A fashion editor in search of the perfect barn jacket for fall hunts down the best options from J.Crew, Everlane, Anthropologie, and more. See five editor-approved barn jackets, starting at $55.

Martha Stewart is a fan of the outerwear trend, too.

There’s a reason why barn jackets have their place every fall. They’re classic, rarely reinvented, and they will seemingly never go out of style but work with whatever is in style. Typically featuring a classic silhouette, barn jackets are often made from durable materials like canvas or waxed cotton, and they come in earthy tones like olive green, navy, and rust (versatile colors!). It doesn’t hurt that Martha Stewart is a fan, too.

I’ve been in the market for a new barn jacket ever since I parted with my beloved Forever 21 options a few months back. I bought the jacket right off a mannequin, as it was the only one in sight, well over a decade ago, and it was time to finally part ways. It was so worn, which is kind of the point of a barn jacket. They blend rugged charm with modern aesthetics, making them perfect for everything from casual outings to urban adventures. And for an upstate-raised girl like me, I was sometimes wearing it for just that, but also for, well, fashion. 

5 Editor-Approved Barn Jackets for Fall

• Everlane the Barn Jacket, $178
• 1.State Oversize Cotton Twill Barn Jacket, $179
• J.Crew Short Barn Jacket, $248
• Pilcro the Heritage Barn Jacket, $198
• J.Crew Factory Quilted Barn Jacket, $55 (Originally $168)

Now that I’m a decade older, wiser, and have a real paycheck, it was time to invest in a really nice one, one that I’ll have for another decade-plus and one that can be dressed up or down. I need something that will be a staple in my fall wardrobe, which is the season I have the most clothes for anyway. 

My musts? It should have a structured, slightly boxy silhouette, and it needs to be inherently chic. I want some design detail that makes it special, too, whether that’s nice gold hardware, some kind of flare on the pockets, or an interesting collar. So, I went to the internet, and while I still have yet to make my final decision, these were the top five that caught my eye after hours of searching, from a classic Everlane option to a super affordable J.Crew Factory pick.

Everlane the Barn Jacket

$178 at Everlane.com

This Everlane one struck me first, and I even visited the store to try it on to see if it was the winner. I’m still deciding, but I loved the way it fit. Plus, I don’t have a coat even remotely close to this cornstalk color, so I felt this was unique in its own right when it came to my wardrobe collection of coats. It featured a relaxed fit, perfect for layering over your favorite sweaters or tees, and there were thoughtful details like large front pockets for practicality, though I’m still torn on the tortoiseshell buttons.

1.State Oversize Cotton Twill Barn Jacket

$179 at Nordstrom

This Nordstrom option took a while to come across, but once I found it, I wondered how oversized this would be and if it would still look polished. I’m pretty curvy, so sometimes oversized jackets cling to me in weird ways and hug my figure more than originally intended. But, this coat looked boxy in all the right ways and had a great bottom. It’s made from soft cotton twill, and I feel it would allow for easy layering and a laid-back look if you don’t want something so polished. 

J.Crew Short Barn Jacket

$248 at Jcrew.com

This jacket from J.Crew felt the most fashion forward. I loved how it was shorter, but I wouldn’t necessarily call it cropped. The material feels elevated, and I could see myself making this jacket look casual or slightly dressed up for a marketing conference or work lunch without looking like I’m trying too hard. The mossy brown color caught my eye, and I love the gold hardware. The tailored fit that hits at the hips definitely makes this a special barn jacket style, offering a flattering silhouette while still allowing for easy layering. 

Pilcro the Heritage Barn Jacket

$198 at Anthropologie

I already own a winter jacket from Pilcro, which I absolutely love and have gotten years and years of use out of already. Pilcro tends to have very flattering silhouettes and prioritizes comfort with their pieces. This jacket felt the most true in barn jacket style and comparable to my trusted Forever 21 piece. I love the darker cuffs and collar as well as the little hanging piece off the zipper. Whether you wear it over a cozy sweater or a flowy dress, this jacket effortlessly brings a touch of warmth and style to your wardrobe. Very ideal for transitional weather.

J.Crew Factory Quilted Barn Jacket

$168 $55 at Jcrew.com

Despite having a couple quilted jackets, I didn’t want to write off this very on-sale J.Crew Factory pick, especially because I think the blue color is interesting. It seems like it would provide just the right amount of insulation and warmth on fall days where it’s a little colder in the morning yet still warms up by the afternoon. It has a slimmer fit, so keep that in mind. It definitely is a true tailored barn jacket, as opposed to some of the oversized or longer options.