6 Stylish Ways to Wear a Barn Jacket This Fall

Thanks to Prada, the barn jacket has been elevated to seasonal essential—the label’s spring/summer 2024 collection included a parade of them in navy, bordeaux, army green, and caramel with an oversized fit. While mens’ barn jackets (a.k.a chore coats) originated in the ’20s as utilitarian workwear, they’ve since been adopted for daily use and become a fixture in the wardrobes of everywhere from the British royal family to Gigi Hadid. The jacket’s design details—the boxy silhouette, multiple pockets, button or snap closures, leather and cord collar, as well as its waxed, durable waterproof fabric—make it perfectly practical, but also give it its distinct no-fuss, unpretentious look. The simplicity and versatility of the jacket is akin to that of jeans.

Vogue’s Favorite Barn Jackets:

It isn’t any wonder that when practical heritage wardrobe pieces are all the rage—polo tops, cargo trousers, boat shoes and loafers—that the barn jacket would emerge as a star for spring, especially when Mrs. Prada and Raf Simons say so. The jacket has also been reinterpreted by The Row, Toteme, and contemporary brands like Everlane and Cos. It makes for the perfect transitional piece thanks to its straightforward design, and is one that can be styled in a personal and playful way. For a few ideas on how to incorporate it your fall wardrobe, scroll below.

Toughen Up Crisp Whites

A barn jacket worn over bright white basics—yes, a full look, post Labor Day!—is the perfect transitional outfit. Black leather loafers add polish to your step.

Dress Down Ladylike Shapes

A barn jacket with a contrasting collar provides just the right amount of nonchalance when worn with a voluminous skirt and sleek kitten heels.

Top Off a Little Black Dress

Pair a barn jacket with a feminine black dress and knee-high boots for an unexpected look. File under—your next girls’ night out ’fit.

Go Classic

This longline silhouette looks especially chic with classic pieces like dark-wash jeans, white sneakers, and an elegant, woven bag.

Girl Meets Boy

A boxy tomboy-cut jacket plays well with a hyper-girlie dress, slippers, and a hair bow.

Try a Twist on the Canadian Tux

Denim on denim feels particularly fresh and of-the-moment when worn in the form of a barn jacket and maxiskirt.

Even More Barn Jackets to Shop: