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Transitional jackets for autumn 2026
The functional jacket has taken on a new life. For several seasons, it was the jacket you put on without thinking about it - and that was somewhat the point. It simply had to work, not necessarily flatter you. But in 2026, transitional jackets for women look different. Quilted surfaces, muted green tones and silhouettes that work just as well on the way to the office as on a walk in the woods have made it a jacket you actually want to wear.
See the full collection of transitional jackets for autumn and find the model that suits your everyday life.
Transitional jacket trends in 2026
Three movements define autumn's transitional jackets in 2026, and they are all about the same thing. The jacket needs to be functional, but it also needs to look good.
The first is quilting as a design choice. Quilted jackets have always been popular during the transitional season, but while they were previously mainly about insulation, it is now the pattern itself - diagonal lines, contrasting panels, varied stitching - that carries the look.
The second movement is colour. Olive green, sage and forest green have taken their place as the season's preferred colours in functional jackets, and they work as a fresher alternative to black and navy, without requiring you to put more thought into your styling.
The third is length. Long transitional jackets that extend below the hip and provide the same protection as a coat, but with the lightness and breathability of a functional jacket, have become one of the most wearable choices for the Danish autumn.
If you are instead looking for jackets with more emphasis on wool, texture and silhouette, we have gathered autumn jackets for women in a separate collection. And if you want to see how the five biggest style trends unfold this season, you can read our guide to autumn jacket trends 2026.
Quilting as a design choice, not just padding
Quilting has an advantage that most other surfaces do not. It gives the jacket shape, even when it is unlined or lightly padded. The stitching creates lines that follow the body, and it divides the jacket into panels that give it a visual expression smooth fabric cannot deliver. That is why quilted jackets look well-dressed, even when the rest of the outfit is very simple - jeans, a knit and a pair of boots.
The direction of the stitching makes a difference. Diagonal panels create movement and a slimmer line, while vertical panels at the sides draw in the silhouette. When the two are combined in the same jacket, a contrast emerges that means the jacket does not look like all the other quilted styles on the street. It is the kind of detail you may not notice in the shop, but can see from ten metres away.
Phillina in navy is built on precisely that contrast. Diagonal stitching across the body and sleeves, vertical panels along the sides. The hood is removable, the front has both a zip and press studs, and the collar is lined with a soft material that closes comfortably around the neck. It is a jacket that handles rain and wind without looking like a jacket made for rain and wind.
Green is the new neutral in transitional jackets
Black and navy have been the standard choice for functional jackets for many years. And they still work. But in 2026, it is the green tones that feature most prominently in collections and on the streets. Olive green, sage and forest green are colours with the same versatility as black. They go with jeans, black trousers and knits in every shade, but they give the outfit more life and depth without requiring a deliberate styling choice.
The difference between olive green and sage is worth knowing. Olive is the darker, more classic tone that draws on the heritage of the military jacket. Sage is lighter and softer, with a grey-green hue that feels more modern and less sporty. Both work throughout autumn, but sage is the one that stands out most from the classic wardrobe.
Ola in sage is a short jacket with a relaxed fit that ends at the hip. The sage colour gives it a soft, modern look, and the short length makes it easy to pair with everything from jeans to skirts. It is the kind of jacket you take with you when you are not sure what the afternoon will bring.
Ottilia in olive is the long counterpart. With a length that covers well below the hip, it provides the protection and calm that the short style cannot. The olive colour is classic without feeling boring, and the quilted surface gives the jacket a distinctive look, even when the rest of the outfit is kept in simple colours.
The long transitional jacket as an alternative to a coat
One of the clearest changes in autumn transitional jackets is the length. More and more styles extend to mid-thigh or below, creating a type of jacket that covers and protects like a coat, but feels lighter and more flexible for everyday wear. It is a good choice for the part of autumn when a wool coat is too warm, but a short jacket does not provide enough.
The long styles work particularly well for commuting, walks and days when the weather shifts between sun, wind and rain within a few hours. A water-repellent surface and quilted panels keep the wind out, while the longer silhouette ensures that your thighs and hips do not get cold. Paired with boots and a knit, they create a complete look that feels right throughout the season.
Pearl in navy is a long, quilted jacket with a clean silhouette and practical details. Navy is the reliable colour that works with everything, and the extra length provides reassurance on the days when autumn really makes itself felt. It is the jacket you reach for when you know you will be outdoors for several hours.
Pusle in sage has the same long silhouette, but in the season's softer green tone. While Pearl in navy stays within the classic, the sage colour here adds a more contemporary look. It is a jacket that shows that functional outerwear does not have to look like functional outerwear. A fit guide can help you find the right size when the jacket is to be worn with layers underneath.
Short and light for everyday errands
Not every autumn day calls for a long jacket. For days when you cycle, pick up the children, do the shopping or simply need to run a quick errand, a short transitional jacket is often the most practical choice. It allows freedom of movement, is quick to put on and take off, and does not take up space when you are sitting in the car or at the office.
Beige is a colour that has quietly grown in functional jackets in recent seasons. It provides a lighter and more refined contrast to the darker green and blue tones, and it works surprisingly well for everyday wear because it brightens the outfit without demanding attention.
Ola in beige has the same short, relaxed shape as the sage version, but in a warmer, lighter tone. It is easy to pair with jeans, black trousers or a dress with tights, and works from the last days of mild sunshine in September to the first cold mornings in November.
Find the transitional jacket that suits your autumn
Six jackets, three lengths, four colours, but the most important choice is what your everyday life requires. For those who want extra warmth without weight, we have gathered down jackets for autumn and winter. For those who want to learn more about down jacket trends this season, you can read more in our guide to down jackets 2026. And for those seeking outerwear with more wool and structure, the wool jacket collection is ready.