Fall and winter may have brought out long peacoats and trenches

before, but not this year. One of the most sought-after pieces

for the upcoming season will be the shrunken jacket, in a

variety of styles. The difference between these new, tinier

versions of your traditional autumn and winter favorites is

their length; cuts are the same as traditional coats, but they

hit slightly above the waist and often tie or button under the

chest. The beauty of these new pieces is that they provide

coverage in colder months without sacrificing sexiness or

femininity.

The perfect jacket is one of the most important elements of

your wardrobe, and with so many shapes and fabrics available

this fall, it would be a crime to choose just one. The

ever-present denim jacket is back with a new vengeance. Instead

of the washes of last season or bulkiness of years before, this

season’s denim jacket is soft, body-conscious and far more

feminine than the traditional denim jacket. Corduroy and

leather are back again, cropped and ready to be worn over

anything from your favorite dress to distressed jeans.

A new take on an old favorite is safe, but take advantage on

the amazing new fabrics and styles the end of the year has to

offer. Brocade is big this season and some of the most

sought-after new jackets are made of the rich, detailed design.

Many of these brocaded, boudoir-style jackets are trimmed in

rich velvet or lace piping and can be paired with tweed

trousers of you favorite jeans. Many of these new jackets are

cut at the hip but some are reaching even higher—cropped just

below the chest (H & M). Made in rich, new fabrics like tweed

and velvet, these jackets have mixed a traditionally matronly

fabric with a cut and cling that makes it youthful and sexy.

Even faux fur and metallic finishes are adorning the newest

trend (Allen B. by Allen Schwartz).

Getting short isn’t the only new addition to a cold weather

favorite. Sleeves are getting revamped this season,

retro-style. Traditional coat fabrics like houndstooth are

being used in a new way. Bell sleeves (think bellbottom

sleeves, cut below the elbow) mix cropped length with a

traditional fabric and throwback to 70s style (Banana

Republic). You’ll also see a mini version of the military

jacket this season; a cropped, girlie take on the long, heavy

style, adorned with brass buttons and zippers (Bebe).

The beauty of these new jackets is the versatility they bring

to your own style: mix them with denim, dresses, skirts and

trousers. Since there isn’t one specific style or fabric that

will reign this fall, all styles and sizes can take advantage

of a new take on an old favorite.