Favorite Autumn Jackets and How to Wear Them

My favorite piece of apparel could very well be the jacket, in all its carnations. It can make you look professional or edgy, leaves room for contradiction in your outfit, and comes in many weights, lengths and fabrics. Best of all, it instantly pulls an outfit together.

Below are my favorite forms of the autumn jacket, and what outfits go best with them. For optimum figure flattery, keep in mind a few things:

- jackets that hit at the hip and knee are universally flattering.
- look for seaming or belt details that will emphasize your waist, ergo making a feminine silhouette.
- pockets adds volume and attention, so be wary of placement. Breast pockets, for example, draw attention to the girls, so if you're well-endowed like me, try to avoid those!
- double-breasted styles draw the eyes in a horizontal direction, so they can make larger women look boxy.
- mixing a loud jacket with a vibrant outfit is a move only supermodels should attemp in shoots for Vogue. If you're wearing a statement jacket, pair it with solids and classic pieces.

The Traditional Blazer

L.L. Bean Galway Herringbone Jacket, $99
Dress Up: short-sleeved blouse, wool trousers, Oxford boots.
Dress Down: beaded camisole, jeans, bright flats

The Modern Trench

Calvin Klein Belted Trench, $159.99
Dress Up: wrap dress, round-toe heels
Dress Down: cardigan, jeans, pointy-toe heels

The Leather Jacket

Michael Kors, $299.99
Dress Up: short-sleeve blouse, pencil skirt, knee-high stiletto boots
Dress Down: chiffon cami, skinny jeans, almond-toed heels

The Ladylike Jacket

J Crew Pique Andrea Jacket, $230
Dress Up: silk shell, wide-leg trousers, almond-toe heels
Dress Down: silk shell, wide-leg jeans, ankle boots

The Patterned Jacket

Bella Pelle Cotton Jacket, $158
Dress Up: black tulip skirt, round-toe heels
Dress Down: straight-leg dark jeans, black flats, red clutch