Fall 2024 trends: barn jackets

I haven't done trend reports in years; I used to love them, but then I felt like I hadn't learned the lessons of my 20s and was still buying into too many trends. Not to mention, at the day job where I've been working for the last two years, trend is a dirty word. But I read something the other day that really resonated with me, which was something along the lines of you don't have to participate in every trend. Yes! Have fun, enjoy fashion, but sit it out if it doesn't feel like you—there will be more trends to come next season (or if you're on TikTok, tomorrow). I have been subtly dropping seasonal trends here and there; for example, my spring must-haves post from earlier this year when I am wearing three things that don't really go together. So instead of putting together some questionable outfits just to cram in all of the season's trends all at once, I decided to parse out the trends I'll be partaking in this season, showing you how I'm wearing them—in a way that feels true to my own personal style—and giving you a bunch of options at (mostly) affordable prices. First up: barn jackets. 


I owned a barn jacket almost exactly like the J.Crew one in my collage below, sometime in the early '90s. I have no idea where that jacket is now but I am kicking myself for not hanging on to it, because J.Crew just reissued it for $178(!). To that point, the coolest (and most sustainable) way to go would be a vintage barn jacket—god knows Eddie Bauer, J.Crew, Land's End, and all the other preppy retailers were awash with them in the late '80s and early '90s. But the reason they're back in the first place is that Toteme resurrected them a few seasons ago (I've featured their most current version below) and everyone is currently salivating over this $3,000(!!!) take: the Frank jacket by The Row. Now, I have pooh-poohed The Row before and while I'm sure their clothes and accessories are just as luxurious as everyone says they are, for the love of god, please do not pay $3,000 for a barn jacket. Here, let me help you.


I got served an ad for this Old Navy jacket, and all I have to say is, way to go algorithm. Old Navy has also been leaning into its '90s heritage lately, and like all of the Gap brands recently, it's looking good. This jacket is a really soft cotton canvas with a hint of stretch to it. The hardware has an antiqued finish but is nice and sturdy—there's a zipper and snaps—and I love the very authentic corduroy collar. The jacket is unlined and more on the lightweight side, making it perfect to wear now with a T-shirt and still ok for another month or so with a cozy sweater layered underneath. I sized up to a medium specifically so I'd have room to do just that; I probably still would have been ok with a small but I'm not mad at how this is fitting—it feels very borrowed-from-the-boys. But the best part about this jacket is its price, which is $60 regularly, but it's Old Navy, so you can most likely get it on sale (I bought mine when it was 40% off), making a good deal even better.



And now, more options. All but one are under $200, and all have good things going for them. Keep reading for details. 


1. In case I didn't convince you enough to get the jacket thus far, here it is one more time on a model. 

Old Navy canvas barn jacket $59.99


2. This is a great option if you're more on the petite side—it's a mid-hip length—and overall the design feels a bit more streamlined. The corduroy cuffs are a nice touch too. 

1.State oversized cotton twill barn jacket $179


3. This is technically a men's jacket, which explains why x-small is sold out already, but it looks EXACTLY like the one I used to own and for some reason, J.Crew only offers the women's version in short (too short!) or long (too long!). This one is just the right length, color, style, everything. 

J.Crew limited-edition 1983 heritage barn jacket $178


4. This is a splurge, but it's on sale and everything Toteme does is so beautifully constructed. This one has really nice quilting  and looks warm enough to wear well through the season. (Quilted field jackets are technically a whole other thing, but I decided to include this one in here because it's my blog and I can do whatever I want.) 

Toteme oversized quilted jacket $534 (40% off)


5. This is very similar to the Old Navy jacket in look, and while it's significantly more expensive, it's for good reason: it has a substantial-looking quilted lining, more secure snap pockets, and fun details, like the plaid trim along the placket. 

Cole Haan waxed cotton hunter jacket $198


6. I have not bought anything at Everlane in a long time, but classic-with-a-twist pieces like this might rope me back in. This one has really nice design details, like the oversized buttons and rounded seam details. I also, strangely, like it in black. 

Everlane barn jacket $178 


7 comments

Doused in Pink | Chicago Style Blog said...

I had a J.Crew barn jacket in the 90s and wish I had kept it too! It's such a great staple and I agree, you don't have to spend a lot on one. Love the color of yours!

Jill - Doused in Pink

Nancy 's Fashion Style said...

I always like to know tthe trends and then give it my own twist! Trends are there to inspire right? Lovely jacket, great colour!

FASHION TALES said...

The jacket looks so comfortable. I like jackets the most! /Madison

Laura B said...

I'm shocked that jacket is Old Navy! It looks so much pricier!

MELODY JACOB said...

Totally agree, we don’t need to follow every trend! I love your approach to picking trends that feel authentic to your style. The barn jacket is such a great piece to start with for fall—classic and functional. Can’t wait to see how you style it, and I appreciate the affordable options too!

Read my new blog post. Thank you and happy weekend.

Gail Is This Mutton? said...

I've never heard of a barn jacket, but I love this combination of tones with caramel and white. I occasionally follow a trend but usually in accessories these days. Thanks for linking at Is This Mutton.

stylesplash@live.co.uk said...

Like Gail, I'd never heard of a barn jacket - maybe they're called something else in the UK. I love the colour, perfect for autumn. Thanks for linking!

Emma xxx
www.style-splash.com