A fall jacket earns its hanger space only if it goes with what's already in your closet. When I sort through outerwear with someone, that's the first question I ask about every piece. Abercrombie's fall line this year runs from short and long trenches to bombers, barn jackets, wool-blend coats and a nipped-waist blazer, with plenty of faux suede and faux leather in brown, camel, olive and black. Below I've paired each jacket with a full outfit and noted the fit points that make it work: where the hem should land, what fits underneath, and which shoes balance it.
Try It On Over Your Thickest Sweater
Most jacket mistakes I see come from buying it over a T-shirt in September and wearing it over a knit in November. Before you settle on a size, put on the warmest layer you'd realistically wear under it and check four things.
- Shoulders: the seam should sit at the edge of your shoulder bone, or just past it on a dropped-shoulder style. If it climbs onto the shoulder, the jacket is too small to layer.
- Arms: reach forward as if you're holding a steering wheel. If the back pulls tight across your shoulder blades, size up.
- Sleeves: with your arms at your sides, the sleeve should cover your wrist bone. Sleeves seem to shrink as you layer more underneath.
- Closure: button or zip it over the sweater. Gaps between buttons mean the body is too tight, even if it looks fine open.
Sizing up isn't always the answer. A short trench or a nipped blazer one size too big loses the very shape you bought it for. In that case I'd keep the true size and plan thinner layers underneath, such as merino, a fine rib or a turtleneck, instead of chunky cables.
1. Abercrombie Short Suede Trench With Jeans And Loafers
A short belted trench in faux suede is about the easiest polished layer there is, because it ends at the hip and doesn't fight anything below. I wear it over a fitted cream crewneck with straight dark jeans, and burgundy loafers and socks give it a little color. Brown, camel or olive all work; olive is the most forgiving if you mostly wear denim and black. On colder mornings swap the sweater for a thin merino, since a chunky knit pushes the shoulders out and the belt won't close neatly. A structured shoulder bag and small gold earrings finish it for a casual office or a weekend lunch.
2. Abercrombie Varsity Bomber With Wide Leg Jeans And Sneakers
A varsity bomber looks dated with track pants and current with wide-leg jeans. The trick is a thin layer underneath, a fitted white tee or a light rib, because bomber ribbing at the hem and cuffs gathers bulk and a thick sweater turns the whole jacket into a balloon. High-rise medium-wash jeans and clean leather sneakers keep it everyday. If the jacket has contrast trim, repeat one of its colors in your shoes or bag. For hem length, petite frames want wide legs that skim the floor without pooling; taller frames should look for a longer inseam so the jeans don't stop short over the sneaker.
3. Abercrombie Wool Trench With Sweater Dress And Knee High Boots
This is my answer for a cold morning when you still want to wear a dress. A wool-blend trench over a midi sweater dress, with knee-high leather boots closing the gap between hem and boot so no skin shows. The dress should be straight or gently fitted; a full knit skirt bunches up inside the coat. Chocolate, charcoal, camel and cream mix without effort. Tie the belt loosely in front or knot it behind you when the coat is open. One thing I watch: knit dresses pill where a shoulder bag rubs, so a top-handle bag carried in the hand saves the fabric. Sheer tights once the temperature dips.
4. Abercrombie Long Suede Trench With Trousers And Ankle Boots
A long faux-suede trench already has a lot of fabric and texture, so everything under it should be plain and narrow. I'd wear a black mock-neck tucked into tailored trousers in black, espresso or charcoal. Pointed ankle boots with the trouser hem just touching the boot give you one long line under the open coat, which is the most flattering thing this outfit does. A slim belt helps with a high rise. Skip oversized knits underneath; with a long coat they make the whole outfit look wide. A structured tote for work, a smaller shoulder bag on weekends.
5. Abercrombie Short Wool Coat With Straight Jeans And Chelsea Boots
Short wool coats stop at the hip, and that's what makes them so easy with jeans. Under it go a striped knit or a solid turtleneck, dark straight jeans and Chelsea boots in black or brown; the boots need some weight or the coat looks top-heavy. Open, it makes a longer line; buttoned, it looks tailored. If the coat is boxy, keep the sweater fitted and the jeans straight, not wide, or you end up square from shoulder to ankle. Bring a plaid scarf only when you need the warmth. It's a dependable commuting outfit that won't look overdressed at the grocery store.
6. Abercrombie Barn Jacket With Corduroy Pants And Boots
A barn jacket is outdoor clothing at heart, so lean into that but keep the details tidy. A cream cable knit under the wool-blend jacket, straight corduroy pants in chocolate, rust or olive, and lace-up leather boots that can take wet leaves. I choose cords with a clean waistband and few pockets; too many utility details and the outfit reads like work gear. Corduroy wears shiny at the knees and seat over time, so a medium wale tends to hold up better than a fine one. Roll the sweater cuffs just past the jacket sleeves, and bring a soft beanie when it gets colder.
7. Abercrombie Leather Bomber With Black Jeans And Loafers
Put a crisp white button-down under a faux-leather bomber and the jacket stops looking edgy and starts looking smart. Leave the collar a little open, add straight black jeans and polished loafers, and the black and white contrast does the rest. A black belt with plain hardware links top and bottom, and a burgundy bag adds one fall color. If the bomber is oversized, a light front tuck keeps your waist in view. A quick care note: faux leather can crease where the elbow bends, so hang it on a shaped hanger instead of a hook. Small silver hoops or a slim watch is plenty of jewelry.
8. Abercrombie Long Trench With Sweater And Blue Jeans
Long trench, crewneck, blue jeans. It has stayed around for decades because each piece has a familiar shape and the coat ties them together, which is why it suits almost any age and build. Camel or stone in the trench, navy, ivory or heather gray in the sweater, and straight or slim-straight jeans. Brown ankle boots and a structured crossbody finish it, and a silk scarf at the neck or knotted on the bag handle adds pattern. Push the sleeves up on a mild afternoon. When rain is likely, fasten the trench fully and choose water-resistant boots.
9. Abercrombie Funnel Neck Coat With Knit Set And Sneakers
A funnel-neck coat over a matching knit set looks put-together while feeling as comfortable as loungewear. One color in the set (cream, gray, taupe or black) stops the long coat from looking bulky, because there's no break at the waist to widen you. Make sure the wide knit pants clear the ground, since knit hems stretch and fray quickly when they drag. Tonal leather sneakers keep it walkable for errands and airports. The funnel neck stands up on its own when fastened, so it replaces a scarf on a windy day. Large tote, sunglasses, small earrings.
10. Abercrombie Funnel Neck Leather Bomber With Midi Skirt And Boots
The fun of this one is the contrast: a stiff faux-leather funnel-neck bomber over a fluid satin or bias-cut midi skirt in burgundy, olive, champagne or chocolate. A fitted black knit underneath keeps the neckline flat. The skirt should end below the knee with enough gap to show pointed ankle boots. Watch for static: satin skirts cling to tights in dry autumn air, so a slip or a quick anti-static spray helps. Sheer black tights add warmth without breaking the line. A small shoulder bag matched to the jacket or boots, and minimal jewelry, so the leather and satin carry the look for dinner or a gallery.
11. Abercrombie Classic Trench With Striped Shirt And Trousers
Here's a trench dressed for the office: striped button-down, tailored trousers in navy, charcoal or chocolate with a straight or slightly wide leg, and leather loafers. A full tuck looks crisp for meetings; a front tuck suits a more relaxed workplace. When the trench is open, knot the belt behind you so it shapes the back without hanging in front of the shirt. A structured tote, gold earrings and a watch are all you need. I'd check the sleeve length here more than anywhere: a shirt cuff should just peek out from the trench sleeve, not vanish inside it.
12. Abercrombie Waxed Barn Jacket With Leggings And Rain Boots
Waxed cotton sheds light rain and wind, which is what makes a barn jacket so useful on a wet fall day. Underneath, a long oatmeal sweater or fitted sweatshirt that reaches just below the hip gives coverage with thick black leggings. Tall rain boots or waterproof Chelsea boots handle puddles and muddy ground. A crossbody bag can sit under the jacket to stay dry. New waxed jackets can feel slightly tacky and leave a faint mark on pale fabrics at first, so I avoid putting a cream bag against one for the first few wears. Neutral colors let the waxed texture and contrast collar show.
13. Abercrombie Short Trench With Mini Skirt And Tall Boots
A short trench over a mini skirt works when the legs are covered, so opaque tights and knee-high boots are what make this practical for fall. Start with a fitted turtleneck and an A-line mini in plaid, corduroy or heavy denim; these fabrics hold their shape rather than clinging. Let the skirt hem peek out below the jacket so the two layers read separately. Belted loosely, the trench gives you an hourglass shape; open, it shows the waist. A compact top-handle bag suits the shorter proportions better than a large tote. It's a youthful outfit that still works for brunch or a museum day.
14. Abercrombie Denim Jacket With Maxi Skirt And Western Boots
A denim jacket feels like fall when you add length and warmer colors around it. A fitted rib in cream, rust or dark brown, a slightly relaxed jean jacket, and a flowing maxi skirt in a small floral or a solid earth tone, finished with Western-style leather boots. If the jacket ends at the waist, the skirt needs a high rise, or a strip of top shows between them and cuts you in half. A suede crossbody and a simple pendant add texture. Roll the cuffs once. Real suede doesn't like rain, so keep that bag for dry days and add a light scarf when the evening cools.
15. Abercrombie Nipped Waist Blazer With Jeans And Slingback Shoes
A nipped-waist blazer gives jeans a waist and an instant polish. Underneath, a smooth tank, fitted tee or thin mock-neck in a neutral; high-rise straight jeans with little or no distressing; slingback flats for comfort with some elegance. How you wear it depends on length. A longer blazer looks best buttoned so the nipped waist shows, while one that ends at the hip can hang open for a long line. Check that the shoulder seam sits at the edge of your shoulder bone; nipped blazers are hard to alter there. Small hoops and a narrow belt finish it.
Caring for Faux Suede, Faux Leather and Waxed Cotton
Many of the jackets above are made of materials that don't behave like a wool coat, and a few habits keep them looking new for longer. Always check the care label first, since blends vary.
Faux suede
Usually a brushed polyester, so it handles a light drizzle better than real suede, but the nap flattens where you rub it most, at cuffs, pockets and under bag straps. Brush it gently in one direction with a soft clothes brush to lift it, and spot-clean marks rather than putting the whole jacket in the machine.
Faux leather
Coated fabric doesn't like heat. Keep it off radiators and away from the dryer, and never iron it. Wipe it with a damp cloth. Hang it on a wide, shaped hanger so the shoulders don't form permanent dents. Over years the coating can crack at creases, which is normal wear, not a defect.
Waxed cotton
Never machine wash or dry clean it; that strips the wax. Let mud dry, brush it off, then sponge with cold water and no soap. When the elbows and shoulders stop beading water, they need re-waxing, which you can do at home with a tin of wax and a hair dryer.
Wool blends
Brush after wearing and air the coat overnight before closing it in a wardrobe. Pilling shows up first under the arms and where a bag strap rubs; a fabric shaver takes it off in minutes.
One Good Jacket Can Cover Most of Your Fall Week
Each jacket here does a different job. Trenches add structure to dresses, jeans and trousers; bombers bring contrast to denim and soft skirts; barn jackets handle mud and drizzle; wool-blend coats give warmth and still look polished. Before buying, think about your climate, the shoes you actually wear and the layer you'd put under it most days. Neutrals pair with the most, but burgundy, olive and chocolate sit easily with fall basics too. Buy the one that fits your real week, and it will carry several outfits you already own.
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