The List: It's About to Be a Field Jacket Fall

A load-bearing wardrobe item you'll keep forever.

Oh my Prada.

First of all, hello to all the new faces who have joined us since last week! My newsletter round-up made, well, the rounds. Between that and my guest edit for Substack Reads, I’m thrilled to see so many new signups. Welcome! If you forgot why you opted in, you can learn a bit about me and this newsletter here.

Also, a very warm thank you to Noora at

objects of desire

who wrote one of my favorite things ever about this letter: “The Love List is reminiscent of my dog-eared magazines back when magazines were that well-funded, impeccable blend of inspiration and service.” Noora, YOU GET ME.

Let’s get into it.

Since Prada launched its offering a few seasons back, renewed barn jacket mania has officially reached a fever pitch. This fall, most major brands are riffing on the trend, making the style accessible to just about every kind of shopper.

The common field jacket—which initially rolled out in 1941 as a service coat replacement due to wool shortages during WWI— and the the waxed cotton jacket, a common element in British country clothing (coined by Barbour in the 1800’s) have sort of become one amorphous blob as the trend stands now. Modern iterations, often constructed from sturdy cotton twill, pull references from both; leather and corduroy collars, contrasting lining, large flap pockets, militaristic zipper closures, and belted waists.

Prada’s way, baby.

I moved to New York from Atlanta, where it’s common to see a gaggle of men hanging out in matching green Barbours, jeans, and Lucchese boots—a silly sight that always made me chuckle. God bless ‘em; they always looked ready for a quail hunt, even if the only thing they were tracking down were cold beers and an SEC football game.

Sporting culture in the American South mirrors the English in many ways. Growing up there, the field jacket has long been a staple in my closet. Given the temperate, wet winters, we always reached for our Barbours, whether it was to throw over anything as a raincoat or for its intended use out bird hunting in the field.

Even four years ago, when Khaite dropped their field-inspired satin and leather Hampton jacket, I gobbled it up (and still wear it often). Last spring I got Toteme’s oversize leather and cream number and threw it on over everything. This fall, I’m excited to see even more ways designers are getting creative with something I consider so sentimental.

I scoured the internet for the best offerings at every price point. But buying it is only the beginning: here’s how to style ‘em, too.