Summer is over [insert giant sob] and that means we've got a whole new season to dress for. Time to get the jeans out of retirement, dust off your boots and start thinking about the layers you might need to fill any gaps in your winter wardrobe.

But before we get to the hardcore cooler weather, we've got some trans-seasonal dressing to do.

Watch: Leigh Campbell styles Helena using the Style Maths method. Post continues below.

Autumn is that golden time when you can get away with things like lighter knits and outerwear, and if you're looking for a jacket style to invest in to last you the year, look no further. I have the intel for you.

According to my research, there's one coat-jacket hybrid that absolutely everybody will be clamouring for, thanks to its recent domination of all the prominent runways from Prada to Chloe.

Introducing the Car Jacket: a jacket that has very little to do with cars or, in fact, driving.

Traditionally a menswear shape, your quintessential car jacket is a streamlined cut that hits around the waist and features a strong collar.

It's more lightweight than a pea-coat, but heavier than a shacket. And yet somehow, it strikes a chic balance between the two. If anything, its closest silhouette would be a bomber jacket, but it tends to be boxier and sleeker.

It's no surprise the style is emerging as one of the key looks of the season — it's got that vintage, heritage appeal that's trending hard at the moment.

Vintage-inspired collared jackets are trending, as seen at Copenhagen Fashion Week. Image: Getty.

And although the style is set to be ubiquitous this year, it doesn't mean all of us will be wearing the same topper. Oh no. Because the 2025 car jacket has range. There are suedette, leather and pleather options, athleisure and denim versions. There are designs with buttons and zips and statement collars.

The texture or shape you choose will, of course, depend entirely on your style. If you consider yourself a minimalist, a leather option in black or chocolate brown could be your closet's missing piece. But if your wardrobe is full of lace and prints, you might be drawn to a softer option in quilted stripes or cord. Cute!

Here are some of our favourite styles to shop on any budget.

Shop car jackets.

FAYT Raiden PU Leather Jacket, $129.

Image: Supplied.

Perfect Stranger Maxx Washed PU Bomber, $150.

Image: Supplied.

Kmart Suedette Shacket, $35.

Image: Supplied.

NA-KD Faux Suede Seam Detail Jacket, $169.95.

Image: Supplied.

Zara Faux Leather Bomber Jacket, $119.

Image: Supplied.

Dickies Yorktown Denim Chore Coat, on sale for $84.99.

Image: Dickies

LMND Parker Quilted Stripes Jacket, on sale for $220.

Image: Supplied.

MNG Leather-Effect Jacket With Pockets, $139.95.

Image: Supplied.

Will you be wearing the car jacket trend this season? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Feature image: Instagram/_tamaradavis_; shopwithfifi

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