Feelin’ Fuzzy this season? Here are 9 layer-friendly fleeces to transition you from fall to winter

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We’re in that weird season of the year where it’s not quite winter but snowfall is just within sight (fingers crossed). The abnormally warm days of autumnal dressing are long behind us and our wardrobes are ready for their annual rotation.

As ‘Layering for Fun’ slowly exits the stage, our winter styling protagonist: ‘Layering for Survival’ begins to set the scene. We’ve been here before, we know the drill, but we won’t let cooler temps get in the way of our plans outside. The inevitable phasing of fall hiking makes way for its just-as-fun frozen parallels: cross-country skiing , snowshoeing, sledding, and all of the other cold-weather festivities.

To make this transition seamlessly chic, we’re looking to cute and cozy, layer-friendly fleeces to balance our body temperatures. Browse our curated capsule of the season’s comfiest candidates below. 

At a Glance – Our 9 Favorite Fleeces for the Various Degrees of Cold Weather Dressing

1. For complimenting your capsule wardrobe: Astrid Wild - Minna Wool Fleece Jacket, $199
2. For feeling nostalgic: Gap - Mockneck Arctic Fleece Pullover, $49.95
3. For when you can’t make up your mind: Bellerose - Belou Sweatshirt, 169.00 €
4. For keeping snacks on hand: Halfdays - Pieper Fleece, $195
5. For looking and acting regal: Sandy Liang - Dough Fleece in Charcoal, $575
6. For when you need an added flair: Anthropologie: Donnie Polar Fleece Vest, $144
7. For when you want to keep things light: Outdoor Voices - Recfleece Snap Jacket, $98
8. For when it’s too cold to function: Eddie Bauer - We Wander Fleece Parka, $109
9. For when you’re craving a less-fleecy feel: Athleta - Stroll Fleece Full Zip Jacket, $129

For complimenting your capsule wardrobe: Astrid Wild - Minna Wool Fleece Jacket, $199

This camel-colored fleece made from recycled Italian wool is the soft neutral jacket your capsule wardrobe has been waiting for. With a high neck collar and oversized design, you can easily style this jacket as an outerpiece on warmer winter days or as a middle-layer when the temps dip below freezing. If you’re looking to change things up a bit, we love the forest green option!

For when you want to feel nostalgic: Gap - Mockneck Arctic Fleece Pullover, $49.95

If you’ve been rooting for a Gap comeback, this one's for you. This vintage-inspired Mockneck Fleece pays a vibrant homage to the nostalgic days of Gap’s glory. Even if you didn’t sport this growing up, there is still plenty to get excited about! With shades like ‘Super Neon Pink and ‘Bright Cobalt Blue’, this pullover is the perfect pop of color for your dreary-day outfit recipe. 

For when you can’t make up your mind: Bellerose - Belou Sweatshirt, 169.00 €

Two super cute, super comfortable jackets in one? Count us in! We’re calling this one the reversible mullet fleece (business on the outside, party on the inside). With two versatile looks it’s the indecisive dresser’s dream. When you’re feeling cozy and casual, keep the cheetah fleece to yourself. When you’re ready to rock, share it with the world. Either way, you're bound to look chic and stay warm! 

For keeping snacks on hand: Halfdays - Pieper Fleece, $195

If you’re the type to get excited about pockets on a dress, buckle up. This quarter zip fleece has not one, not two, but three spacious pockets for keeping snacks (or anything else you might want) on hand.  Staying nourished and looking cute has never been easier! Besides the optimal storage space, we love the sporty design and vibrant hue of this jacket. 

For looking and acting regal: Sandy Liang - Dough Fleece in Charcoal, $575

Sandy Liang has done it again with another trend-setting fleece to fan-girl over this season. We’re a sucker for fancy details and this jacket is no exception. With a faux fur collar, courday pocket and silver button details, we can’t help but feel royally charmed by this drop. 

For when you need an added flair: Anthropologie: Donnie Polar Fleece Vest, $144

This laid back cold-weather vest is the perfect addition to your functional apparel fits. Throw this on top of any sweater or base layer for an instantly elevated look. The best part? It’s machine washable. You can do what you do best outdoors without worrying that it will get too dirty. 

For keeping things light: Outdoor Voices - Recfleece Snap Jacket, $98

You know the pair of sneakers you wear over and over and over again because they go with everything and are too comfortable to swap out for anything else? This is the fleece version of those sneakers. It’s lightweight and slightly oversized so it’s easy to wear over other winter layers like your favorite sweatshirt. We love how polished it looks with the matching joggers too!

For when you’re craving a less-fleecy feel: Athleta - Stroll Fleece Full Zip Jacket, $129

If you’re someone who is texture-sensitive, we recommend starting with the Stroll Fleece from Athleta.  The fitted silhouette makes it easy to add flattering layers to your ensemble. Plus, the jacket is lighter than most fleece jackets so it’s great for more strenuous activities. We love the deep red tone for accenting a darker outfit!