5 Different Men's Jacket Styles for This Fall Outfit

Fall is the one season where the jacket does most of the work. A good one makes a plain tee and jeans look like a decision, and a bad one can flatten an otherwise solid outfit. If you've been staring at your closet wondering which men's fall jacket is worth wearing on repeat this year, this guide is for you.

Here are five men's jacket styles that actually earn their spot from October through early December, how I'd wear each one, and who each is best for. I've pulled the examples from the Members Only men's jacket collection, since the brand has been making outerwear since 1975 and most of these shapes are what it does best.

1. The Classic Iconic Racer: The One Jacket That Works Everywhere

If I could only own one jacket this fall, it would be a racer. The clean collar, the snap-front, the simple lines: there is nothing to fuss with. It's the shape most people picture when they hear "Members Only jacket," and it has been a menswear staple since the 70s and 80s for a reason. It looks as good over a hoodie as it does over a button-down.

The Men's Classic Iconic Racer Jacket is the easy starting point. It's light enough for those 60-degree afternoons and sharp enough that you won't feel underdressed at dinner. If you want something warmer and a bit more textured, the Men's Wool Iconic Racer Jacket gives you the same silhouette with a heavier, cozier feel. And if you like a little sheen, the Men's Classic Satin Iconic Racer Jacket is a dressier take.

How to wear it: Pair a navy or grey racer with a white crew neck tee, dark denim, and clean sneakers. Swap in chinos and a knit polo when you need something a little sharper. You can browse the whole iconic racer jacket collection to compare colors.

2. The Shirt Jacket: Layering Made Simple

The shirt jacket (some people call it an overshirt) is the most underrated piece in a fall wardrobe. It sits between a shirt and a jacket, so you can wear it open as a light layer or buttoned up on its own when the day is mild. It's also very forgiving if you're not sure how to layer.
The Men's Shirt Jacket comes in a cotton twill with a utility feel, which makes it a natural fit for jeans, boots, and a plain tee. If you run cold, the Men's Lightweight Quilted Shirt Jacket adds a little warmth without the bulk of a coat.
How to wear it: Open over a tee, or over a thin sweater when it cools off. Roll the sleeves once for a more relaxed look. For more cozy layering options underneath, take a look at men's sweaters, cardigans, hoodies, and sweatshirts.

3. The Quilted Jacket: Warm Without the Bulk

A quilted jacket is what I reach for when the morning is cold but the afternoon isn't going to be. The stitched panels trap warmth while keeping the jacket slim, so it layers well and doesn't make you look like you're wearing a sleeping bag.
The Men's Belmont Quilted Jacket is a lightweight option that's easy to wear to the office, on a commute, or on a weekend walk. If you want the racer look with extra warmth, the Men's Iconic Racer Quilted Lining Jacket is a heavy twill racer with a quilted lining, so it handles the colder days of late fall too.

How to wear it: Keep the rest of the outfit simple: a crew neck sweater, straight-leg pants, and leather or suede shoes. Darker colors like navy and black dress up easily, while olive gives you a more casual, outdoorsy feel.

4. The Corduroy Varsity: Your Statement Piece for Fall

Varsity jackets are having a long moment, and corduroy is the fabric that makes them feel like fall. The texture catches the light differently from smooth fabrics, so even a simple outfit looks more considered.
The Men's Corduroy Varsity Jacket is the one to pick if you want your jacket to be the thing people notice. It's a midweight piece, so it holds up on cooler evenings, and the varsity shape gives you a sporty edge without looking like a team uniform. You can see more in the men's varsity jacket collection.

How to wear it: Let it be the loud part of the outfit. Pair it with a plain white or grey tee, black or dark jeans, and low-profile sneakers. Skip the busy graphics so the jacket does the talking.

5. The Faux Leather Racer: For Nights Out and Sharper Looks

A leather-look jacket is the quickest way to make a casual outfit feel a bit more polished. The faux leather version gives you that look without the weight, the upkeep, or the price of real leather, which is a practical win for a jacket you'll wear a lot.
The Men's Faux Leather Iconic Racer Jacket keeps the clean racer shape, so it reads sleek rather than rugged. It works for dinner, a concert, or a weekend out when you want to look put together without trying too hard.

How to wear it: Black on black is the classic move (black tee, black jeans, boots). For a softer look, try a grey crewneck and dark indigo denim. Keep accessories minimal and let the jacket carry the outfit.

How to Choose the Right Fall Jacket

A few quick questions can narrow it down fast:
•    Do you want one jacket for everything? Go with the classic iconic racer.
•    Do you layer a lot? The shirt jacket is the easiest layering piece.
•    Is your commute cold in the morning and warm by afternoon? Choose a quilted jacket.
•    Do you want a statement? Corduroy varsity.
•    Do you dress up in the evening? Faux leather racer.

If you're still on the fence, the lightweight jackets and mid and heavyweight jackets collections make it easy to sort by how warm you need to be. And if rain is a regular part of your fall, the Men's Packable Windbreaker Jacket folds down small enough to keep in a bag.

Fall Jacket FAQ

What is the best jacket for men to wear in fall?

It depends on your weather and style, but a lightweight racer jacket or a shirt jacket is the most versatile. Both layer well and suit casual and smart-casual outfits.

What jacket is best for 50 to 60 degree weather?

Lightweight or midweight jackets work best in this range. A classic racer, a shirt jacket, or a lightweight quilted jacket gives you warmth without overheating once the sun comes out.

How should a men's jacket fit?

The shoulder seams should sit at the edge of your shoulders, the sleeves should end near your wrist bone, and you should be able to wear a sweater underneath without the jacket pulling. Check the Members Only size chart before ordering.

Can I wear a racer jacket to work?

Yes, in most casual and business-casual offices. Pair a navy or grey racer with chinos, a button-down or knit polo, and leather shoes.

Is a faux leather jacket a good choice for fall?

Yes. It's lighter than real leather, easier to care for, and gives you the same sleek look. It's especially good for evenings when you want something a bit sharper.

What colors are best for fall jackets?

Navy, black, grey, olive, and deep greens are reliable. They go with almost everything and suit the season's tones.

What are the most popular men's jacket styles right now?

Racer jackets, varsity jackets, shirt jackets, and quilted jackets are all popular this fall, with texture (corduroy, wool, quilting) being a big part of the look.

Final Thoughts

You don't need five jackets to nail fall. You need one or two that fit well, suit how you actually live, and work with the clothes you already own. Start with the style that matches your week, and add a second one later if you want more range.
Ready to look? Browse the new arrivals for men or explore the full Members Only men's jackets to find your fall favorite.