Shacket quick picks
Cotton shacket: L.L.Bean Women's Bean's Stretch Barn Jacket
Denim shacket: Gap Denim Utility Shirt Jacket
Suede shacket: Reformation Veda Reed Leather Jacket
Plaid shacket: Old Navy Relaxed Shirt Jacket
The seasonal shift from summer to fall fashion warrants some additional layering over your favorite tees and tanks, and there’s one effortless, super-stylish wardrobe staple you can always turn to: the shacket.
Its simple silhouette, comfort and convenience have made it a popular wardrobe staple and one that we’ve been spotting on celebs and style influencers alike. That’s why we’ve consulted the experts — from stylists to fashion bloggers — to break down exactly what a shacket is, how you can style this versatile piece and which options they recommend.
What is a shacket?
“A shacket is a crossover between a shirt and a jacket,” explains Hang Nguyen, a lifestyle and fashion blogger. “It’s usually a little oversized and looks like a shirt but made from a heavier material.” And while the heavier material helps distinguish this piece of outerwear from a shirt, it’s also not quite a jacket. For starters, there’s typically no hood or lining. And while you can layer a shacket underneath heavier outerwear, it’s more often layered over tees, tanks or long-sleeved shirts.
One thing experts love about a shacket? Its versatility. Stylist Rebecca Dennett explains that you can wear it “belted, open or buttoned up with a turtleneck underneath” — just a few of the “endless” styling options she notes are possible. Nguyen echoes this sentiment, adding that she loves how shackets can be worn alone as a shirt or as a layering piece, whether over or under other pieces of clothing. Plus, she adds, they’re available in a “wide variety of styles and fabrics like flannel, denim jackets, leather and more, so there’s something for everyone.”
Shackets are also a perfect option for all sorts of occasions, says Dennett, “whether you’re headed out to a stylish brunch or just taking your dog for a walk.” And they’re an ideal transitional piece to take you between seasons. “It is light enough that it won’t be too hot,” says stylist Candice Lambert, “and thick enough to give you a bit of warmth as well.”
Cotton shackets
"Wythe’s western-inspired moleskin chamois shirt is a standout favorite, and it's easy to see why," says men's personal stylist Turner Allen. "It offers the perfect balance of rugged durability and the softness of a cherished vintage piece. What truly sets it apart are the authentic 1950s pearl snap buttons, each a unique vintage enamel, ensuring that every shirt is one-of-a-kind."
"This Rails military-inspired shacket can be worn alone or as a lightweight outerwear piece," says?Christy Beddingfield, a Nordstrom stylist based in Atlanta's Perimeter Mall. "The metallic stars add a feminine quality, making this piece a client favorite." For fall styling, Beddingfield recommends pairing this shacket with a black straight-leg jean and combat boots to match the vibe of this star-studded piece.
Barn jackets are the star of this fall season and L.L.Bean has got you covered with three color options for this casual Jacquard twill?blend jacket."[It's] made with just the right amount of stretch in the fabric to be super comfy but also structured," says personal stylist Dacy Gillespie. "I always love a roomy pocket as well." This jacket also comes in regular, petite and plus sizes up to 3X.
If you're going for a more Western or cowboy-inspired look, try this printed shacket from Wrangler. “It’s the perfect option for all your pumpkin patch and corn maze events this fall,” says Gillespie. “It's listed in sizes S-3X, but heads up, the measurements are quite a bit smaller than most brands' 3X.”
"A trend we’re seeing a ton of for fall is the barn jacket, which has a similar vibe to the shacket," says personal stylist and shopper Alex Lamb. "There is a lot of versatility with styling the unlined shacket, as you can layer it over wide-leg jeans and a tucked-in tee with sneakers, or pair it casually with a sweat set."
Looking for a barn jacket on more of a budget? Try this workwear-esque Old Navy jacket. "You don’t need to splurge on this style; like the shacket, it pairs effortlessly with any outfit," says Lamb. "Try it over a relaxed, boho-chic dress or layer it with jeans and boots for a laid-back look."
"This awesome jacket, from the Nashville-based outfitter, is the perfect third piece for those cool fall nights," says men's personal stylist Bentley Caldwell. "Inspired by military jackets of yesteryear, this jacket gives a nice elevated utilitarian look that as it patinas will get better and better with each wear and wash."
Cashmere and wool shackets
This 100% Italian cashmere shirt jacket from Todd Snyder is perfect for pulling off a look that's laid-back, yet polished. "The houndstooth pattern really gives this shacket an elevated look and the cashmere gives it an elevated feel that'll have you hugging yourself all fall," says Caldwell. "It's also roomy enough for those chunky sweaters we know and love."
"A shacket is the ultimate go-to for effortless style, and this one from Buck Mason is a perfect example," says Allen. Made from boiled wool, this jacket is designed to be warm and breathable, making it a versatile pick for your transitional wardrobe. "With its roomy double-check pockets, this jacket is practical for daily wear while also sophisticated enough for evening outings," says Allen.
This cropped jacket from Quince comes in six muted colors that are perfect for fall and cozying up on chilly evenings. And if the cropped option isn't really your style, Quince also carries this same merino wool style in a non-cropped and long fit too.
Underscored's digital content strategist Madison Yerke is obsessed with this wool-blend shacket from Tracksmith. "As soon as the first cool breeze hits, I’m outside wearing this comfortable, oversized shacket for practically everything," she says. "From casual trips to the farmer’s market to weekend New England getaways, it’s the only shacket I own that combines warmth and style for my daily activities." Yerke also adds that the rust option is perfect for any fall color palette and always lands her a compliment.
Denim shackets
Add some texture to your outfits with this plush, quilted denim shacket from Gap. This jacket will become your everyday go-to, with pockets for storing all your on-the-go fall essentials. It's also great for the warmer fall and spring months where you don't need to reach for your heavier denim jackets just yet.
Nail the slouchy, relaxed look with this Outerknown shacket. Designed to have that broken-in, almost vintage look, this light-wash shacket has an "extremely oversized" fit, giving you plenty of room for extra layers underneath.
Sézane is all about timeless and chic silhouettes, and this Will Jacket is no exception. In addition to this denim Indigo wash, it also comes in additional colors and fabrics — like a khaki cotton style, a blue tiled wool, a black dark wash and a mixed-blend burgundy tartan print — all in a longer fit that can be worn open, closed or even belted.
Denim outerwear is a classic pick for any wardrobe, but denim shackets are especially handy for those mixed temperature days. This lightweight Spanx option is versatile enough to layer over maxi skirts or dresses. The functional front pockets elevate this look from any regular denim jacket.
This boxy light-wash denim shacket from Gap is a unique take on a classic denim jacket. The large, exaggerated front pockets add a fun look to any ensemble, ideal for switching up your style from season to season.
Simple and affordable, this oversized shacket from Target also comes in sizes up to 4X. Made of lightweight denim, this shacket also has a vertical blue stripe pattern that gives it a little more oomph than other plain denim options, which makes it great for mixing up your denim-on-denim looks.
Leather and suede shackets
Although shackets are typically associated with wool or cotton fabrics, they also come in leather for a more elegant look. This unique shrunken jacket from Coach features easy-to-wear snap buttons, a boxy fit and slip pockets. Ideal thrown on top of a silk slip dress or over jeans to dress up an office outfit, this versatile shacket is also a practical addition to any capsule wardrobe.
Lamb recommends this Massimo Dutti shirt jacket for instantly elevating everything from jeans to trousers. "Crafted from sheepskin leather and suede, it’s both chic and cool," she says. "With a relaxed fit and subtle button details, it adds a touch of sophistication to your look."
"Suede jackets are going to be in full swing this fall and you absolutely cannot go wrong with this stunner," says Lamb. "In the most gorgeous brown mole suede color, this chic topper will pair with so many outfits." Not sure how to style suede? Lamb recommends pairing brown and black hues. The brown can add a nice warm touch to your favorite dark-wash denim jeans and black sweater.
This Levi's jacket has that just right balance between rugged and polished. Made of faux suede with four handy pockets, this jacket also has Western-inspired stitching along the shoulders and back. It also comes in a darker brown, non-suede version if that's more your speed.
Flannel and printed shackets
“For a bright and colorful option, check out the Painter’s?jacket from Project Runway winner Daniel Vosovic’s brand The Kit,” says Gillespie. “Not only is The Kit size-inclusive, but every garment is ethically made. This jacket will be a statement piece in your wardrobe.”
"I love the look of a lady jacket, an elevated take on the classic blazer," says Lamb. "Usually collarless, it pairs beautifully with jeans, trousers, dresses, skirts or even chic cigarette pants." This tweed Abercrombie & Fitch jacket is perfect for making an office outfit with your favorite trousers or wearing buttoned-up with slouchy jeans for an elegant off-the-clock look.
Celebrity stylist and TV personality Cindy Conroy calls this Old Navy jacket "subtle but impactful." Available in solid black or beige, as well as grey or pink plaid patterns, this slightly cropped jacket is designed to have a wool-like look and feel, perfect for bundling up on chilly morning and nights.
"Olive and ivory buffalo plaid gives this shacket an appealing neutral palette that will add a pop of pattern to any look," says Beddingfield. "For fall styling, pair this shacket with a tee, distressed denim and clogs."
This snap-front jacket has a plaid front and a quilted back that adds some interesting texture to your favorite fall basics. Add it to your favorite summer slip dress or work trousers, or dress it down with a baseball cap and jeans. It might even work with your favorite fall sweats too.
Lambert is a big fan of black-and-white houndstooth. “It is such a fun pattern and can also go with anything,” she says. “It shows some personality too. That you’re adventurous and willing to play with your clothing.”
Plaid is a no-brainer for fall, and this muted shacket can easily pair with jeans, maxi skirts or dresses. The super-oversized fit also means you can wear it fully buttoned with your favorite boots and leggings for a comfy, cozy but still cute fall look.
