Since Prada‘s spring/summer 2024 runway show back in February, barn jackets have become the “Roman Empire” for every fashion enthusiast. This utilitarian piece—defined by its contrasting collar and durable fabric—was a key element of the collection. Shades like maroon, dark green, and navy, adorned with leather collars, were layered over fringed, embellished dresses and skirts, giving the gorpcore trend a fresh spin. The show evoked images of the English countryside, with thoughts of the royal family, horses, farms, and muddy landscapes flooding my mind after its Milan debut. Is that Queen Elizabeth I see?
Since Prada’s endorsement, the barn jacket’s rise has only solidified my theory: Queen Elizabeth—and her iconic barn jacket—has become the ultimate fashion muse of the year.
Designers have been quick to embrace the barn jacket since its Milan Fashion Week debut. Hermès paid tribute to the late Queen with jackets that featured leather collars and multiple pockets, giving off a utilitarian vibe. Bottega Veneta’s Matthieu Blazy followed suit by adding barn jacket collars to wool coats, while McQueen’s Sean McGirr reimagined the piece with a peplum flair, pairing it with pencil skirts and hoof-like boots to highlight its equestrian roots. Nearly every major brand has jumped on board: Filson introduced a women’s version inspired by its heritage designs, and J. Crew showcased the style in its fall collection.
Before fashion enthusiasts claimed the barn jacket, it was Queen Elizabeth II herself who championed the look. As Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, her passion for the outdoors made her a natural fit for the barn jacket and its cousin, the Barbour. The Queen had a remarkable knack for transitioning from day-to-night outfits, regularly swapping diamond tiaras for muddy boots, making the barn jacket a central piece in her wardrobe.
Her go-to look often involved the jacket, paired with a silk floral scarf over her hair and a neutral-toned maxi skirt. Other members of the royal family, including Princess Diana, Princess Kate, and Prince Philip, have also endorsed the trend. Even Netflix’s The Crown highlighted the barn jacket in the famous “Balmoral Test” episode, where Princess Diana (played by Emma Corrin) sports a camo green version with a brown corduroy collar during a hunting scene with Prince Philip.
Despite its royal associations, the barn jacket has humble beginnings. Originating from France in the 19th century, it was first crafted from cotton or moleskin. The signature roomy pockets were a practical feature for field workers and farmers who needed durable and versatile clothing.
By the 1920s, workwear brands like Carhartt popularized corduroy collars, solidifying the barn jacket as a wardrobe staple. But it wasn’t until the 1990s that the style experienced a fashion renaissance, thanks to brands like J. Crew and Lands’ End. J. Crew’s iconic catalogs of the ‘80s and ‘90s, for example, frequently featured barn jackets styled casually over button-down shirts and khakis—a signature off-duty look for the upper-middle class.
The current barn jacket craze is a reflection of its rich history. McQueen’s fall/winter 2024 collection leaned into its farm heritage, incorporating worn textures and horse barn-inspired elements like hoof-shaped shoes, while Prada’s spring/summer 2024 lineup paid homage to the 1920s flapper era with fringed skirts.
However, it was at Miu Miu where Queen Elizabeth’s fashion influence truly shone. Staying true to Miuccia Prada’s signature “ugly chic” aesthetic, the collection blended utilitarian staples with more feminine pieces. Farm-ready leather gloves appeared alongside embellished dresses, and barn coats were styled with wool pencil skirts—directly mirroring Queen Elizabeth’s sartorial choices and reinforcing the idea that one can go from regal to rustic with a simple layer.
This is perhaps why Queen Elizabeth—a surprising yet undeniable fashion icon—has become the guiding force behind the barn jacket’s resurgence. As fashion oscillates between opulence and simplicity—seen in trends like balletcore or the unabashed return of leopard print—the barn jacket offers women the perfect balance. Need a roomy jacket with pockets to carry your essentials? Done. Want something to tone down the glitziest sequins in your wardrobe? Check.
If Queen Elizabeth’s style and the barn jacket tell us anything, it’s that women truly can have it all.