Autumn 2026 offers a wide palette of jacket models, yet not every one of them is built to last beyond a single season. Stylist Yana Markovska, in an Instagram video picked up by the Styler project (RBC-Ukraine), broke down five current silhouettes and divided them into two categories: striking but "seasonal" pieces and those that can become a true investment in your wardrobe. In her words, the key criterion is not just the silhouette, but also the material and how tightly the model is tied to a specific trend narrative.
Draped jackets: one-season extravagance
The first option, which the stylist recommends to anyone who wants to add a touch of fashion-forward daring to their look, is jackets with draping, soft folds and a pronounced volume. According to Markovskaya, such a model is a perfect replacement for worn-out biker jackets and adds refinement to an outfit: even paired with the simplest jeans, the jacket becomes the main accent. That said, the stylist emphasises that this is more of a trend for the experimental. Because of its specific cut and high recognisability, a piece like this is unlikely to stay relevant for many years — its role in a wardrobe is limited to one or two seasons.
The hussar jacket and the drummer jacket: character with caveats
Another model that can quickly transform a familiar look is the short hussar jacket, reminiscent of a drummer jacket. It is easy to recognise by its short cut, stand collar and two rows of accent buttons, which in the photos from the Styler selection are rendered in a golden hue. Such a detail instantly adds character even to a simple basic dress, T-shirt or jeans. However, this trend should be approached with caution: it is very recognisable and "reads" as a reference to a specific stylistic direction, so by the next season a jacket like this risks looking less current.
Checkered raincoats and light jackets: a practical compromise
For those looking for a more practical solution, the stylist advises paying attention to light jackets and raincoats in a check pattern. The cosy print, as Markovskaya notes, gives an outfit a relaxed urban mood and helps vary up monochrome ensembles. Such a jacket works well in an everyday wardrobe and requires no complex styling — it is enough to pair it with basic trousers or a dress. It is a happy compromise for those who want to look fashionable but are not ready to buy pieces exclusively for a single season.
The sporty track jacket in sport-chic style: a safe purchase
The ordinary zip-up top, or track jacket, has long ceased to be an exclusively sportswear item. In the autumn 2026 season it can be confidently worn not only with sneakers and leggings but also combined with more elegant wardrobe elements. Yana Markovskaya advises pairing the track jacket with classic wide-leg trousers, midi skirts and even understated heels. It is precisely this play on contrasts that makes the sporty piece interesting. And since the sport-chic style has remained relevant for more than one season, the track jacket can become a perfectly safe wardrobe purchase that does not lose its relevance in the coming years.
The suede jacket: the stylist's absolute favourite
The stylist's absolute favourite turned out to be a light suede jacket — and this is the case where a purchase can remain relevant far longer than a single fashion season. Suede is one of those materials that does not necessarily lose its appeal over time: natural wear and its characteristic texture make the piece even more interesting. Such a jacket can be easily fitted into different styles — worn with jeans and a T-shirt, wide-leg trousers, dresses or skirts. If you want to buy one quality jacket that will not get boring by next year, the suede jacket, in Markovskaya's words, is one of the most reliable options.
The rosy-pink shade and the role of texture
Separately, the stylist draws attention to a shade that can lend a look a particular nobility — rosy-pink. However, here it is not just the colour that matters, but also the material. So that the shade does not look too plain or childish, Yana Markovskaya advises choosing it in complex textures: structured leather, satin, tweed or any other material with a pronounced texture. In the stylist's view, the combination of a soft pink with a complex texture makes the piece look more expensive and refined. Thus, it is precisely the work with texture that turns a potentially "simple" colour into a truly refined accent of an outfit.
To sum up, the stylist offers clear navigation through the trends: if you simply want to play with fashion, it is worth paying attention to draped models or hussar jackets — they will help refresh your wardrobe, but are unlikely to become pieces for many years. For a more practical purchase, it is better to look at a checkered jacket or a sporty track jacket. And if you need a true long-term investment in your wardrobe, the stylist unambiguously recommends the suede jacket. And in any case, do not forget about textures: they are what can turn even the softest shade into a genuinely refined element of style.
