Fall comes with a lot of great things – pumpkin spice lattes, fireplace chats, cozy sweaters. But it also comes with… jackets. And as the weather gets progressively colder and colder… thicker jackets. And thicker fall jackets = hidden bodies, warmth over style, and an overall disregard for fashion. To be frank, the sitch tends to become quite frumpy. Who can blame us though? It’s freaking cold! It’s self-preservation.
Over the years of blogging, I’ve taken it upon myself to find ways to challenge this frumpiness we’ve been unavoidably tasked with. Styling cute OOTDs in the dead of winter is no easy feat, let me tell you.
And, as superficial as this may seem, it totally takes a toll on how you feel. When you’re bundled up, you’re warm, but you also feel unstylish, unconfident, and de facto, no bueno about yourself.
As superficial as this may seem, it totally takes a toll on how you feel.
Luckily, I’ve got some great partners on my side – my go-tos when I’m all out of ideas and moping around in my parka. Bench is one of those partners. They’ve got stylish fall jackets on lock down. I’ve been wearing their jackets religiously throughout the fall winter seasons of previous years and they’re definitely to thank for my Instagram not falling to crap over the winter months of hibernation.
This season, I’m stocking up early. I just picked up this staple wide collar box coat (which I could not believe I didn’t already own), and am loving the ways it looks stylish and somehow still keeps me warm.
It’s called the Aptness Long Funnel jacket and it’s literally my obsession right now. The best thing about it is its fleece lining – hello coziness! Beyond the fleece, this fall jacket literally has all the markings of a perfect transition piece… and trust me, I’ve done a lot of research.
What are the markings of perfect fall jackets you ask?
1) Open Collars
Fall jackets with circular open necklines make for easy styling. It might seem counter-intuitive, seeing as it’s “colder” not to be buttoned up to your neck… but it makes for amazing pairings. Think turtle necks (with texture), button up collars (like I did here), and chunky scarfs… all framed perfectly by its circular shape 
2) Perfect Mid-length
When you’re looking for fall jackets, length is KEY. Too short and you lose warmth… too long and you start looking like Cruela Deville or just get it caught on everything (I’ll admit there are tons of long and fashionable fall jackets, they’re just not practical for everyday). I find that just below the bum and right before your knees is the perfect length for everything – pants or dresses.
3) One word. Lining.
This jacket’s got it, but if you’re on the hunt, make sure your fall jackets have some sort of warm lining. If not, you’ll forever hate yourself for buying it when the wind is cutting through your skin.
4) Neutral Colors
This is not because I’m a predominantly neutral blogger. It’s because, unlike all your other clothes, your fall jackets kind of HAVE to go with everything (unless you’re baller and can buy as many as you want).
5) Pockets are priority
Thank me later. This might seem crazy to look out for, but in those crazy and unpredictable transition seasons, pockets save your hands from dying. Also, easy access for the phone 
Got these 5 items checked off? Well then you’ve basically got the perfect fall jacket. Happy fall friends! May the pumpkin spice lattes and ciders keep you smiling 
