I want my clothes to last in terms of quality and cultural significance – in other words, I want them to survive both wear and trend cycles. To trend-proof your wardrobe, I recommend looking at the history of a piece to check whether the updates make sense. Yes, certain proportions and colors might cycle out, but they can find their way back. They can be styled differently to adjust to the times. Pieces that have this year’s “twist” on a classic won’t fare as well; it’s like telling a joke you had to witness firsthand. For example, a cropped trench/barn jacket hybrid mixes two big trends of 2024. It doesn’t make sense now, and I don’t think it’ll age well. And, of course, pieces that are poorly executed are just stupid. Characteristics of an old money barn jacket: * MATERIAL: durable, heavy-duty fabrics like cotton duck or canvas * LENGTH: hip length * COLLAR: a pointed collar made of corduroy or leather * POCKETS: Multiple large pockets around the abdomen and hips for storing tools and small items. At most, one single chest pocket, rather than two symmetrical chest pockets like denim jackets. * CLOSURE: Front button closure, often with large buttons for easy use with gloves. Sometimes snaps are substituted for buttons. If there’s a zipper, it’s hidden. * CUFFS: Cuffs may have straps to get a tighter fit that keeps out debris and cold. It’s atypical to have snap cuffs like denim jackets or work jackets. * COLOR: Earth tones like brown, tan, camel, or olive. * LINING: May be unlined for warmer weather or lined with flannel or quilted material for colder conditions. * REINFORCED AREAS: Patches for reinforced at stress points like elbows and shoulders are typically made from the jacket’s own main material. LTKStyleTip LTKVideo LTKSeasonal