Making the Case for the Shirt Jacket, Fall’s Most Versatile Styling Piece 

What makes a shirt a shirt and a jacket a jacket? Perhaps there is a technical definition dividing the two, but from a style perspective it really comes down to position: Shirts go under, jackets go over. But what about the shirt jacket? This hybrid is an ideal wardrobe component that makes dressing for erratic temperatures during tricky transitional weather easier than ever. The shirt jacket’s versatility is unmatched. Wear it alone as a top or with some light layers underneath as a jacket—and come winter you can even fit one under a bulky coat.

What’s more, the piece has street style’s stamp of approval. Here, five street-style stars are seen wearing denim, leather, and wool-flannel versions, as well as wrapped utility styles. They’re structured like jackets yet comfortable like a shirt or blouse. They’re fitted enough so you can tuck them into trousers, loose enough to layer with, and warm enough to wear alone. Plus they offer a more casual take than a formal blazer when worn with a skirt or trouser but can be thrown together with just as many outfits as a suit jacket could. Layer a wrapped style over a midiskirt for an ultrachic take on fall office dressing, or tuck a button-front leather or plaid version into jeans for easy weekend style. Stylish versatility is perhaps where the secret to nailing the street-style look lies this fall.

Shop 11 of our shirt-jacket picks below.