Standing at the door, checking the weather app, wondering which layer to grab? Here is the short answer: a shacket for mild fall days, a jacket when it gets properly chilly, and a long coat once it drops below about 40°F. Below we break down the difference between each one, show you exactly what to wear at 60, 50, 40 and 30 degrees, and explain how to layer them together.
Shacket, jacket, coat: quick definitions
What is a shacket?
A shacket is a shirt and a jacket in one. It has the shape of an oversized button-up shirt, often with chest pockets and a collar, but it is made from a thicker fabric like knit, flannel or plush. You can wear it open over a tee like a light jacket, or buttoned up as a top. It is the easiest transition layer for early fall.
What is a jacket?
A jacket is a hip-length outer layer with more structure and warmth than a shacket. Think teddy jackets, corduroy jackets and tailored double-breasted styles. It is made to be worn over a sweater, not just a tee.
What is a coat?
A coat is your heaviest layer. It is longer, usually reaching mid-thigh or below, so it covers more of your body and keeps in more warmth. A good coat has room underneath for a sweater or a fleece.
| Shacket | Jacket | Coat | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | Hip | Hip | Mid-thigh or longer |
| Warmth | Light | Medium | Warmest |
| Best temperature | 50°F and up | 40 to 49°F | Below 40°F |
| Wear it over | A tee or thin knit | A sweater | A sweater plus a fleece layer |
| Also works as | A top, buttoned up | A mid layer under a long coat | Your only outer layer |
What to wear at 60, 50, 40 and 30 degrees F
Save this guide for your next "what do I wear today" morning. Temperatures are a starting point: wind, rain and how warm you naturally run all change the answer.
60°F and up (16°C and up): a light layer
At this temperature you mostly need something to throw on in the morning and take off by lunch. A knit shacket or cardigan worn open over a tee is perfect.
Plaid Knit Shacket Cardigan
$39.99
A soft cotton knit shacket in a classic plaid, with a button front you can wear open or closed. Comes in 11 colors and sizes S to 3XL.
Wear it: open over a white tee and jeans, or buttoned up as a top with a turtleneck underneath.
Shop now50 to 59°F (10 to 15°C): a plush shacket or corduroy
This is peak shacket weather. Go for a thicker fabric and layer it over a sweater or a half-zip.
Plaid Sherpa Shacket
$44.99
Soft plush on both sides with patch pockets and a button front. Warmer than a knit shacket, but still light enough for a crisp afternoon.
Wear it: over a fitted turtleneck with black jeans and boots.
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A mid-length corduroy jacket with a hood, button front and roomy pockets. The hood is a real help on windy days.
Wear it: over a knit sweater on fall walks and road trips.
Shop now40 to 49°F (4 to 9°C): a real jacket
Now you want more coverage and a closed front. Add a warm knit underneath and button it up.
Textured Teddy Button Jacket
$49.99
A soft rippled teddy plush with a lapel collar and pockets. It feels cozy but still looks polished.
Wear it: over a black turtleneck and straight jeans for an easy, put-together look.
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A tailored double-breasted jacket with a wool-look woven body and knitted sleeves. Comes in 9 colors and sizes XS to 5XL.
Wear it: to the office or dinner over a fine knit and trousers.
Shop nowBelow 40°F (under 4°C): a long coat over layers
Once it gets truly cold, length matters. A long coat keeps your hips and thighs warm, and it has room for a sweater and a fleece layer underneath.
Sherpa-Trim Long Coat
$69.99
A long, relaxed coat with a plush sherpa collar and cuffs. Available in sizes S to 5XL.
Wear it: over a ribbed knit, jeans and ankle boots for winter commutes.
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An open-front long coat in soft textured plush, with a hood and ribbed cuffs to keep the cold out.
Wear it: over a lounge set or leggings for cozy winter weekends.
Shop nowHow to layer them together
The three layers are not either/or. On the coldest days, combining them is the warmest option of all. For the full method, including five outfits to copy, see The Fall Layering Guide.
- Shacket under a long coat. A knit shacket works like a warm cardigan under a coat, and you can take the coat off indoors and still look finished.
- Start thin, finish thick. Put the thinnest piece closest to your body and the heaviest on the outside. It keeps you warm without feeling stiff.
- Size your outer layer for what goes under it. Many of our shackets and jackets run small, so the Size & fit notes on each product page recommend going one size up if you plan to layer. For the Sherpa-Trim Long Coat, your usual size already leaves room for a sweater.
Which one should you buy first?
- Mild falls and short winters: start with a shacket. You will wear it the most, from September into spring. For seven ways to style one, see Plaid Shacket Outfit Ideas for Every Day of the Week.
- Cold mornings, milder afternoons: a jacket gives you the most flexibility, and it layers under a coat later.
- Real winters with weeks below freezing: buy the long coat first. It is the piece you cannot do without.
Buying for someone else? All of these make great gifts. See our Cozy Gift Guide for more ideas, or cozy gifts for her under $50 if you are on a budget.
FAQ
Is a shacket warm enough for winter?
On its own, usually not below about 40°F. In winter, wear a shacket as a mid layer under a long coat instead.
What is the difference between a shacket and a flannel shirt?
A flannel shirt is a shirt you wear as a top. A shacket is cut roomier and made from a thicker fabric, so it works as an outer layer too.
What should I wear at 50 degrees?
A plush shacket or corduroy jacket over a sweater is ideal at 50°F. Add a scarf if it is windy.
Do these styles come in plus sizes?
Yes. Many of our shackets, jackets and coats go up to 3XL, and some to 5XL. Browse the full Plus Size collection.
Looking for something longer? Shop all coats.