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16 Chanel-Inspired Cropped Jackets for a Truly Chic Fall Wardrobe Update

A super-stylish layering piece we can’t get enough of

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Whenever the PureWow shopping team sets out to write a roundup of the coolest new clothes/shoes/beauty products/etc. on the internet, our first stop is so ask the other members of our team what they’re currently shopping, which is exactly how I recently discovered that I was not the only person on the hunt for the perfect cropped jacket to complete my fall wardrobe. Turns out, multiple editors were also coveting toppers that looked remarkably similar to the Chanel-inspired tweed topper I already had in my cart. And after scrolling through endless photos from Copenhagen Fashion Week, I feel confident declaring that ladylike cropped jackets will be one of the biggest trends of fall 2023. Here, 16 incredibly cool versions that are worth adding to your collection ASAP.

The Best Cropped Jackets at a Glance

1

Most Inclusive Size Range

Maeve Double-Breasted Tweed Jacket

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2

Best Lightweight Jacket

JCrew Odette Sweater Lady Jacket

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3

Best Investment

Ba&sh Leana Boxy Jacket

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4

Best Stand-Out Color

LOFT Fringe Tweed Open Jacket

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5

Most Classic

AQUA Five-Button Tweed Jacket

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How We Chose the Best Cropped Jackets for Fall

The below cropped jackets were selected because they have great reviews and/or come from brands PureWow editors know, love and trust. They all fit right in with our fall 2023 trend predictions and are sure to mix well with all the go-to wardrobe staples you already own.

The 18 Best Down Jackets to Stay Warm and Snuggly All Winter Long


Most Inclusive Size Range

1. Maeve Double-Breasted Tweed Jacket

Maeve

  • What We Like: inclusive size range, reportedly runs true to size, fully lined
  • What We Don't Like: dry clean only
  • Material: polyester, acrylic, cotton and viscose blend
  • Size Range: US 00 to 16, also Petite and Plus

We adore this double-breasted jacket for many reasons, but two big ones are its timeless appeal and inclusive size options. The gray-and-white tweed feels classic, but not stuffy, and will easily pair with just about anything in your existing wardrobe. Plus, it comes in both petite and plus sizes, so it will hit at exactly the right spot on multiple body types. Reviews suggest that the arms of the jacket run a tad small, so you may want to consider ordering up one from your usual size.

Best Lightweight Jacket

2. J.Crew Odette Sweater Lady Jacket

J.Crew

  • What We Like: machine washable, inclusive size range, lightweight, reportedly runs true to size
  • What We Don't Like: not as cropped as other styles on this list
  • Material: 62 percent cotton, 37 percent polyamide, 1 percent elastane
  • Size Range: XXXS to 3X

This knit beauty is wonderfully lightweight, but the material has just enough structure to maintain that chic silhouette without slouching or feeling too stiff. It’s also wonderfully soft—a major plus for those looking to ring in cozy season in style. Oh, and did we mention it’s machine washable for easy care as well? The rope trim and gold buttons help to elevate the look of the Odette sweater jacket, and the hook-and-eye closures at the front allow you to wear it open or closed without weighing the material down.

Best Investment

3. Ba&sh Leana Boxy Jacket

ba&sh

  • What We Like: reportedly runs true to size, button front closure, timeless look
  • What We Don't Like: care instructions not listed
  • Material: 63 percent cotton, 23 percent polyester, 11 percent wool, 3 percent linen
  • Size Range: XS to XL

If you’re willing to splurge, this ba&sh jacket is a phenomenal classic design that is sure to last for years to come. The mix of brown, gray and white threads makes it easy to incorporate into your existing wardrobe, and pairs beautifully with any other neutral hue. The material has a decent weight to it, which will keep you warm on chilly autumn days. And while it reportedly runs true to size, those who are between sizes should consider whether they plan to layer this jacket over T-shirts or knitwear—if the former, ba&sh suggests going down one size from your usual for a sleeker fit.

Best Stand-Out Color

4. LOFT Fringe Tweed Open Jacket

LOFT

  • What We Like: fully lined, comes in petite sizes, stand out color, hook-and-eye closure
  • What We Don't Like: dry clean only
  • Material: 49 percent cotton, 29 percent acrylic, 22 percent polyester
  • Size Range: XXS to XXL, also Petite

We came for the trendy silhouette, but stayed for that stunning yellow color. This adorable jacket comes in both regular and petite sizes, so you can be sure the hem will hit you exactly where it’s intended, and there are hidden hook-and-eye closures all down the front so you can wear it closed or open. We can’t get enough of the multiple lines of fringe along the front for a subtle boho touch to this otherwise posh silhouette. Our only gripe? This cropped jacket is dry clean only.

  • What We Like: timeless color and silhouette, under $150, front button closure, fully lined
  • What We Don't Like: reportedly runs small, hand wash only
  • Material: 100 percent polyester
  • Size Range: XS to XL

If it’s a budget-friendly, timeless design you’re after, you’d be hard pressed to find a better option than this AQUA beauty. The woven material looks and feels far more expensive than the under-$150 price tag, and the rope trim and gold buttons only add to that luxe vibe. Reviewers suggest it runs a little small, so you may want to size up, especially if you plan to layer any thicker knits or tops underneath.

Best Sweater Jacket

6. GAP Boucle Cropped Sweater Jacket

GAP

  • What We Like: relaxed silhouette, comes in petite and tall sizes, machine washable
  • What We Don't Like: reportedly runs a little big
  • Material: 77 percent recycled polyester, 23 percent RSW wool
  • Size Range: XXS to XXL, also Petite and Tall

We love us a hybrid fashion piece—case in point, this cozy sweater jacket. This lightweight wool-blend knit is surprisingly warm and every bit as comfy as you hope it will be. According to reviews, this jacket does run true to size, but is designed for a slightly oversize fit. So if you prefer a slimmer silhouette, you may consider sizing down one. Although it is machine washable, wool tends to shrink quite a bit when exposed to heat, so we highly suggest washing it in cold or cool water and definitely plan on laying it flat to dry rather than tossing it in the dryer.

Best Bomber Jacket

7.  Mango Tweed Bomber Jacket

Mango

  • What We Like: unexpected silhouette, under $150, fully lined, button front closure
  • What We Don't Like: dry clean only
  • Material: 71 percent cotton, 21 percent polyester, 3 percent wool, 2 percent acrylic, 1 percent Lyocell
  • Size Range: XS to XL

If you love the look of tweed material but want something a bit less overtly preppy, try this cute bomber jacket. The elasticated hem and cuffs add a sporty flare to the purple-tinged tweed, while heart-shaped buttons help lend a playful vibe we can’t get enough of. Although there are no reviews on site, PureWow editors find Mango often runs a hair small, so you’ll likely want to size up here, particularly if you plan to layer thicker tops underneath.

Trendiest Color

8. ME+EM Italian Tweed Cropped Jacket

ME+EM

  • What We Like: trendy cut and color, fully lined, lightweight, functional pockets
  • What We Don't Like: dry clean only
  • Material: 56 percent cotton, 22 percent polyester, 22 percent Polyacrl
  • Size Range: US 0 to 12

According to Pantone, Kohlrabi is about to be everywhere this fall. Named for a turnip-adjacent vegetable, Kohlrabi is a gorgeous, sharp green hue that looks particularly cool in tailored silhouettes, with the posh construction helping to balance out the exuberant shade. But beyond it’s beautiful color, this cropped jacket is as chic as can be, and is even made from a crease-resistant Italian tweed that’s less likely to wrinkle. The edges have also been expertly finished to maintain the fringe without encouraging any further unraveling. Of course, luxury fabric like this needs special care, so prepare to drop this jacket off at the cleaners every now and then for a professional cleaning.

Best Houndstooth

9. Amanda Uprichard Oleander Jacket

Amanda Uprichard

  • What We Like: fun button detailing, matching skirt available, button front closure
  • What We Don't Like: limited size range, dry clean only
  • Material: polyester blend
  • Size Range: XS to L

Classic black-and-white houndstooth can feel a little harsh, but delicate lilac helps soften the pattern to make it feel more accessible and casual for every day. Even with the faux-pearl buttons, this jacket reads a bit more “cabincore shacket” than “old-school luxury,” which is something you can definitely play up with loose-fitting denim and a pair of hiking boots. On the flip side, there’s also a matching houndstooth miniskirt ($194; $183) for a Cher Horowitz-inspired ensemble. Either way, we suggest going with your usual size, unless you’re hoping to wear thick sweaters underneath.

Best Denim

10.  Isabel Marant Étoile Deliona Jacket

Isabel Marant Étoile

  • What We Like: fully lined, padded shoulders, zipper closure, flattering peplum hem
  • What We Don't Like: high price point, no stretch
  • Material: 100 percent cotton
  • Size Range: FR 34 to 44

This stunning quilted denim topper combines two of the top trends for fall—cropped jackets and peplum tops. We love that the peplum hem is more of a subtle kick than a dramatic flare, giving you all the benefits of a waist-nipping peplum without feeling too trendy. With an acid wash, diamond quilting and breast pockets, this is a lot of look, but a sleek zipper helps streamline this jacket better than bold buttons. As for styling, we say play with the extremes by either going simple (trousers and a white T-shirt) or going all in on detail (lace-trim blouse, tweed skirt and statement earrings).

Best Denim on a Budget

11. GAP Collarless Denim Jacket

GAP

  • What We Like: partially made from recycled materials, under $100, comes in petite and tall sizes, machine washable
  • What We Don't Like: not as cropped as other styles on this list
  • Material: 94 percent cotton, 5 percent recycled cotton, 1 percent elastane
  • Size Range: XXS to XXL, also Petite and Tall

If it’s a simpler (and less expensive) denim jacket you’re after, we adore this black-wash GAP version. The round collar and cropped cut help to elevate the material, as do the copper buttons. The two curved seams down the front balance the boxy cut and emphasize your waist without actually cinching in. It also comes in both petite and tall sizes, but we will note that the length is a bit longer than other jackets on this list, so if you’re looking for a truly cropped cut, you may prefer the fit of a petite size.

Most Splurge-Worthy

12. Veronica Beard Bentley Cotton-Blend Jacket

Veronica Beard

  • What We Like: trendy color, reportedly fits true to size, padded shoulders, fully lined
  • What We Don't Like: high price point
  • Material: 60 percent cotton, 38 percent polyester, 2 percent spandex
  • Size Range: US 00 to 16

If you’re really looking to splurge, this gorgeous fiery red jacket is a perfect combination of trendy and timeless. We love the clean simplicity of this beauty, with the only standout detailing being a double line of buttons, which add a military-inspired edge to the ladylike silhouette. It’s also fully lined, making it easy to slip on and off, and the cotton-blend material has a nice heft to it (not too lightweight, but not too stuffy). And if you’re really digging the trend, there’s also a matching miniskirt ($378).

Best for Long Torsos

13. White House Black Market Tweed Stylist Jacket

White House Black Market

  • What We Like: machine washable, functional pockets, fully lined
  • What We Don't Like: reportedly runs small
  • Material: 100 percent polyester
  • Size Range: 0 to 18, also Petite

For those with a long torso, many cropped jackets will simply appear too short on your lengthy frame. But this purple-and-blue beauty is just the right level of cropped to hit you just above the hip. It’s also fully lined and has hidden hook-and-eye closures down the front to highlight those silver buttons. Reviewers suggest it runs small, so you may prefer to order up one size from your usual. “This jacket is stunning,” raves one reviewer. “The quality is very good and the colors are beautiful. I did have to size up, but once I did it fit perfectly. This will be in my closet for years to come because it is such a classic.”

Best No-Button Design

14. L’Agence Agnes Tweed and Denim Jacket

L’Agence

  • What We Like: made in the U.S., padded shoulders, open front, reportedly runs true to size
  • What We Don't Like: dry clean only, no front closure
  • Material: 92 percent polyester, 5 percent “other fibers,” 3 percent wool
  • Size Range: XXS to XXL

For a sleek, minimalist look, try this chic beige-and-denim stunner by L’Agence. It is designed to be worn open—there’s no closure mechanism—but that helps balance out the posh vibes of that luxe beige tweed. Padded shoulders help add some structure, as well. And according to reviews, it runs true to size. One reviewer writes, “This jacket is brilliant. Tweed with denim, a perfect match for jeans. Plus, it’s a great fit, not too short, shoulder pads not too big. Very flattering and chic.”

Best Button Detailing

15. Mango Tweed Jacket

Mango

  • What We Like: fully lined, matching skirt available, under $150
  • What We Don't Like: dry clean only
  • Material: 37 percent polyester, 34 percent acrylic, 25 percent cotton, 4 percent viscose
  • Size Range: XXS to XXL

This delightful green hue is appealing all on its own, but once you add in heart-shaped buttons, it’s too cute to resist adding to cart ASAP. Truly, asymmetrical heart buttons help balance the very traditional cut of this tweed jacket and make it feel a bit more casual for everyday wear. Although there are no reviews on the Mango site, PureWow editors who shop the brand frequently advise going up one from your usual size to ensure a comfortable fit. Pair it with a comfy tee and light-wash jeans to play up the fun of the adorable hardware.

Barbie Approved

16.  River Island Faux-Pearl Blazer

River Island

  • What We Like: trendy cut and color, under $200
  • What We Don't Like: dry clean only
  • Material: 43 percent viscose, 20 percent polyester, 19 percent elastane, 18 percent cotton
  • Size Range: UK 6 to 12

Whether you’re looking for the perfect piece to complete your Barbie Halloween costume or you simply love a good Elle Woods moment, this pink cutie is a surprisingly versatile jacket to add to your wardrobe. It’s also fully lined for easy on and off, and the shoulders have just enough padding to feel structured without going full ‘80s. Because of the delicate faux-pearl trim, this jacket must be taken to the pros at the dry cleaners.


What to Consider When Shopping for Cropped Jackets

The most important thing to consider when shopping for a cropped jacket is where it hits on your frame. Opt for a jacket that hits either just below your natural waist or just above the widest part of your hips. This range of lengths will help define your figure better than a longer or shorter silhouette while still keeping all your proportions in check.

What Cropped Jacket Styles Are Trending for Fall?

The most popular cropped jacket for 2023 is the above, Chanel-inspired lady jacket. Think tweed, herringbone, houndstooth and all the shiny buttons. This style has an inherently old-school, preppy vibe that feeds off the recent rise of quiet luxury and old money fashion trends. On the flip side, if you’re looking for something with a more timeless appeal, we suggest adding a simple cropped work or painters jacket to cart instead, ideally in a dark khaki green, black or crisp beige.

How to Style a Cropped Jacket

The key when styling a cropped jacket is to remember to always keep your proportions in check. If your jacket hits right at the top of your hips, your pants should hit within an inch or two of that spot as well. Having too much overlap or, conversely, a large gap between your waistband and the hem of your jacket, can throw off your proportions. We’d also advise pairing fabrics of similar weights with one another—for instance, if your jacket is made of a thicker tweed material, swap a lightweight silky midi for a wool A-line skirt instead. Of course, when in doubt, jeans pair well with just about every cropped jacket we’ve ever owned.

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purewow author

Freelance PureWow Editor


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