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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 ’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:
- The Classic Wax: J.Crew heritage barn jacket, $198
- The Cool Khaki: Everlane the barn jacket, $178
- The Oversized Pick: Toteme padded barn jacket, $620
- The Heritage Staple: Burberry quilted barn jacket, $1,350
- The Seasonal Standout: Prada barn jacket, $6,300
- The Editor’s Pick: The Row Frank oversized cotton jacket, $2,890
- The Bright White: Carhartt OG Michigan cotton coat, $200
- The Leather Accent: Zara combination quilted jacket, $70
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, Fendi, and Erdem. It makes for the perfect transitional piece thanks of its straightforward design, and is one that can be styled in a personal and playful way. For a few ideas on how to wear it right now, scroll below.
Prada’s Way
Pair the rugged jacket as unexpectedly as it was on the runway with a skillfully grommeted fringe skirt. This is a perfect day to night look—you can even go dancing in this.
Combine With Bleached Denim for Off-Duty
The sandy color and oversized fit of The Row’s barn jacket paired with a pale pink button-down and bleached jeans, finished off with burgundy velvet slippers, gives effortless ease.
As a Topper to a Little Black Dress
Offset the little black dress and its ladylike accents—an organza head scarf, dainty python handbag and midi mules—with a boxy, waxy design in an olive green. It is an unpredictable, yet playful way to treat the jacket as you would any other coat.
With a White Tee and Jeans—But Make ’Em Capri
A classic T-shirt and jeans is always a great base for any and all outerwear. Here, for a fun and unexpected take on the tried-and-true combination, is that the jeans are capris (they are making a comeback) and the shirt is slightly shrunken. Burberry’s quilted version on the barn jacket with its satin-y finish elevates this classic pairing, while gold hoop earrings as well as chocolate brown slingbacks make this outfit feel anything but ordinary.
A Crisp Cover-up to a Floral Mini
This white version by Carharrt—one of the brands known to have perfected the barn jacket—is a minimal topper for a fitted floral mini dress. Ground the look with a cognac loafer, but finish off with a delicate accent, like a sleek silver anklet.
Choose a Printed Version and Pair it With Ladylike Work Separates
Erdem and Barbour made a most-covetable hybrid barn jacket that is nothing less than spectacular. If you are looking for a feminine, work-friendly version—this is the one! Team it up with easy separates like a cardigan and ivory pencil skirt. Then, to finish, accessorize the look with a heeled Mary Jane and gold drop earrings.
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