Whether it’s pumpkin patching, leaf peeping, awesome autumn hiking, or just enjoying an evening bonfire with friends, the crisp days and cooler nights are coming up fast.

Fall is so close now, you can smell the pumpkin spice latte. From here on out, temperatures will only continue to drop, so while you may not be feeling the chill at the moment, now is the perfect time to start stocking up on the layers.

Here at ShopLikeHer, we love a good layering. But before you pop on that chunky wool sweater and call it a day, remember – fall is a fickle beast. A far better strategy with this season’s up and down weather is to rely on a series of layers that can be easily added and removed to keep you comfortable at all times.

With that in mind, our outdoors editors have put together their four favorite brands, and showcasing five of their favorite pieces from each brand. So let’s get layering!

SMARTWOOL

With its commitment to quality, comfort, performance, sustainability, and innovation, Smartwool is a trusted brand among outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking high-performance apparel. You may know them for their high-quality Merino wool socks, but this brand offers so much more, including base layers, sweaters, and accessories. Beyond quality and high level performance, our editors appreciate their environmental sustainability efforts in their business practices. They use responsibly sourced Merino wool and are committed to ethical animal welfare standards. Additionally, they have initiatives to reduce their environmental footprint through initiatives like using recycled materials (via their Second Cut Project) and sustainable packaging.

Here are some of our favorites that deserve some space in everyone’s closet.

Starting with these classic style hiking socks that are made from 56% sustainably resourced Merino wool and 31% recycled nylon material. Comes in four color options. Full cushioning gives us all day energy while the temperature-regulating Merino wool makes sure our feet stay toasty, not toasted. We think that’s pretty smart indeed.

 

Smartwool, Hike Classic Edition Full Cushion Crew Sock $17.60

A good base layer top keeps you warm. A great base layer top keep you regulated. Made from 100% Merino wool in a tight interlock knit, the Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew offers enhanced comfort, breathability, thermoregulation, and (drum roll) odor resistance. Not enough? How about some recently added improvements like shoulder panels for even more comfort, and flatlock seam construction to reduce chafing. Plus there are fifteen color and pattern options to choose from, including this twilight blue heather, which is an editors favorite.

 

Smartwool, Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew $115

Base layering isn’t just for your top. Adding a well made, insulating layer under your jeans or pants can make all the difference between kicking back in comfort or knocking your knees in the chill. These Thermal Base Layer Bottoms are made with the same quality and care as the brand’s base layer top, including that flatlock seam construction to conquer any chafing issues. Plenty of color options here, eighteen to be exact. Size offerings are generous as well, from a 24″ waist all the way up to a 38″.

 

Smartwool, Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottom $115

Another recycled beauty by this brand is their cropped Recycled Terry Sweatshirt. This time it’s post-consumer recycled Merino wool that makes this top an eco-favorite. Made with a roomy fit, you can wear this alone or use it as a fashionable mid-layer. Comes in four color options, but this mauvy-pink isn’t just *warmly* on trend, it’s hot.

Smartwool, Recycled Terry Cropped Crew Sweatshirt $140

Speaking of marvelous mid-layers, the Hudson Trail pullover. The wool-blended fabric is super warm and odor-resistant, making it a terrific outer layer if things are chilly great, or as a breathable mid layer when the temps have truly dropped. Besides the obvious (and welcome!) kangaroo pocket, there’s also a secure, side seam pocket perfect for stashing your keys or other small items.

 

Smartwool, Hudson Trail Pullover Fleece $130

PATAGONIA

Moving on to our next brand, which happens to be celebrating its 50th anniversary, is Patagonia. Known for their holistic approach to business, which combines high-quality products with a strong commitment to environmental and social responsibility, this is a brand that prioritizes sustainability and ethical business practices. With programs such as their Patagonia Action Works platform, which connects people with local environmental organizations and causes, this brand is one of our long standing editorial favorites. Did you also know that in order to ensure the company continues its legacy of environmentalism while keeping their team of people employed, founder Yvon Chouinard gave over the company (as in all $3B dollars worth of it) to a special trust and foundation? That’s staying true to one’s purpose.

With such a long time in business and an incredible array of products, it was a real challenge for our editors to choose just five. But persevere they did, and here are their favorites.

When fall is being particularly fickle, the Nano Puff will always come to your rescue. This insulated jacket feels ultralight on, but the recycled synthetic insulation is a master at trapping heat, even when wet. And while that fill keeps your core warm, the treated exterior repels any light precipitation you may encounter on your travels. Comes in fourteen color options, but our editors fell in love with this lovely lavender.

Patagonia, Nano Puff Insulated Jacket $239

This next favorite comes from our running editor, who swears by this as her go-to active fall pant. The R1 Daily is a midweight warmth pant that’s chic enough to wear alone (the deep zippered side pocket is roomy enough for stashing your phone, cards and other small accessories), but is also lightweight enough to easily slide under your top layer pant. It offers plenty of stretch for your more active endeavors, plus moisture wicking and an anti-odor finish. In her words, “I practically live in these pants all autumn. I can go straight from my morning hike, to running errands, to pumpkin patching with the kids all in the same day. The fit is slim, but not skin tight, so it’s perfect for wearing around town.”

Patagonia, R1 Daily Bottom $129

Sometimes there’s just nothing like a classic. The Retro-X Fleece vest is next on our list, because in this case the motto “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it” really applies here. Plushy polyester fleece outside, brushed moisture-wicking lining inside and the contoured seams that look fashionable and function practically (hugging the vest to the body to keep the heat in). And oh, those pockets. Plenty of real estate between the three of them to keep about all your small items ready at hand. Comes in four color options, but our favorite is the Natural, which makes a great neutral for you to wear with a variety of outfits.

Patagonia, Classic Retro-X Fleece Vest $95.40

This next one is currently only available in the men’s section, but that shouldn’t deter you.  There are so many things to love about the Isthmus Parka. The cool retro look outside, the cozy high pile fleece inside – yes, this is definitely meant for wearing on those chilly late-fall-into-winter days. But this beauty is more than skin deep. The weather-resistant nylon shell of this jacket is DWR-treated nylon, meaning that it’s recycled from used commercial fishing nets. Fishing nets are one of the most harmful forms of ocean pollution, causing the estimated deaths of over 650,000 marine animals in a year.  So whether you’re looking for a superb parka, or down with making a difference for the planet, or both – this jacket is a great option. Oh, and if you’re unsure about committing because of the sizing, if you click on the Sizing Guide, Patagonia includes a Woman’s Size Conversion for you. It even comes in five color options, though our editors really gravitated towards this olive green.

Patagonia, Isthmus Parka $269

Our final pick is another great mid layer option piece, the Capilene Cool Daily Hoodie. This piece earned a favorite’s spot because it’s such a multi-tasker. Wear it alone on those sunny but slightly cool early fall days, then pop it over your favorite tech tee for a touch of extra insulation, or use it as a true mid layer to ensure staying warm doesn’t mean you have to give up breathability. Comes in three solid colors and one pattern, but this marvelous mauve is our fav.

Patagonia, Capilene Cool Daily Hoodie $35.40

 

ADIDAS

Adidas has a long and storied history in the sportswear industry. Founded in 1949 by Adolf Dassler, the company has a rich legacy of providing athletic footwear and apparel to athletes and sports enthusiasts. Its iconic three-stripe logo is instantly recognizable and is associated with sporting excellence. With an ever-growing range of products, including footwear, apparel, and accessories, the brand hasn’t just relied on their partnerships and sponsorship deals with athletes and sports teams. It’s embraced fashion and streetwear, collabing with singers and entertainers alike. The brand has embraced various sub-cultures, like hip-hop and skateboarding, as well as inclusion and social change groups. It also was one of the very first sportswear brands to begin actively working on sustainability initiatives, such as using recycled materials in their products and reducing their carbon footprint.

That’s a lot to unpack, but our editors handled it gracefully, coming up with these five favorites from this favorite brand.

Like her transition seasonal sister Spring, Fall comes with quite a bit of rain. But after all those weeks in the warm summer sun, we definitely feel the cold of those fall showers so much more. Having a lightweight rain jacket that lets you layer up underneath is therefore a good idea. Having one that’s made from 100% recycled polyester ripstop? That’s a great idea. Along with the AquaGuard zip chest and side pockets (ensuring your items inside stay dry even in a downpour) the Terrex Xploric by adidas offers adjustable cuffs, Bungee-adjustable hems and a two-way full zip with high collar and adjustable hood to keep your head warm and dry. It’s no wonder it’s earned a five star review from adidas customers as well as our editors here.

adidas, Terrex Xploric Rain.Rdy Hiking Jacket $320

Speaking of warmth and headgear, our next favorite is actually a newbie for the season. So while our editors haven’t had a long time to try it out, they are definitely liking what they see so far. The Cold.rdy 5-Panel ear flap cap is part of a new collab between adidas and Tokyo brand and wander, whose brand focuses on contemporary wearability with mountain ready functionality. The hat is lined for cool days and made with insulating COLD.RDY that turns up the heat. A brim offers shade from the sun, and an ear flap can be worn up or down depending on the weather. Our editors found the hat did exactly as said, with one editor explaining “with the flaps down, this is definitely a great hat for cold and windy days when the sun keeps darting out and going away. Flaps up, it still keeps my head cozy.” There is only one color option because neither the 80% recycled polyester layer, nor the 20% plain weave cotton are dyed in any way.

adidas Terrex + and wander, Cold.Rdy 5 Panel Ear Cap $60

Base layers shouldn’t have to be boring. This next one on our list is proof of that. The REG Allover long sleeve top is unapologetically bold, combining a high-contrast snakeskin print and the iconic adidas’ three-stripes. The shirt itself is a 79% recycled polyester, 21% elastane interlock mix that stands strong on its own, or as a flash of print underneath your secondary layer.

adidas, REG Allover Print Long Sleeve Top $40

(on Sale NOW from $50)

Finally, we couldn’t review adidas and not talk about shoes. The Free Hiker 2 takes all our favorite parts of the original Free Hiker, like responsive Boost midsoles, breathable uppers and outsoles that grab the rocks, and upgrades with a low-cut breathable, yet waterproof with GORE-TEX® membrane. The result is a super stylish shoe that can handle the rough terrain of a slippery trail as easily as navigating through puddle-soaked sidewalks. The black-on-black version is the editors favorite, giving the shoe a “chic, high fashion vibe that looks just at home with leather leggings as your soft shell hiking pants”.

adidas, Terrex Free Hiker 2 C.Rdy W $260

 

THE NORTH FACE

The spirit of adventure and outdoor exploration. That’s one of the many mottos of our next brand, The North Face. The 1966 mountaineering equipment company saw its first big boom in the 90s when NY rappers added several staple piece items into what would become the wardrobe of hip-hop. And that relationship between fashion and functionality has continued. From collabs with National Geographic and Antarctic scientists to brands like Gucci and Supreme, the two things you can always take away from The North Face products is that they’re just as likely to be worn at the world’s end as they are on the runway.

One of our editors favorite base layers comes from TNF. The Winter Warm Essential Crew has a tailored, slim fit and a soft, sleek finish that makes it easy to slide under your other layers. It also comes with thumbhole cuffs that ensure those sleeves stay in place, regardless of the activity. But what really sets this top apart and straight to the top of our list is the FlashDry-Pro technology, made with 85% recycled polyester. The patent tech material is amazingly quick to wick away your sweat without the slightest bit of chill. It’s so good, it has a lifetime guarantee.

The North Face, Winter Warm Essential Crew $69.95

If you’ve tried Circaloft already, then you know calling this material ‘lightweight’ really doesn’t do it justice. It’s barely there feeling of wearing it is only surpassed by how easily it keeps you warm. From their newer collection of the season, The North Face’s Circaloft 1/4 Zip Pullover has all the cool tech of this amazing fabric, with a waterproof coating (DWR) that keeps rain from absorbing and protects against snags. Comes in a solid blue option, but we’re all about the dark sage camo version, that’ll fit right in with your urban utility looks.

The North Face, Circaloft 1/4 Zip Pullover $219.95

Speaking of utilitarian garments, the next piece on our list has outdoor weekend fun written all over it. The Field Overall is rugged (naturally) but TNF adds a touch of stretch and a roomier fit to give it more streetwear and less farmer vibes. Go casual with your hoodie and high tops, or dress it up for going out with booties, a cashmere turtleneck and your favorite tweed blazer. Comes in three color options, but for maximum versatility, it’s hard to top the classic khaki.

The North Face, Field Overall $119.95

When you cannot decide between your love of puffy coats and your desire to grab this season’s big Teddy Bear coat trend…get both in one! The High Pile Nuptse jacket is made for handling those late fall, colder nights. With Heatseeker Eco insulation made from 70% recycled polyester and recycled waterfowl down, it’s a serious win-win for keeping you cozy while the cropped silhouette keeps it looking fresh. Comes in three colors, but the winter white is hands down our editors fav.

The North Face, High Pile Nuptse Jacket $255.96

Finally, because we really cannot get enough of flannel for fall. Super soft, classic flannel gets a few cool upgrades, including being made of 100% organic cotton, re-enforced seams for extra durability and the two front chest pockets have hidden buttons for extra security for those smaller items you might want to have handy.

The North Face, Set Up Camp Flannel $84.95

So that’s our list! We hope you found a few layering pieces to cozy up to as we head into the cooler months. Whether it’s an exciting autumn hike or navigating a few corn mazes with some warm cider at the end, we hope you layer up and take advantage of all the fun the season has to offer!