7 Ways to Style a Barn Jacket
I guess I have Prada to thank for my latest sartorial obsession; the barn jacket (aka. chore coat). It took on an exaggerated shape in their spring/summer 2024 collection, casting a fresh feeling on an old classic.
And as it always is, all of a sudden, I started noticing barn jackets everywhere. The Row (grossly out of my budget), Toteme (love the suede collar), Shaina Mote, J.Crew… to name a few. So much so, that I started to think about adding one to my own transitional season wardrobe.
For those thinking about doing the same, I thought I’d share 7 outfit ideas (I neglected to include a chic straight leg jean, but that would also be chic!). One of my top tips for ensuring a new purchase will be a hit is to put together 5 outfits that you’d realistically wear it with (ignore the temptation to lean into your fantasy self of how you could possibly style it - that’ll always lead to purchase regrets).
I’ll also pull together an edit of my fave barn jackets at the end. The one I’m styling here is Country Road from the men’s department (which FYI, a good time to currently buy as they have their seasonal spend and save on!).
Over a full length dress
I often like to play with that friction between two items that on paper, just don’t look like they’d go together. The elements you can draw on for this inference are so broad, that it leaves plenty of space for experimentation. Casual vs glam, sporty vs elegant, feminine vs masculine etc etc. What I like about this combo is that the dress, while it’s not fussy, feels elegant because of the colour and the way the fabric moves. I played this up by wearing a ladylike shoe. Then the jacket adds in this very English, countryside type of moment - so wrong but it feels right? I also like that the green breaks up the all black outfit, too.
With a mini skirt
Again we’re kind of playing around with tailoring here, but most of the friction is happening at a base layer level. Because the knit is really oversized, soft and fuzzy. Then the skirt has this slick, work uniform feel (but mini length, fun!). Once you add on that third piece it changes the mood - almost gives off an effortless vibe. Hard to see here but all the colours are kinda murky too.
With a skinny jean
Regardless of whether skinny jeans are back in or not, I have to say I think this is probably one of my favourite combinations. This might just be me, but it gives off a real sense of nostalgia. Almost a decade ago I bought a utility jacket from an NZ boutique called Workshop, which I loved, and it had this type of vibe but felt a little more casual because the fabric was a workwear cotton that had a tendency to fade. And in my skinny jeans era, I absolutely would have worn something like this. Updated here with the mesh tee which gives of a hint of skin. Also, the length of this jacket is perfect, falling just below the hip.
Wearing Country Road mesh tee, Everlane skinny jeans, Country Road mens jacket, About Arianne ballet flats
Contrasting ladylike silhouettes
A riff on the first outfit, but I wanted to opt for separates this time and also bring in different textures. Here we have the silk tank with pleated skirt, both in complete contrast to the feeling of that nylon texture of the jacket. If it’s not clear yet, contrast is easily one of the best ways to make an outfit feel interesting, and unique, as it’s completely up to your own interpretation.
For an easy weekend
There’s a few different permutations for this outfit, you could easily finish off this look with a sandal or my personal favourite, a boot with ruched socks. I love playing around with shorts during that small window where you can wear both a chunky knit sweater, and shorts, with almost any shoe in your closet. Longer layers are a great way to play around with drama (you can imagine how this would look with a sweeping trench!). But I like it finished off with the barn jacket. It feel practical, and also reflective of how most people get dressed - you reach for the thing that’ll do the job, and dash out the door.
Post-workout
Yes, it also looks cute paired with your gym leggings. The length is what makes this work in my opinion - just long enough to cover the bum and hips. I often like to switch out to a regular shoe to make it feel a little more intentional.
As the finishing touch
Final outfit is a super simple base (supercharged by the details), and the jacket acts as that all important finishing touch. To me, it feels more complete once I layer that jacket over the top. It’s a little hard to see from the picture here, but the top has this gemstone effect and cut out on the side, and the pants are cord which is just one of the most delightful A/W textures out there. The boots add in a touch of shine. The barn jacket also sets the tone. A full length coat in a smooth cashmere/wool blend would feel more upscale or dressed up (I put this down to the fact that I’m wearing heeled boots). Whereas the barn jacket adds in a sense of ease and chill, helping to dial down the mood.
Wearing Christopher Esber top, UNIK.Space pants (old but similar here), Country Road mens jacket, Bared boots
Okay so that’s seven ways to style a barn jacket - curious if this is something that you’ve also been thinking about adding to your wardrobes?
Wrapping things up with a little curation of barn jackets I’ve spotted across the web. Linked from left to right (also, this one from UNIQLO is chic!)
L to R: Shaina Mote | Everlane | Boden | Barbour | Toteme | Tularosa | Free People