Martha Stewart Wore the Unstoppable Jacket Trend That’ll Be Everywhere for Fall 2024

Eva Thomas

Mon, September 9, 2024 at 2:00 AM UTC

3 min read

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Kate Middleton is a fan, too.

In my next life—or maybe even in the next decade, who knows!—I’ll own a farm in upstate New York, have my own horses, grow my own food, raise my own chickens (and eggs!). It’d basically be the complete opposite of what I’m now doing in the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple. Don’t get me wrong: I love it right now, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t dream of such solitude even once in a while. So, in my next farm-living life, I’d channel my inner Martha Stewart, trade my kitten-heels for rain boots, and swap my leather moto jackets for, well, barn jackets. But since that’s still a ways away, and I won’t own a farm anytime soon, I'll incorporate said elements into my city life.

<p>Instagram @marthastewart48</p> — Instagram @marthastewart48

Given outerwear season is upon us, let’s discuss: I’m all in on the barn jacket trend, and Stewart is the latest celeb to quietly back the trend that falls right into the utilitarian trend. And, given fashion fondness for utility staples, the jacket’s return makes sense—and it’ll certainly be a big one given its link to royal life, too. The topper, which is distinguished by its contrasting color, boxy-ier silhouette, pockets, a durable canvas or waxed cotton exterior, and an oftentimes lined interior, was and still is a royal staple. Queen Elizabeth II wore barn jackets, Princess Diana wore them, and Kate Middleton regularly wears them, too. But they’re now a fashion staple with big things set for them this season. It’s cool! It’s practical! And it’s ageless, which Stewart proves.

Stewart showed off her burnt orange barn jacket in an Instagram Story, and she styled the topper in the most fall-perfect way: with a beige sweater underneath that added some warmth and coziness. Though it’s not possible to see the bottom-half of her look, I’d guess she paired her barn jacket with a pair of jeans and rain boots. A vibe!

State Oversize Cotton Twill Barn Jacket

J.Crew Quilted Barn Jacket

Stewart’s barn jacket is the quintessential barn jacket. It has that aforementioned contrasting collar, rain-resistant, waxy exterior, boxy fit, and a quilted material that’s also a favorite of Middleton. And while some might say barn jackets aren’t meant for streetwear, I disagree. Given the return of utility staples, like cargo pants and more, barn jackets that were once a royal staple for outings—especially more outdoors-y ones like fishing and boating—are totally a city topper now, too. The narrative around them is slowly but surely changing, with the fashion set styling the boxy jacket with everything from jeans to trousers to dresses. It adds an unexpected element to every fall look, kind of like the wrong shoe theory but make it the wrong jacket theory. And we know how a wrong can actually end up looking so right.

I’m certainly in need of some new top layers ahead of fall’s arrival, and while I love my usual suede and leather jackets, I’m making note to invest in a few barn jackets with which I can channel my farm girl dream.