First of all, they’re eminently layer-able: over hoodies, cardigans, fleece, and even under a big puffer when it gets seriously cold out. They’re tomboyish and unaffected and never try too hard, or at least the best ones don’t. And while they’re definitely on the casual side, they’ve got a certain crispness to them that can make even the most low-key outfit look pulled-together. Best of all, for the most part they’re pretty reasonably priced, like this one from Lee’s Vintage Modern collection.
A perfectly classic denim option from L.L. Bean.
This looks like the kind of jacket some glamorous artist like Cecily Brown would get all paint-splattered in the studio.
A slightly preppy option from Vans.
I actually think this orange boiled wool number is pretty elegant and designer-y-looking, even though it hails from Urban Outfitters.
This looks really authentically like a French worker’s jacket to me.
A corduroy and sherpa option for when it gets seriously chilly.
From tomboy-cool brand Wildfang: a slightly longer railroad stripe choice.
I’m a little obsessed with Carhartt’s Work in Progress capsule collection, and this jacket is a stellar reason why: it’s got satisfyingly menswearish lines, but is cut for a woman.
Alex Mill’s version comes in a few winning hues, but I’m loving the poppy red.
And finally: how about Everlane’s $75 specimen in luxe white corduroy?
I really like the UO jacket. I am not sure I could pull it off though. I am trying to think good thoughts after yesterday also, but I don’t trust the leadership of “our” party to get it done. It is much easier for them to wait for the election. IMHO they’ve gotten too comfortable with, “we are in the minority, there is nothing we can do….” Sorry, Kim if this is too political.
I wish I still had my old chore jackets! I bought the Rawson one in black some time ago and it’s PERFECT. I’m sure this will sound snobby as hell, but I cannot understand the Carhartt love. I guess it stems from living in small farming towns where every Dad and teenage bubba are wearing their Carhartt jackets and bibs with their DeKalb hats smelling like fresh country dairy air! 😉
I hear ya. Ive lived in NYC for 32 years, but having grown up in a small farming town in the Midwest I just can’t with the Carhartt. lol
Ha! So true about Carhartt. (all the males in my family are pretty much Carhart and Wranglers 24/7) BUT, their items do wear well even if I’m not the one wearing them. Also, I did purchase a small black canvas Carhartt bag and it is gol darn perfect when you just need your wallet and phone and doggy poop bags.
I just got a look-alike corduroy/sherpa jacket yesterday from Kensie. love it.
The Madewell version is already sold out; I’ll look there, thanks.
I also have the Everlane canvas chore jacket, love it. I like so many of these and want the Carhartt and Lee ones.
After reading the comments, I have to qualify my want of the Carhartt is not for style per se – but to look stylish when out at my guy’s farm 😄Like c.w.’s male family members, he is a Wrangler/Carhartt aficionado.
I really like the Everlane version (especially in the indigo) but alas Everlane doesn’t like anyone bigger than an XL. And neither does L.L. Bean (they carry some plus sized but it’s always frumpy and ugly).
Maryse, I just noticed on the Everlane site this morning that some of their clothes are being offered up to a size 20, so that’s progress.
Does LL Bean ugly down the styles for the larger sizes? I hadn’t noticed that, I’ll have to pay more attention, ‘cause if they do we need to peer pressure them out of doing that. It’s just wrong.
These are too nice for chores. Very nice.
I recently bought that Madewell one in that lovely deep autumn golden hue with the faux shearling collar and lining and love it! It shows sold out on the Nordstrom site, but I think it may still be available on the Madewell one. It is warm and snuggly and the sleeves are actually long enough for my arms – yay!
I’m liking the Etsy one – very chic.
Before discovering this wonderful blog, I’d never even heard of the term “chore jacket.”
Madewell still available at Nordstrom’s if you happen to wear Medium.
These things have a name? Chore jackets? Blech.
Chore jackets are one of my obsessions. I can’t speak for the Everlane corduroy number, but I do have the Everlane canvas chore jacket and it’s perfect. I desperately want the Madewell sherpa, but Nordstrom is sold out. And I’ve had my eye on the etsy rawsonchicago jacket all summer. May have to press that particular buy button. Truthfully, I’d wear them all. And today, I feel like I need a tiny bit of celebratory purchasing given yesterdays news. Fingers crossed for us all.