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Summer is good. But autumn? Autumn is much better. For as the sunburn dies down and people actually start getting dressed again, the options in your wardrobe are arguably far sharper. Fewer grass-stained shorts, more sharp autumnal jackets.
Lots of them, actually, as transitional season opens a big stylish, lovely-looking window. Said item is a fail-safe upgrade, too - one sound autumn jacket can promote a normal outfit to the memorable top shelf. And, best of all, the variables on offer are in abundance: texture, colour, shape, material, mix and match until the perfect battle armour is yours.
Deciding on one however, is the tricky bit. Which is why we've gone to the liberty of collating the very finest below.
A.P.C.
Your friendly overcoat: not just for wizened city workers and the endangered streaker. Look to A.P.C., and there's a modern, cleaner update that'll serve denim far better than your celebratory suits for the upcoming merger.
City Mac Beige, £389, endclothing.com
Mr P.
A shacket, an overshirt, layering mana from heaven: whatever you choose to call it, get yourself this specific piece from Mr P. With just enough colour that doesn't go overboard, and a windowpane print for added depth, it hits the Goldilocks formula for in-between weather.
Checked Wool Overshirt, £155, mrporter.com
Folk
Continuing a collaboration with sibling artist duo, Phil and Nick Goss, Folk's autumnal offering is an equally strong masterstroke. Expect a lightweight Japanese cotton (good for layering), a slightly boxed fit (good for trending), and a painted print depicting the fateful love of Orpheus and Eurydice (good for pretending you did Classics at Oxford).
Gabe Jacket, £215, endclothing.com
Sandro
British pride is in short supply. Terminally so. Which means you relocate to Paris, start a 20-a-day habit and do so wearing this: a clean, well-crafted Sandro aviator jacket darker than the novel you're writing in a La République apartment.
Aviator Jacket, £515, sandro-paris.com
JW Anderson
Patchwork is a bit Kansas, they said, a bit grandmother's Hobbycraft project. And they were wrong, as JW Anderson proves otherwise with a cool, statement jacket melded by an overarching palette.
Gingham Denim Jacket, £589, endclothing.com
Universal Works
Taking its cue from an ascendant kimono jacket trend, Universal Works has debuted the 'cabin' alternative. That means something close to your worker jacket, but one step removed by doing away with the collar.
Olive Cabin Jacket, £125, endclothing.com
Polo Ralph Lauren
With an archive bigger than most London flats, Ralph Lauren has much to revive. And the famed designer did so with aplomb, lifting old school athletico Americana onto a foolproof windbreaker shape.
Bayport Graphic Windbreaker, £259, ralphlauren.co.uk
Vans
Tough enough for bruised and battered skaters, tough enough for you. Yes, Vans' ripstop chore jacket is designed to withstand even the most spectacular of fails, and better yet, works off-halfpipe, too.
Ripstop Chore Jacket, £85, vans.co.uk
Nike
Sportswear isn't going anywhere. It's just getting brighter. And, as the weather does the opposite, 80s-inspired shell suitery from Nike is an easy way to wear colour as your summer memories go black-and-white.
Colour-Block Shell Jacket, £90, mrporter.com
Hugo Boss
Wool and cashmere: good protection for the winter months. Though should you pair with a lightweight T-shirt and loose slacks, there's no reason why Hugo Boss' camel essential can't enjoy an early release.
Wool & Cashmere Blend Coat, £400, mrporter.com
Nudie Jeans
Cream is worth the risk. Despite all the pitfalls posed by the next meal/drink/anything, it's a clean way to upgrade a look that's been heavily endorsed by Helmut Lang, Acne and Tom Ford. Your next alternative? Nudie Jeans' classic trucker jacket.
Ronny Trucker Jacket, £145, mrporter.com
AMI
AMI's tailoring is designed to go beyond a fully besuited context. This black houndstooth jacket (oversized, because trends) is an easy way to upgrade monochrome, and will do exactly the same for other tailored pieces.
Houndstooth Virgin Wool Blazer, £910, mrporter.com
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![new york, new york may 06 chris hemsworth attends the 2024 met gala celebrating sleeping beauties reawakening fashion at the metropolitan museum of art on may 06, 2024 in new york city photo by jeff kravitzfilmmagic](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/gettyimages-2151781604-6639ec7eb9110.jpg?crop=0.803xw:1.00xh;0.0609xw,0&resize=360:* "The 2024 Met Gala Celebrating "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" - Arrivals")