then we think this Dokotoo option is a great investment.
Price at time of publish: $46.95 (orig. $60.99)
Colors: 25 | Sizes: S-XXL | Material: Cotton, polyester, spandex
Best Corduroy: Bwdidaci Corduroy Button-Down Shacket
Corduroy reminds us of autumnal days and ’70s style, a combination that comes together effortlessly in this oversized top from Amazon. This jacket takes a vintage spin on this modern style, adding a bit of character to the button-down design. Its comes in a medium-thick corduroy material, a large front pocket, and 19 (yes, that many) colors and plaid patterns to choose from. It’s safe to say you’ll have your spring and fall staple piece covered.
This style features the classic button-down design but has a relaxed fit, making this top a little more casual than some of the others (though we think it could pass in the office with a pair of dress pants).
Price at time of publish: $25.99
Colors: 19 | Sizes: S-XXL
Best Fleece: American Eagle Oversized Plaid Fleece and Love Shacket
Need a style that provides a little more warmth than your average cotton button-down, but not so much as the insulated Tentree shacket? Look no further than this soft shacket from American Eagle. This style is made from thick, brushed fleece — keeping you feeling just as comfortable as its fabric looks.
Everything from the material to the loose-fitting silhouette screams “cozy,” and its thicker fabric makes this one a little more wearable into the cooler months than some of the thinner options on this list. Dress it up with a turtleneck and leather pants or throw it over a matching sweat set to evoke a casual-chic vibe. No matter how you style this shacket, you’re sure to look and feel comfortably cool.
Price at time of publish: $48.26 (orig. $69.95)
Colors: 6 | Sizes: XXS-XXL | Material: Cotton, polyester
Best Longline: Omoone Button-Up Plaid Long Shacket
An easy way to instantly elevate an outfit is by throwing on a longline coat, which is why this oversized, elongated shacket is a great choice for someone who wants to wear a more sophisticated version of this style. This coat has all of the traditional details of the regular shacket, but features a much longer hemline than the kind that ends at your hips — instead grazing the knees, depending on your height.
This plaid shacket is another great option for fall, as its comfortable wool-blend fabric retains a bit of heat while the longer silhouette keeps your legs protected from the wind. The color options (11 total) only solidify this jacket’s place in the autumn or springtime, fitting these transitional seasons with ease and leaving room for layering with its unstructured frame.
Price at time of publish: $44.98 (orig. $67.47)
Colors: 11 | Sizes: XS-XXL | Material: Polyester, wool
Best Cropped: Gihuo Fashion Cropped Shacket
While we live in the age of oversized everything, we also tend to love a cropped moment — and this corduroy cropped jacket is the perfect fit for someone who wants a trendier silhouette. This style isn’t exactly midriff-baring, making it a bit more acceptable for places like the office when layered up.
But the perks of this cut are being able to show off your pants, especially if you have any fun details on the waistband or back pockets. We like that there’s 17 different colors and patterns to choose from — including two-toned plaid and houndstooth print — so you can find the look that fits your style for a fairly budget-friendly price.
Price at time of publish: $29.99
Colors: 17 | Sizes: XS-XL | Material: Cotton, polyester
Best Shearling: Good American Sherpa Shacket
Some shackets can be worn year-round, but some have designated seasons — and that’s exactly where the Good American Sherpa Jacket falls. This ultra-stylish shearling shacket is just as cozy as it is chic, meaning that it's best to be worn during the late fall, winter, and early spring. The medium-thick, ivory-colored polyester fabric is soft to the touch thanks to its plush, shearling surface and makes this coat a bit denser, which is perfect for cooler climates.
This design stands out from the crowd thanks to its texture and warmth, which not only elevates your seasonal outerwear but adds an interesting contrast to the outfit worn underneath. The extended silhouette and long hemline preserves a bit more warmth as well, covering more of the legs on breezier days. We’d recommend keeping this piece as your autumnal shacket, as the fabric could be too hot for warmer days — but you’ll be itching for the weather to cool once you add this coat to your wardrobe.
Price at time of publish: $169
Colors: 1 | Sizes: XXS-5XL | Material: Polyester
Best Insulated: Tentree Kapok Flannel Insulated Shacket
While the Flannel Insulated Shacket from Tentree is no parka, we love that this shacket includes kapok insulation to keep you warm during those chillier days of late fall and early winter. Though it looks like a light shirt, this shacket is made from a blend of organic cotton and kapok, or regeneratively-grown tree fiber, which adds some density to the fabric and makes for a thicker layering piece.
This overshirt is a great option for anyone who wants to incorporate a shacket into their fall or spring wardrobes, especially if they’re looking for a dependable jacket that can provide a bit of warmth on chillier days. Layer up with a sweater or shirt underneath, depending on the temperature, or stack the shacket on top of another button-up for more warmth (and some seriously elevated looks).
Price at time of publish: $198
Colors: 2 | Sizes: XS-XL | Material: Organic cotton, kapok
Best Plaid: RD Style Eva Plaid Bouclé Shacket
Plaid seems to be the most popular print that shackets come in, so you’ll see a lot of that on this list — but this trendy, textured style from RD Style seemed to separate itself from the rustically printed crowd. This elevated take on a flannel jacket includes an oversized plaid check in two different bouclé fabrics (think the black and blue shade for the winter and tan-pink combo for spring).
The longer silhouette and sturdier fabric further refine this shacket, keeping you warm and making you feel as good as you look in it. This layer is the perfect transition piece from those late summer nights to turn-of-the-leaves days and can add a bit of contrast to an otherwise simple outfit.
Price at time of publish: $178
Colors: 2 | Sizes: XS-XL, petite-plus | Material: Polyester
Best Investment: Alo Yoga Ribbed Velour Mountain Side Shacket
If you’re looking for a shacket that’s of higher quality than the others (and you don’t mind a good splurge), then you’re in the right place. The Ribbed Velour Mountain Side Shacket from Alo Yoga is a cozy, textured jacket that feels a bit more fall thanks to its cozy velour fabric. Its drop shoulder and oversized yet structured fit allows for a multitude of styling options, making it super simple to dress up or down, while still keeping a stylish air about your outfit.
The button-up spread can be buttoned to the collar, should you choose to bundle up or wear it as a top, or you can leave the shacket open to reveal your outfit underneath. Plus, you can score this jacket in a few timeless colors — black and white for everyday, and three limited shades (deep brown, light gray, and medium brown) for a more unique look.
Price at time of publish: $198
Colors: 5 | Sizes: XS-L | Material: Velour, jersey
Best Quilted: Everlane The ReNew Long Liner
We all know and love the classic puffy jacket — whether it’s cropped, long, a crazy color or texture (hello, celeb-loved metallic puffer), you most likely have a version of this coat in your closet. However, if you want to break the mold but still embrace the style of a shacket, then the ReNew Long Liner from Everlane could be your next favorite purchase.
This jacket has the body and design of a shacket, but with a warm, recycled polyester makeup and light insulation between its quilted seams. The filling inside props up the structure of this jacket, making the fabric a bit denser and better fitting for cooler weather when regular shackets won’t keep you warm enough. If you love the look of a shirt jacket too much to give up when the weather turns (or if you just want to separate yourself from the puffer-adorned crowd), then this style could be just what you need.
Price at time of publish: $198
Colors: 4 | Sizes: XXS-XL | Material: Recycled polyester
Best Oversized: Free People Ruby Jacket
This shacket screams cozy and comfortable, and it’s simply vying for a space in your seasonal wardrobe. With its soft fabric that almost looks like the inside of a worn-in sweatshirt coupled with its draping, oversized silhouette, this style takes a very casual approach to the typical shacket. (Think of it as an alternative for your favorite cardigan.)
We especially appreciate the small details that add a bit of flair to this sweater — whether it’s the unfinished placket seams or the stylish elbow patches, this shacket is undoubtedly a little cooler than the ones you’ll typically see on the rack.
But if the $128 price tag is a little too high for your liking, we think this $40 version from Amazon has a super similar vibe. Wear it while you run errands or even while lounging at home to elevate your outerwear without sacrificing comfort.
Price at time of publish: $128
Colors: 6 | Sizes: XS-XL | Material: Polyester, viscose, cotton
How to Pick the Right Shacket
Style
Though most shackets have a similar look to them, not all of these shirt-jacket hybrids are made the same. Depending on your personal style, you may want a classic shirt-length shacket, or perhaps a longer silhouette, like the Omoone Long Shacket. Both styles evoke a different feel and can take an outfit from casual to dressed up with the simple drop of a hemline.
There are also several different fabrics and textures a shacket can be made in, from faux leather to corduroy and shearling, each of which adds contrast to an outfit to better suit your personal style and take that outfit to the next level. All that matters is what speaks to your style.
Season
While it’s more than okay to buy several shackets for different seasons (don’t worry, we don’t judge), it’s definitely worth taking into consideration the climate or season in particular that you will be sporting your shacket in. If you’re looking to wear this jacket in the late summer or early fall, you’ll want to opt for a breezier material, like cotton, to allow for airflow.
On the other hand, the fall and winter months will require a bit thicker of a fabric to retain heat, making styles like the Good American Sherpa Jacket or American Eagle Oversized Plaid Fleece and Love Shacket viable options. Opt for styles that have the correct material for your season to find your match made in shacket heaven.
Fabric
As mentioned earlier, the fabric that your shacket is made from is paramount in the decision process, especially when it comes to style and season. Many lighter shackets are made from cotton, while warmer styles are made from polyester, acrylic, and even wool (if you’re getting fancy — and trying to stay warm). On the other hand, specialty fabrics like faux leather require a polyurethane blend to achieve that shiny look and add some edge to your preferred style of shacket.
Price
As with most things, price is a real factor to consider when adding another jacket to your wardrobe. There’s quality shackets to be found at any price range (shoutout to our favorite budget pick, the Uaneo Plaid Button-Down Shacket), and you can easily find a handful of options depending on your comfort level with spending, with some of our picks landing at around $50 while others can reach nearly $300 and above. It’s completely up to you what range you are comfortable with in allocating money for a shacket, but there is a healthy range of stylish options and plenty to choose from.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a shacket?
“A shacket is a portmanteau of ‘shirt’ and ‘jacket,’” says Pollard. “Basically a heavyweight shirt that can be worn as a jacket.” Simple as that!
How do you style a shacket?
While you can style your shacket any way you like according to your personal style, there are a few routes you can take to spark some inspiration for your next shacket ‘fit. “Shackets are meant to be a little oversized, and they are so versatile, they go with everything from jeans and a sweater to a dress,” says Pollard. She suggests pairing a leather shacket, like the Abercrombie Oversized Vegan Leather Shirt, with a floaty maxi dress during the fall for a “new take on a moto jacket.” Pollard recommends taking the rustic route if leather isn’t up your alley, explaining how easily shackets can be paired with other fall staples “like denim overalls and flannel shirting for heading to the pumpkin patch.”
What is the difference between a flannel and a shacket?
A flannel shirt is a lightweight top that is typically made from cotton or wool, which is typically seen in a signature plaid print. On the other hand, a shacket is essentially a heavier-weight button down, which is a denser, more coat-like version of a flannel shirt. These two pieces are very similar, but in the end, not the same.
Take Our Word for It
Alyssa Brascia is a commerce staff writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as InStyle, Shape, and Real Simple. When researching the best shackets, she spoke with Nuuly's Head of Product Sky Pollard and celebrity stylist Mickey Freeman for their expert picks and insight. She also took a close look at style, season, fabric, and price while compiling the list to ensure that all angles were considered for the shopper who is looking for a new shacket to compliment their wardrobe. This story was originally published in 2022 with the most popular styles of the year, as deduced by our research and stylists’ recommendations, and was later updated to reflect the changes that the trends of 2023 brought about.
Meet Our Experts
Sky Pollard is the Head of Product at Nuuly, the women's rental clothing service from Urban Outfitters.
Mickey Freeman is a celebrity stylist based out of New York City and Los Angeles with clients such as Keke Palmer and Deon Cole.
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Read the original article on People.
