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There’s finally a chill in the air! Okay, it may just be in my head, but it’s September, so I think that I’m officially allowed to pretend there is a chill and think about outerwear. Like most people, I’m ready to wear barn jackets, but I’m also excited to pull back out my lady jackets from last year and reinvigorate my collection of vests.
The Fall Jacket Round Up: Barn Jackets
First up, I’m talking about Barn Jackets.
Barn Jackets
The jacket that I’m hearing everyone talk about the most this year is a barn jacket! What I love about this style is that it’s not a brand new one or some mash up of other pieces of clothing (cough, the shacket, cough). The barn jacket has been around forever and there is a chance that you have one or something like it already in your wardrobe.
What is a barn jacket?
I’m going straight to the Oxford Dictionary for this one (okay, well the definition for “barn coat” but potato, potato): an informal style of jacket originally designed for doing rough work outside, made of strong material that protects the wearer against rain, often brown or black in color, and with a layer of warm material inside. The term actually originated in 19th-century France where they needed a jacket that would be durable, have pockets, and be easy to roll up the sleeves. They’re also known as chore jackets, if you get confused. (If you’re a history nerd like me, you’ll love the deep dive that Town and Country wrote here.)
My favorite thing about this jacket? It’s warm and practical, even if you aren’t going to work in a barn. Nowadays, you’ll also find quilted versions of barn jackets, which have a similar shape, but are actually insulated (yay warmth).
They’ve been all over the internet for a while, but here are some of my favorites that are currently available:
Field and Utility Jackets vs Barn Jackets
Remember field/utility jackets? Honestly, I missed them and love that a similar style is back now. But what’s the different between a barn jacket and field jacket? At this point in history, they’re pretty similar. However, field jackets were originally based off of a more military style and were more fitted than barn jackets. Also, a barn jacket was traditionally unlined and was meant to be more of a layer of protection. Military jackets could be unlined or lined. You’ll also find waxed versions at places like Barbour.
How to Style Barn Jackets
Well, you can obviously style your jacket with jeans and a sweater, but I think we can have some more fun with it as well.
Jacket, sweater, jeans, bow, sneakers
The most basic (in the best possible way) outfit for a barn jacket. Actually, I could probably make it more basic if I added riding boots or duck boots. I love the addition of the bow for your hair to tie off (ha ha) this already preppy look.
Plaid jacket, sweater dress, ankle boots, crossbody bag
Yes, you can wear this casual jacket with a dress! I love dressing up this casual jacket with a warm sweater dress and boots. You could easily wear this outfit to the office or just out to dinner.
Jacket, Striped Top, Jeans, Mary Janes, Bag
A casual look with some trendy pieces (hello red mary janes) thrown in. Also, I can fully vouch for this crossbody bag. It’s an absolute steal from Target!
