Layering season has arrived in North Carolina! We’ve had lows in the 40s, and even this morning on my coffee run, I layered a thin puffer over a sweatshirt. More brisk weather is in the forecast this weekend, so for this week’s High/Low, I thought I’d round up fall layers.

The great thing about outerwear is that there are affordable and designer styles regardless of what you’re looking for. Don’t write off some of the budget-friendlier options, like this camel coat under $250 I’ve worn year in and year out. It’s double-faced wool, meaning you get an unlined, elegant coat that looks more expensive than it is.

For this post, I did my best to curate from brands I’ve tried. MANGO, Everlane, and J.Crew are favorites on the lower end, while S’ Max Mara, Theory, and REISS are favorites for investment styles. Whether you need a casual jacket or an investment coat that will remain in your closet for years, there’s a little something for everyone.

As far as what I’m thinking about adding, I purchased a long Varley coat last winter and absolutely loved it, so I’m eyeing this lighter quilted jacket for errands and dog walks. Velvet just sent me their beautiful reversible sherpa in the new ‘Cafe’ color (it was one of my favorite jackets last fall). The suede look of this Amazon jacket under $200 caught my attention, and this cozy Me + Em gilet has been on my want list for over a year (I love the length). I’m still saving pennies for this marigold S’ Max Mara coat from my fall wishlist!

Click here to shop exact & similar layers shown on me in the collage above

The High/Low: Layering Season

I added a note about each piece below. Items with an asterisk I own and have fit details. If you want a quick shop option, click here for the post in LTK or find the layer you want in the widgets below.

Happy layering season!

TOP ROW (LEFT TO RIGHT)

MANGO Toggle Coat ($199)

I don’t think I’ve ever seen something go as quickly as this MANGO coat did last season. I’m not surprised they brought it back this year, and I think the new deep green color is gorgeous. It runs large, so size down. This is a similar option at LOFT I’ve seen on other creators, in case your size is gone.

J.Crew Faux Leather Blazer ($278)

While I don’t have the Willa Blazer in this exact faux leather version, I have it in wool in the exact dimensions. It has a contemporary fit and dresses up and down—so many styling options. If leather isn’t for you, you can shop the Willa in other fabrics: crepe, chino, wool, and wool herringbone. It runs slightly small.

Everlane Half Zip ($128)

Everlane is one of those stores that does a few things really well, including casual fall outerwear. Their fleece jackets have a Patagonia feel for less ($128). Be sure to click through to see all four colors—chocolate and black, olive, bone, and tan. They’re all gorgeous!

Amazon ‘Suede’ Car Coat ($179)

Suede is something I love but that my wallet usually doesn’t, so I was very excited to try this suede look car jacket under $200 from Amazon. It’s not as luxe as the real deal, but it gets you the look. It runs a little small, but I’m still glad I ordered my true size.

Rails Shearling Vest ($268)

I’ve mentioned already this season how in love I am with the Rails collection (try on haul coming soon), and this vest is the coziest piece I added from their fall lineup. I ordered an XS and it’s still long enough to go past my waist. It’s a true workhorse that looks great with athleisure, denim and sweaters, and bodycon and flowy dresses. Don’t miss this one!

MIDDLE ROW (LEFT TO RIGHT)

Everlane Quilted Jacket ($168)

My first Everlane purchase was an earlier version of this quilted jacket, and I was so happy to see them bring it back! It has a roomy fit (layers over sweaters). I like to pair it with leggings/slim denim and flat boots. I have a S in the original and here’s how it looks on.

Reformation Shirt Jacket ($328)

My favorite thing about the Reformation fall collection is the twist on staples that make them a little more chic and eye-catching. Not your average shirt jacket, this has a boxy, cropped fit that will look great with denim. I love the slightly exaggerated lapel, too.

MANGO Short Parka ($199)

This Nili Lotan jacket was a staple of mine on grey and rainy fall days last season. I love the cropped version they released this year, but I love this $199 lookalike at MANGO even more. I love the outdoorsy yet chic feel of these jackets. They’re practical but chic with jeans and boots/loafers.

MANGO Blazer ($99)

Sometimes blazers from budget-friendlier retailers miss when it comes to color, but MANGO nailed the check pattern of this $99 blazer! It will go so well with all the traditional fall tones: burgundy, navy, evergreen, and neutrals. I love a straight design like this for layering over dresses and denim alike and an overall off duty vibe.

Blaze Milano Camel Blazer ($1,630)

I’ve admittedly not tried Blaze Milano but every season I find myself saving a few of their blazers to my “want” list. The curved pockets are a playful brand signature and I like that this one’s a warm hue of camel (sometimes there’s too much pink undertone). If you want a wool-blend camel blazer that’s less expensive, this tailored blazer is a chic option at & Other Stories. I’m also swooning over this plaid blazer at Matches.

BOTTOM ROW

J.Crew Ella Cardigan Coat ($178)

I’ve shared this one several times and even compared it to the equally popular coatigan at MANGO, but if choosing between the two, this one takes the cake because it’s more versatile. Be sure to size down as it runs huge (I have XS and XXS). It’s relaxed but drapes beautifully and the notch lapels and pockets give it enough structure to wear in smart casual and workwear looks.

Sezane Scott Trench Coat ($305)

If you want a less expensive trench than brands like Toteme and Burberry that’s just as stylish, the Sezane Scott is a great option. I have it in two colors (size US 4/FR 36). Sezane sizing can be tricky, so I recommend taking your measurements prior to ordering (especially if you want to be able to layer knits underneath).

Toteme Chocolate Coat ($1,300)

Chocolate is everywhere (see my roundup) and this mocha Toteme coat was the first fall piece that caught my eye over summer. I’m not big on oversized, but they’ve mastered the art of making a relaxed fit chic with clean lines and pretty details (waterfall lapels, drop shoulders). For a less expensive option, try the Aritzia Charlize (size down) or shawl jacket.

ME+EM Gilet ($1,395)

ME+EM does a great job of creating pieces that mix and match to create multiple outfits and this gilet is no different. Perfect for colder weather, it would look just as great over cords and a sweater as it would over one of their sweater and skirt sets.

MANGO Belted Camel Coat ($229)

This wool coat holds its own against pricier brands like S’ Max Mara, Theory, and Vince. Hanging on a clothing rack, you honestly wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. I have it in black, camel, and ecru (size S). It’s a nice mid-weight wool that isn’t too hot for the first coat-worthy day and can be layered up when it’s properly cold.