The Best Shacket Options for Weather That Won't Make Up Its Mind

Courtesy of Merchants

Fall is a transitional time between the warmer, fun-filled summer months and the cozy, stay-at-home winter period. With that, you might be thinking about transitioning your wardrobe right about now, even if you're not ready to bust out the puffer coat and fleece-lined leggings. If you live somewhere where the weather's becoming crisp, lighter jackets probably feel right.

Enter: the shacket. A portmanteau for shirt + jacket, the term describes an oversized button-down shirt that has the thickness and warmth of a jacket. The word first appeared on Urban Dictionary in 2006, and Google searches for "shacket" have skyrocketed within the last year, but the trend wouldn't look all that out of place on a '90s sitcom.

It makes sense that shackets would gain appeal during an era of casual, WFH-influenced dressing since they can be an easy piece to throw on over any outfit without much thought. You can channel Rihanna and wear one with sweats and slides, or pull a Katie Holmes and pair a cropped shacket with wide-legged jeans. To fully embrace transitional dressing, you can even wear one over a bra top and shorts à la Gabrielle Union.

If you've been on the hunt for a casual, on-trend jacket to see you through fall, now's the perfect time for shacket shopping. To get you started, here are some of the best options ranging in budget and style.

The Best Shackets to Buy Right Now

Good American Sherpa Shacket

Name a cozier item of clothing than a sherpa fleece shacket; I'll wait. This number has the perfect amount of slouch thanks to a slightly oversized fit. It comes in five fall-friendly colors, from a "tusk" ivory (pictured) to "midnight" black.

Sanctuary Town Jacket Eastwood

To fully lean into the trend in all its "cabincore" glory, go with a plaid shacket. This medium-weight pick is begging to be worn by a campfire, but it's fitted enough that you could get away with wearing it for slightly dressier affairs. (Related: This Jacket Turns Into a Fanny Pack and It's Going to Blow Your Mind)

Oversized Belted Patch Pocket Overshirt

If you feel like oversized shirts swallow you up, you can go with this versatile piece, which has a tie-on belt that cinches it in at the waist. (And you always have the option to remove it if you ever want the classic shacket silhouette.) As a bonus, its small-scale beige check print will go with everything.

Women's Wool Harrison Shacket

Looking for a shacket that you can continue to wear during colder months? This wool winner from The North Face is designated as "warmest" on the brand's warmth rating scale. And in case you need even more protection from frigid temps, it has slightly dropped shoulders to offer the perfect fit over base layers. (Related: Winter Workout Clothes That Stand Up to Any Weather)

Sleeveless Shirt Jacket

If you're already the proud owner of several standard shirt jackets, you can try something slightly different with this H&M shacket. Unlike a lot of options, this covering is sleeveless and knee-length. Since it has two jumbo pockets in the front and two more hidden at the sides, you'll never be at a loss for where to stow your essentials.

Corduroy Yorkway Shirt-Jacket

This shaket comes in eye-catching colors, such as sage green and a blush shade, and it ranges in size from XXS through 3X. The corduroy creation is a bestseller on the Madewell website, where it's achieved a 4.7-star rating. (Related: Sherpa Jackets, Shoes, and More, to Snag While It's Still Cold)

Brown Bold Animal Print Shacket

When in doubt, go with an animal print. You can treat this wallet-friendly option from Missguided as you would a midlength coat. It also comes in plaid and houndstooth versions, in case zebra's not your thing. (Related: The Best Fleece Jackets, According to Customer Reviews)

Pistola Frida Utility Jean Shacket

Behold, the denim shacket. Think of it as a cross between your favorite jean jacket and a more worn-in, oversized, denim button down. The light wash promises endless layering possibilities, and it's bound to stay in style even if the shacket craze fizzles out.

ASOS DESIGN bonded fleece shacket in black

No need to limit yourself to just wool or flannel when shopping for a shaket, especially when there's a faux leather option like this one for sale. Thanks its fleece cuffs and lining, this sleek shaket will keep you toasting throughout the fall and far after. It comes in standard women's sizing as well as tall sizing designed for people who are 5'9" and over.

Lilac Checked Wool Look Oversized Shacket

Just because you're transitioning your wardrobe for fall doesn't mean you have to abandon a pastel color palette. (After all, even the "no white shoes after Labor Day" rule no longer holds the same weight.) This Pretty Little Thing number brings a soft lilac check print to the trend.

Women's Skyline Shirt Jacket

This lightweight shacket features four contrasting pockets and snap closures rather than regular buttons. Its fabric is made from 74 percent recycled polyester, and the detailing is made from yarn created from fishing net and other nylon waste. (And if an eco-friendly shaket is up your alley, make sure you know how to shop for sustainable activewear, too.)