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.
The Transitional Uniform, With a Colorful Twist
This longline silhouette from The Row looks especially chic with transitional staples like tailored black trousers, a bright crewneck tee, and strappy heeled sandals. Fane’s butter-yellow shoulder bag keeps the color story going, while The Row’s sporty shades add an unexpected athletic edge.
First She’s Sweet, Then She’s Sultry
Opposites attract in this next look—Nili Lotan’s sultry suede barn jacket with Dôen’s flirty, nightie-inspired dress. Anchor the pairing with Jamie Haller’s classic black ballet flats and a Savette handbag, then lean into more playful extras: Toteme’s lace bandana tied sweetly in your hair and Chan Luu’s beaded red necklace for a welcome pop of color.
Great Foundations
Pair Balenciaga’s cropped barn jacket with Dries Van Noten’s bold printed sarong and colorful flat sandals for an unexpected—and entirely fashion-week-approved—look. Keep the foundation strong with Banana Republic’s black trousers and a Leset white tee, then finish with St. Agni’s woven tote for a final touch of texture.
Out West
Take a trip out West in Mango’s chocolate-brown waxed jacket, styled with Citizens of Humanity’s straight-leg jeans, Staud’s suede low-heel boots, and a flannel shirt from Jamie Haller. Accessories like Nili Lotan’s bold buckle belt and Khaite’s cowhide-print clutch are perfectly on theme. No cowboy hat needed.
Countryside Coded
Lean into this season’s countryside-centric trend in Toteme’s corduroy-trimmed jacket. Keep the heritage mood going with Frame’s checkered-print midiskirt, then give the look a fresh, fashion-forward twist with Toteme’s heeled thong sandals and a suede tote from Jil Sander.
Boyish Charm
Nackiyé’s oversized leather-trimmed jacket sets the tone for this next look—built around Staud’s longline Bermuda shorts, Sanderlak’s striped tee, and a pair of retro trainers from Bottega Veneta. Valesque’s navy canvas tote keeps things casual, while a pair of burgundy drop earrings offers a feminine flourish.
