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HC’s 20 Must-Have Coats for Fall

The best time of year has arrived, collegiettes™. The weather has gotten a little cooler, and you want to be a little cozier, so break out those adorable fall jackets, and experiment with new styles! From runway-inspired cape coats to classic trench styles, there’s a fall jacket out there that’ll fit right in with your personality and budget.

Under $50

Beautiful Brights

Unexpected pops of color are always fun to incorporate into any ensemble. That’s why we’re loving fall’s bright-colored coats. Choose a saturated color that will go with a majority of your wardrobe, and this coat will brighten up any drab fall day!
Mossimo Supply Co. Pea Coat in Gold Riches: Target, $39.99

Go Crazy

This season is the perfect time to try out that crazy patterned coat hidden in the back of your closet. You can also count on seeing these jackets in stores, because bold is in. Don this glam sequin coat over any sleek nighttime outfit, and you’ll be raking in the compliments left and right.
Sequin Jacket With Hood: Forever 21, $32.80

Denim Diva

No matter what anyone says, denim coats will never go out of style. Well, there are a few rules: stick to darker washes and go for styles that are slightly tailored. This one from Old Navy is not only adorable over last summer’s sundress, but it can also be transitioned to fall by pairing it with a high-waisted skirt, tee, tights, and boots.
Women’s Denim Jacket: Old Navy, $29.50

Useful Utility

Some days just beg you to be casual, and this is where the utility jacket will be a wardrobe lifesaver. Not only is this style comfortable and cozy, but it’s also figure-flattering with a cinched waist.
Drawstring Utility Coat: Forever 21, $44.80

Mad About Plaid

We’re all about plaid: it’s a classically preppy style that can effortlessly pull together nearly any ensemble, and Charlotte Russe offers this fabulously chic steal. With its toggled buttons and faux-fur collar, this coat will not only lead you through fall in perfect fashion, but it will also remain a wardrobe staple for years to come.
Plaid Toggle Coat with Hood: Charlotte Russe, $44.99

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Under $100

Rock and Roll Royalty
Leather jackets should be deemed a wardrobe staple. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that it’ll make you feel like an unstoppable rockstar. This faux leather looks like the real deal, but it’s within our collegiette™ budgets. I’d say that’s a win-win for us!
Sparkle & Fade Faux Leather Bomber: Urban Outfitters, $99

Relish the Ruffles

We love ruffles; they’re ultra-feminine and simply adorable. They can also be chic and sophisticated! Choose ruffle details that don’t overpower, but rather add small accents to the coat. These front ruffles on a sleek and fitted coat create the perfect combo for this runway-inspired look.
Fitted Ruffle Coat: H&M, $59.95

Poncho Perfection

The poncho is no longer that big, frumpy rain thing. No–it’s the highlight of this season’s runways, and a must-have for the fall. Slip it over leggings with riding boots, and you’ll be the envy of the entire campus (not to mention the most comfortable!).
Lee Convertible Hooded Poncho: Kohl’s, $70

Boyfriend Chic

We love the idea of wearing a boyfriend’s letterman jacket. But do they even exist anymore? As our luck would have it, varsity-inspired jackets are all the rage this fall! Pair this style with a feminine dress or skirt, and you’ll instantly feel 1950s cool.
byCORPUS Varsity Jacket: Urban Outfitters, $60

Anorak Adoration

The anorak is one of fall’s most underestimated, yet greatest finds. Similar to the utility coat, this piece will give you those feminine curves while still catering to your cozy needs! Find one with a faux fur-lined hood, and you’ll be ready to brave the cold in no time.
Sherpa Lined Anorak Jacket: Piperlime, $89

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Under $150

Timeless Trench

There’s no doubt a classic trench coat is an absolute must for any collegiette™, which is why we’re not surprised it was all over the runways. The trench is flattering on every body type, and it can be the perfect addition to any casual or dressy outfit. Calvin Klein even makes this version water-resistant, so you can brave the season’s dreary weather in style.
Calvin Klein Trench: Nordstrom, $138

Arctic Parka

Take an ultra-cozy coat, add one of fall’s hottest details, and you’ve got yourself the season’s cutest parka. The ruffle details on this traditionally rustic jacket add just the right classy touch, and the cinched waist will show off your figure.
Betsey Johnson Ruffle Trim Parka: Nordstrom, $138

Wild for Prints

Bring out your wild side with a fabulous animal print coat! This classy yet edgy piece can easily go from day (with skinny jeans) to night (over a simple LBD). DKNY makes one that is sure to cause several double-takes. Leopard Faux Fur Jacket by DKNY Jeans: Macy’s, $128

Lady Tux

This is your go-to outerwear for those slightly warmer fall days. The tuxedo jacket is a simple, yet incredibly stylish piece that can instantly pull together any outfit. Try it on with a white tee, jeggings, and black knee boots, and you’ll spend a few extra seconds looking in the mirror.
Aqua Luxe Tuxedo Jacket: Bloomingdale’s, $148

Cozy Cape

Effortlessly rock one of this season’s hottest trends: the cape coat. This modern style is not only comfortable, but also incredibly versatile. Throw it over a pair of skinny jeans and a light sweater, and you’ll feel like a runway fashionista strutting across campus.
Calvin Klein Belted Cape: Nordstrom, $148

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Under $200

Boggled over Toggles

To put it simply, we are in love with the toggle coat. Its small yet significant fastening details somehow make an otherwise ordinary coat absolutely adorable. Topshop offers this jacket with a sleek silhouette and a detachable hood. It’s a great coat to sport to class or throw on over leggings and a tunic on the weekend!
Bound Seam Duffle Coat: Topshop, $178

Posh Peacoat

Every collegiette™ should have a peacoat in her closet. This sleek, classic coat can be worn with almost anything! Choose a double-breasted peacoat with a tailored waist, and you can transform your jeans and a T-shirt into a chic getup that’ll turn more than a few heads.
Perfectly Tailored Peacoat: Gap, $168

Not-too-Puffy Puffer

Brave the snow in style with a warm and fashion-forward puffer jacket. Although these coats can all-too-easily look frumpy and unflattering, this cropped style has an adorable collar and smocked hem that will keep you cozy and polished.
QSW Left Bank Puffy Coat: Quiksilver, $164

Modern Military

One of this fall’s biggest styles is the military-inspired coat. It’s a wardrobe piece that’ll give any outfit that extra edge! Miss Sixty combines military inspiration with a tailored, feminine silhouette, creating the ideal balance of traditional and trendy.
Miss Sixty Wool Blend Military Jacket: Bluefly, $156

Snuggle Up In Shearling (the faux kind)

Very little can make you feel more like a Hollywood movie star than a fur coat. Faux fur is a great alternative to the real thing, because we love our animals too. T Los Angeles makes this chic moto jacket with shearling lining that makes us want to snuggle up in style.
T Los Angeles Shearling Moto Jacket: Piperlime, $198

What are your favorite coat styles this season? Leave a comment!

Cameron is a senior at Bucknell University pursuing degrees in English and Theatre. Born and raised in suburban Philadelphia, she is a member of Delta Gamma sorority and recently spent a semester abroad in London (tea and scones galore!). Her favorite things include (but are not limited to) anything with the word "coffee" in it, her two shih tzus, peppermint gum, reality tv, and spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, dancing, staying active, and singing. Her claim to fame? She was a street shoutout on the show "Cash Cab".