The barn jacket may seem like an unexpected high-fashion trend for spring 2024, but there were always clues if you read between the lines. The style’s timeless appeal, for one, combined with Prada’s spring 2024 runway, plus abounding TikTok trends, like “Eclectic Grandpa,” “Coastal Grandmother,” and “Old Money” aesthetics, has all summed up to the resurgence of the workwear-inspired topper — of which is now ranking on the 2024 Lyst Index “Hottest Products” list. The barn jacket has never felt more elevated in fashion’s lexicon, so we’ve curated top styles to shop for spring and beyond, plus editor tips on how to style them.

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Beloved for its durability, practicality, and sensible versatility, the subject of this spring’s outerwear spotlight harkens back to “yuppie” fashion trends that peaked just before the pandemic, defined by organic textures like canvas bags, preppy-vintage tenniscore stylings, boat shoes, and ’80 elitism influences. Call it norm-core or quiet luxury — the barn jacket represents many season’s worth of trends coming to a climax.

Carhartt Women’s Rugged Canvas Detroit Jacket

Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

$89.99

Buy Now at Amazon

$89.99

Buy Now at Zappos

Price upon publish date of this article: $89.99

Everlane The Barn Jacket

$178

Buy Now at Everlane

Price upon publish date of this article: $178

L.L.Bean Women’s Adirondack Barn Coat

L.L.Bean Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars

$129

Buy Now at L.L.Bean

Price upon publish date of this article: $129

J.Crew Crinkled Nylon Barn Jacket

J.Crew Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars

$258

Buy Now at j.crew

Price upon publish date of this article: $258

Barbour Hutton Corduroy-Trimmed Coated-Cotton Jacket

Net-a-Porter Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars
Farfetch Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.1/5 stars

$370

Buy Now at net-a-porter

$361

Buy Now at Farfetch

Price upon publish date of this article: $361

Sporty & Rich Canvas Zipped Jacket

Ssense Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Farfetch Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.1/5 stars

$470

Buy Now at ssense

$470

Buy Now at Farfetch

Price upon publish date of this article: $430

Toteme Organic Cotton Barn Jacket with Leather Collar

Neiman Marcus Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Bergdorf Goodman Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars

$1,420

Buy Now at Neiman Marcus

$1,420

Buy Now at Bergdorf Goodman

$1,420

Buy Now at Toteme

Price upon publish date of this article: $1,420

What Are Barn Jackets?

The barn jacket is defined by its roomy, boxy silhouette, which is traditionally framed by a contrasting corduroy collar, sleeve cuffs, and side pockets. Designed as a highly-durable and reliably warm cotton topper with big, functional pockets, the practical barn jacket once allowed farmers and laborers to comfortably work outdoors, as water-resistant finishes and fleece lining protected them from harsh elements.

The rugged barn jacket style dates all the way back to 19th-century France, when it was dubbed bleu de travail, or “working blues,” for its original washed hue. By the 1920s, barn jackets, also referred to as “chore coats,” landed in America. Carhartt led the style’s mass production after releasing its original iteration in 1917, which was shortly followed by versions from American outerwear brands like L.L.Bean.

How to Style a Barn Jacket — Barn Jacket Outfit Ideas

The beauty of a barn jacket is that it reads naturally laidback for everyday wear, though its sharp collar and twee-like big buttons allow it to play feminine all the same. It’s all in the pieces you pair with the versatile topper, which can reframe the silhouette for a variety of occasions.

Working 9 to 5

A barn jacket can be a chic workwear staple for your all-seasons commute with a few simple styling swaps. In the springtime, the barn jacket functions similarly to a denim jacket with more of-the-moment appeal. It’s also naturally insulating for brisk mornings, and can easily top thick layers like sweaters or vests. We’re pulling inspiration from Prada spring 2024 for this office-appropriate ensemble, which features a sheer midi skirt, bold gold buckle belt, and sharp leather slingback heels.

Everlane The Barn Jacket

$178

Buy Now at everlane

Shown with: Vince Beaded Border Sheer Shirt ($325), Vince Beaded Border Sheer Knee Length Skirt ($395), Madewell Chunky Buckle Skinny Leather Belt ($48), Sam Edelman Bianka Sling Pumps ($140)

Picnic in the Park

Barn jackets are a foolproof layer for mastering unpredictable weather as the season transitions — especially for spring, when the forecast can quickly flit from sunshine to rain and chilly winds. For weekend plans that entail leisurely strolls in the park, patio lunches and picnics, or a long to-do list of sidewalk errands, pair your barn jacket with easy straight-leg jeans and comfortable footwear, like a trendy Adidas Samba sneaker, in a similar tone that ties in the jacket’s collar. Then, add on your everyday handbag and block out the UV rays with chic sunnies.

J.Crew Crinkled Nylon Barn Jacket

$258

Buy Now at J.Crew

Shown with: Agolde 90s Pinch Waist Long High Rise Straight Leg Jeans ($230), Maje Cashmere Jumper ($321), Adidas Samba OG Shoes ($100), Le Specs Work It! Sunglasses ($69)

Americana Sweetheart

Whether you’ve got a music festival on your spring-summer roster, you’re knee-deep into the Western wear trend, or you actually have a rodeo to attend, Carhartt’s barn jacket comes in a deep, warm tone that seamlessly plays with this spring’s overarching modern-boho aesthetic. Add on a long, flowing denim midi skirt, plus a red knee-high suede cowboy boot for a pop of on-trend burgundy. As femme and flirty as this look may feel (with the addition of an adorable fringe crossbody bag), it’s comprised of some of the most durable materials you can wear — so you’re free to run like the wind or line-dance the night away.

Carhartt Women’s Rugged Canvas Detroit Jacket

$89.99

Buy Now at amazon

Shown with: Alice + Olivia Donella High-Low Denim Skirt ($395), Paris Texas El Dorado Embroidered Suede Western Knee Boots ($1,155), Allsaints Evaline Fringe Crossbody Bag ($229)

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Meet the Author

Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes and edits shopping content across fashion, beauty, footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Cigliano received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She is currently based in New York City. At WWD, she regularly reports on current trends seen on the runway, celebrity street style, and her TikTok FYP page.

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