The best jean jackets to transition into fall, according to style experts - CNN

CNN —  

A jean jacket is the ultimate autumn accessory to keep you warm on crisp fall evenings without weighing you down.

Of course, finding the right jean jacket to complete your look is easier said than done. That's why we talked to professional fashion experts, stylists and personal image consultants about their favorite jean jackets across a variety of styles and prices.

Whether you're shopping for a versatile closet staple or a statement piece to elevate your outfit, read on to find the perfect jean jacket for every budget below.

The best blue jean jackets

Universal Thread Women's Denim Jacket ($25, originally $29.99; target.com)

Target

Universal Thread Women's Denim Jacket

"For the price, this Target denim jacket by Universal Thread hits all the marks," says fashion director, stylist and vintage shop owner Loredana Buonopane. "The wash and cut is a classic."

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Old Navy Classic Jean Jacket for Women ($36, originally $39.99; oldnavy.com)

Old Navy

Old Navy Classic Jean Jacket for Women

Fashion stylist Liz Rundbaken loves the "timeless" wash of this Old Navy jacket and says that it has the ideal level of structure: "It's more fitted so you can avoid that boxy look if that's not your thing, but not so fitted that you can't layer underneath."

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Everlane The Modern Jean Jacket ($88; everlane.com)

Everlane

Everlane The Modern Jean Jacket

"This is a more fitted jacket made from comfortable, organic cotton," says Cassandra Sethi, a personal stylist and image consultant with Next Level Wardrobe. "I love the buttons on this."

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Hidden Jeans Frayed Hem Denim Jacket ($98; nordstrom.com)

Nordstrom

Hidden Jeans Frayed Hem Denim Jacket

For that "easy low-key everyday style," TV host and fashion expert Melissa Chataigne recommends this distressed jacket from Hidden Jeans, whose faded wash and fringed raw hems are perfect for weekend wear.

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Universal Standard Kelsey Denim Jacket ($128; universalstandard.com)

Universal Standard

Universal Standard Kelsey Denim Jacket

Rundbaken calls this the "Goldilocks of denim fits." Not too fitted, and not too boxy, but "just right." Universal Standard is also known for its wide range of sizes, ranging from 00 to 4XL.

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Anthropologie Pilcro Denim Trucker Jacket (starting at $138; anthropologie.com)

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Pilcro Denim Trucker Jacket

If you like your jackets a little sleeker, Rundbaken recommends Anthropologie's Pilcro Trucker, which features "beautiful curved seams" and comes in standard, petite and plus sizing. "I also love the frayed edges, which soften the look and add interest without a lot of distressing."

The best black jean jackets

Madewell The Jean Jacket in Lunar Wash ($118; madewell.com)

Madewell

Madewell The Jean Jacket in Lunar Wash

Three different stylists praised this dark-wash jacket from Madewell, with Chataigne deeming it the kind of classic piece "that will never go out of style." Buonopane loves that it's "a true black without all the unwanted frills," while Rundbaken says, "The fit is just as cool classic as you can get."

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Calvin Klein Denim Utility Jacket ($67.12, originally $89.50; calvinklein.com)

Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein Denim Utility Jacket

"This is a fashionable upgrade to your classic jean jacket," says Sethi. "I love the frayed hem, snaps and oversized pockets."

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AG Jeans Robyn Jacket ($215; agjeans.com)

AG Jeans

AG Jeans Robyn Jacket

Sethi also recommends this sleek piece from AG Jeans, which features "a fitted, tailored silhouette" that makes it perfect for casual weekends and days at the office alike.

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Sandro Paloma Rhinestone Seam Denim Jacket ($520; nordstrom.com)

Nordstrom

Sandro Paloma Rhinestone Seam Denim Jacket

This glamorous jacket from Sandro is worth the splurge, according to Rundbaken. "As an '80s style denim jacket with rhinestone-encrusted seams, this jacket is truly a special one. It's the ideal jacket for day to night out."

The best cropped jean jackets

Levi's New Heritage Trucker Jacket ($49, originally $98; bloomingdales.com)

Bloomingdale's

Levi's New Heritage Trucker Jacket

Cropped jackets are great for accentuating your waist and transitioning between seasons. Rundbaken recommends pairing this option from Levi's "with short or long dresses or high-waisted pants," adding that it "ups the cool factor of any look."

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Gap Factory Cropped Denim Icon Jacket ($28.97, originally $69.99; gapfactory.com)

Gap Factory

Gap Factory Cropped Denim Icon Jacket

For an excellent and even more affordable option, Chataigne calls Gap Factory's Icon Jacket "a great summer-to-fall transitional piece."

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Hudson Cropped Trucker Jacket ($175; shopstyle.com)

Shopstyle

Hudson Cropped Trucker Jacket

This is another great transitional piece, says Rundbaken. "It's small enough to pack for cooler nights and can even work under coats when it gets really cold. It strikes the right balance between slimness and boxiness, and I especially love how it blouses a little in the back."

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Nasty Gal Organic Denim Cropped Jacket ($27.60, originally $69; nastygal.com)

Nasty Gal

Nasty Gal Organic Denim Cropped Jacket

Rundbaken also loves that this cropped jacket from Nasty Gal is "relaxed" and "cool" at the same time. It also happens to be made from sustainable organic denim, making it a "guilt-free" score.

The best jean jackets with hoodies

Free People Bruo Denim Jacket ($128; freepeople.com)

Free People

Free People Brando Denim Jacket

Multiple stylists recommended this cropped, light-wash Free People jacket, with Buonopane calling it an "instant, casual but stylish outfit maker" and Rundbaken praising its "boxy cropped silhouette."

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Forever21 Plus-Size Hooded Denim Jacket ($39.99; forever21.com)

Forever21

Forever21 Plus-Size Hooded Denim Jacket

Chataigne loves this "cozy" and "affordable size-inclusive option from Forever 21," which comes in sizes 0X to 3X and features a removable French terry hood — perfect for strolling through light drizzles or days when you want a little extra warmth.

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Hollister Crop Hooded Jacket ($32.97, originally $54.95; hollisterco.com)

Hollister

Hollister Crop Hooded Jacket

Rundbaken calls this Hollister jacket "a great neutral fall staple" whose sweatshirt sleeves make it "extra cozy."

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BlankNYC Two Fer Denim Jacket ($148; revolve.com)

Revolve

BlankNYC Two Fer Denim Jacket

For a little "cool girl elegance that will never go out of style," Chataigne recommends this gray-toned jacket from BlankNYC. The darted waist adds a bit of polish without sacrificing comfort.

The best oversized jean jackets

H&M Oversized Denim Jacket ($39.99; hm.com)

H&M

H&M Oversized Denim Jacket

Oversized jackets that are too, well, oversized can be unflattering, cautions Rundbaken, which is why she recommends this affordable option from H&M. "I really like the cocoony feel of this jacket and the fact that it still reads oversized but that it is not too long. I also love that this jacket is made of 100% recycled cotton, so this fast fashion find is a sustainable one."

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- April 11, 2025

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