Championed on the runways at Prada, Toteme, and The Row—and spotted at nearly every fashion week, from New York to Copenhagen—the barn jacket remains the ultimate transitional staple. While men’s barn jackets originated in the ’20s as utilitarian workwear, they’ve since been adopted for everyday use, becoming a fixture in the wardrobes of everyone from the British royal family to Gigi Hadid and Zoë Kravitz.
The jacket’s signature design details—a boxy silhouette, multiple pockets, button or snap closures, leather or corduroy collar, and durable, often waxed fabric—make it perfectly practical, but also give it that distinct no-fuss, unpretentious appeal. Its simplicity and versatility are akin to that of a great pair of blue jeans.
Vogue’s Favorite Barn Jackets:
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It’s no wonder that, at a time when practical heritage pieces are all the rage—argyle sweaters, cargo trousers, and tasseled loafers among them—the barn jacket remains a star for fall, especially when the Olsen twins say so. The jacket has also been reinterpreted by several high-street heroes, from J.Crew and Alex Mill to Banana Republic. Its straightforward design makes it the perfect transitional layer—and a blank canvas for styling in a personal, playful way. For a few ideas on how to wear it right now, scroll below.
Tailored Prep
Instead of traditional forest green or khaki, go for a checkered-print barn jacket for a dose of whimsy in your transitional wardrobe. Sport yours with a pair of brown taffeta shorts, a simple sandal—yes, it’s still very much open-toe season—and a great black handbag. The look works perfectly right now, then later into fall with the simple swap of a loafer.
