A Chore Coat Is the Most Versatile Jacket You Can Buy This Fall

First worn by workers in late 19th-century France, the chore coat is a hardworking wardrobe staple that looks effortlessly stylish whether it’s paired with a plain T-shirt or a cashmere knit. Worn buttoned up or open, it’s a great cardigan or blazer alternative for those days when your look could use a bit more heft and structure.

Everlane The Organic Cotton Chore Jacket

Made with organic, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified cotton canvas, this is a great shacket alternative for cooler days, and is sleek enough to wear to work over a button-up or crewneck sweater.

Hugo Cotton-Denim Jacket With Patch Pockets

We love the bright blue colour of this workwear-inspired topper made with 100 per cent cotton. It features three external and one internal patch pocket, so you can move about with all of your essentials close at hand.

John Varvatos Kenmare Chore Jacket

This premium take on the chore jacket, perfect for in-office days, is made with a cotton-blend knit that offers a bit of stretch. Wear it as your new blazer alternative this fall.

Canada Goose Burnaby Chore Coat

This jacket, made with Canada Goose’s Artic Tech fabric, can even be worn even when temps dip just below freezing. Great as a top or mid layer, it comes with plenty of storage room — there are three zippered and two patch pockets.

Todd Snyder Herringbone Chore Coat

This designer iteration of the chore coat is countryside chic exemplified. It’s made with an elegant herringbone fabric and would look great with everything from straight-leg jeans to pleated trousers.

Carhartt WIP Michigan Faux Suede Jacket

This jacket by workwear brand Carhartt’s more premium Work in Progress (WIP) label is comfortable enough to be worn indoors and out. It’s made with a faux suede fabric that’s more supple than traditional twill or moleskin, but also features rivets on the pockets and triple-stitched detailing for improved longevity.

J. Crew Cotton Moleskin Chore Jacket

A modern take on the French “bleu de travail,” J. Crew’s chore jacket features a brushed cotton moleskin fabric that’s sturdy but also feels soft against your skin. We also appreciate that it’s made in a Fair Trade Certified facility.

L.L.Bean Bean’s Stretch Barn Jacket

Swap out your go-to denim jacket for this warmer, cozier fall layer. Available in regular and petite sizing and three different colours.

COS Twill Utility Jacket

Perfect over a dress shirt or turtleneck sweater, this blazer-alternative features a pointed collar and sleek, dressier buttons. Size up for a more casual look, or go for something more fitted if you’ll be wearing it with barrel- or wide-leg trousers.

This article first appeared in FASHION’s September 2024 issue. Find out more here.