I'm very much a summer girl, so it actually pains me to say this but summer is (without a doubt) over. Yet again, we're saying goodbye to the fun of the warmer months, and in its place come darker nights, freezing commutes and endless storm warnings (can you tell I'm not happy about it?) However, the only saving grace is that autumn makes for the perfect jacket weather. While there's so many silhouettes on offer every year, the one I keep returning to is the barn jacket. Following the return of the utilitarian jacket thanks to a myriad of stylish individuals, including Dua Lipa and Kate Middleton, this year, I've been on the hunt for the perfect barn jacket, one that feels more modern than the khaki and beige iterations, and I've found one that ticks all my boxes and more at Free People.
Of course, Free People has never been one to leave a classic untouched – the brand previously reinvented the suede jacket in a postbox red and transformed a neat cashmere jumper into something wholly relaxed. It's We The Free Striped Denim Barn Jacket is another example in the brand's long history of taking the DNA of a piece and creating an item that feels entirely new. The barn jacket in question features all the classic details you might expect, such as a boxy fit, fireman-style hook closure and corduroy collar. But the brand adds a striped design to the mix, rendering it less what I would consider a farmyard throwover, and more a street style staple.
Shop: Free People's Striped Barn Jacket
Free Peoplewww.freepeople.com
If you're getting tired of the khaki and beige iterations of the classic barn jacket, Free People's iteration shows exactly how you can reinvent a classic. With a slightly longline and oversized fit, the jacket also features fireman-style hooks and a corduroy collar.
Styling, naturally, is where the Free People jacket gets to really show off its charm. Throw the barn jacket over a lace midi slip dress and buckled biker boots (I'd head to Russell & Bromley for a pair of perfectly chunky boots). Or, lean into the utilitarian look with wide-leg cargo trousers and trainers, letting the stripes do all of the hard work. Plus, even the simplest weekend layer feels elevated when Free People's barn jacket is the focal point of your outfit, so make sure to layer it over a jumper and blue jeans.
So, as autumn continues, Free People's striped barn jacket proves itself to be more than just a seasonal throw-on. It's a piece that saves transitional dressing (and an endless number of outfits) – practical, yes, but always with personality. Ultimately, what began as a utilitarian staple has now been reframed by Free People into a piece that's quietly (or, well, actually rather loudly) expressive.
Shop: Alternative Barn Jackets
Selfridgeswww.selfridges.com
Barn jackets are great, but if you want something that's slightly thinner, Maje's style is made from 100% cotton, so it's breezy and lightweight, and also features a contrasting corduroy collar and patch pockets.
Nobody's Childwww.nobodyschild.com
The Nobody's Child take on the classic barn jacket comes in this gorgeous dark navy shade and is finished with contrast cord cuffs and collar, as well as a tab funnel neck (which is completely on-trend too).
COSwww.cos.com
COS's barn jacket offering is slightly more unique, thanks to its drawstring middle that can be cinched in if you wish. Made from a durable cotton canvas, style the jacket with a navy knit and a pair of straight-leg jeans.
Free Peoplewww.freepeople.com
If you want a barn jacket that's less in-your-face than the striped iteration, beige is the way to go. This coat will go with all the pieces you already have in your wardrobe because of its easy colourway and corduroy collar.
Main image credit: Instagram/@wenyiteong
Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia, where she tracks down viral pieces and is as comfortable navigating the M&S new-in page as she is dissecting the latest celebrity look. When not writing, shopping or at Reformer Pilates (a cliché but she's hooked), Gemma will likely be planning her next holiday (and what she's going to wear). For a glimpse into said travels, outfit inspo and life as a journalist, follow her on Instagram or TikTok.