Shopping
This classic coat’s going to be everywhere this fall — here’s how to shop it
Every fall wardrobe needs an everyday topper, and the barn jacket, also known as a chore coat, is the style to reach for this season. The classic piece, originally designed for rugged work environments (hence the name), is autumn’s hottest staple after appearing on multiple runways this year. With its blend of functionality and fashion, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. Not only is it durable and built to last, it’s super versatile too. You can go the classic route and sport one with jeans and a sweater, or mix masculine with feminine and layer one of these boxy numbers over a dress or skirt.
The best part? Even though it’s this season’s trendiest coat, with its sturdy construction and practical design, these jackets will never go out of style. In fact, they’ve been a staple in preppy closets for decades. Seriously, just look at Kate Middleton, who has been sporting these timeless pieces for years — as did Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth before her. Ready to inject a bit of the “British old money” aesthetic into your own fall wardrobe? Shop our 9 favorite barn coats below.
This is the brand of chore coat that most royals, including the Priness of Wales, reach for. It’s definitely the priciest on our list at almost $400, but it will last you for years — I’ve had one for nearly five years and it still looks brand-new. When it starts to wear out? Just get it re-waxed! (That coating protects you from the elements.) Another nice feature? It has a two-way zipper and a snap storm placket to keep out cold air.
Not holding a royal-esque bankroll? No worries; you can snag the look for under $60 at Walmart. The corduroy collar and plaid lining on this one give it a touch of quiet luxury, while the buttoned front pockets will store your stuff safely.
No wonder that the brand that is synonymous with workwear has its own version of the canvas chore coat. We love that the snap sleeve cuffs are adjustable, and it has four roomy pockets that can hold way more than just the essentials.
This cute J.Crew option has a cropped silhouette, giving it a more fashion-forward feel. Choose between classic dark brown and khaki or go contemporary with pale blue or plaid. Bonus: It’s machine-washable!
Made with organic cotton, this model from Everlane has a longer hem to provide more coverage on your backside, and it comes in three easy-to-match colors (Black, Cornstalk, Beech). Raved one shopper, “This jacket exceeds my expectations. It is stylish and comfortable and works both with jeans and dress pants.”
For those who want to marry two classic choices, a barn coat in denim. It comes in two denim washes and boasts a point collar, button closures and oversized welt pockets. Some shoppers mentioned they had sizing issues, so just be sure to check the chart before ordering.
The bad news? This one only comes in tan. The good news? It’s size choices range from XS to 4XL. “This jacket falls just below my hips — big pockets are just perfectly where my hands fall — and the weight is perfect for autumn and roomy enough to wear over a sweater,” wrote one five-star reviewer.
You didn’t think L.L. Bean wasn’t going to have an entry here, did you? Nearly 2,000 shoppers are fans of this piece, and while most barn coats have corduroy collars, this version also has corduroy cuffs for a smarter-than-the-average-jacket look. It’s lined with flannel to keep you warm and comes in regular, petite and plus sizes.
While the other three versions of this Free People coat have a classic feel, we can’t help but love this fun bright orange hue. It has an oversized fit and adjustable bottom hem that gives you extra space for layering over chunky sweaters and sweatshirts.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.