Best Fall Coats for Women – Embracing Utilitarian Countryside with Barbour and Classic Knits

Arrivals from Barbour this season embody the same attention to detail and functionality that we always expect from the brand: deep colourways, layered textures, prints, hardware, and, above all else, functional, durable, best-in-class quality. From every Barbour garment, you can expect style, function, nods to heritage, and fine attention to detail. While traditional Barbour jackets don’t appear to stray too much from their original looks, they are regularly updated while remaining true to their roots. Barbour is a master at preserving heritage and honoring the past while adapting to modern preferences and evolving lifestyles.

These are our top picks for Barbour jackets in Vancouver to invest in and return to, season after season.

The Beadnell Waxed Jacket has been a staple of the Barbour waxed jacket family since 2010. Inspired by the best-selling men's Bedale waxed jacket, it was created specifically for the modern woman. This season, the Beadnell takes on a more contemporary look with oversized details, large gold-tone branded snap buttons, and classic saddle pockets. It comes complete with a corduroy collar and ribbed cuffs to maintain warmth and comfort.

In 1994, Barbour launched the Liddesdale, a departure from the classic waxed cotton the brand was known for. Originally designed as a lightweight layer for country and equestrian pursuits, it quickly became a bestseller and is now regarded as an iconic Barbour staple. This year, the Cropped Liddesdale features a corduroy collar, brass hardware, and slanted pockets trimmed in matching brown corduroy. To top it off, it’s lined with classic Barbour tartan as a nod to their Scottish roots in Dumfries.

The Highclere Waxed Jacket is one of this season's most exciting restocks. Developed as a city-country hybrid, it easily adapts to its surroundings. Barbour designed the Highclere to bridge the gap between heavy traditional utility gear (often worn in the country) and contemporary lifestyles in the city. While it features a modern design, it stays true to its roots with a classic corduroy collar, deep bellow pockets, and a two-way zipper. Cut in a longer length, it features a removable hood, while Barbour tartan lines the interior. Whether dressed up for errands in town or paired with rain boots for a forest walk, the Highclere jacket is the definition of modern utility.

The Allerston Jacket is another nod to country heritage that has been reimagined for city life. Crafted from durable waxed cotton, the Allerston features a longer hem, four deep pockets for functionality, and a large corduroy collar that pops up for extra protection. The shiny brass two-way zipper adds another layer of functionality and refinement. As always, flip up the cuffs to reveal the signature Barbour tartan.

No country heritage look would be truly authentic without a pair of wellies.

Of equal importance is knowing how to care for your Barbour jacket, and Barbour makes it simple. The Wax Thornproof Dressing is available to purchase for at-home care. Taking proper care of your Barbour wax jacket is key to maintaining its durability and signature weather resistance. Over time, the wax coating will wear down, leaving the fabric vulnerable to the elements. Rewaxing your jacket annually will ensure it continues to protect you while developing that coveted, well-worn patina. Read more about how to care for your Barbour jacket in our Archive article, Care Guide: How to Rewax Your Barbour Jacket.

To help you navigate all the options, here is a quick guide on how to interpret the different styles and what each has to offer.

For the full countryside aesthetic, layering knitwear under or over a Barbour coat with slim-leg jeans tucked into wellies is your ticket to looking right at home in the countryside.

This season, Bare Knitwear is back with rich tones in Emerald, Deep Maroon, and Navy. We love their use of these moody shades for layering to keep warm and cozy. Knit in signature Baby Alpaca, the Boxy Alpaca V-Neck is the perfect piece to layer over a t-shirt or, for extra warmth, a turtleneck.

For maximum styling versatility, look no further than the Alpaca Button Down Vest, available in Dark Fawn and Deep Maroon. Layer this vest over anything from the Isabel Tank to a simple t-shirt, button-down, or turtleneck. We love how comfortable, cozy, and effortless this piece is, and how easily it can be styled with leather pants, jeans, or even a silk skirt for an elevated occasion.

The Oversized Shawl Cardigan is a beautiful chunky knit, crafted from alpaca and pima cotton, the Oversized Shawl Cardigan is a signature Bare Knitwear style meant to keep you warm and dry as you brave the elements. It’s substantial with a gorgeous collar that hugs your neck and buttons up to the chest. Wear it over a turtleneck, opened to reveal a tee or over the shoulders. Available in an earthy Dark Fawn and a textured Dark Navy. 

The Alpaca Poncho is another statement-making, versatile piece from Bare Knitwear. Simple and elegant, it provides an extra layer of warmth over a long-sleeve knit or turtleneck. We love that it can be easily removed should the weather warm up unexpectedly—as fall days often do. Pair it with denim, trousers, leggings, or a satin skirt; the Alpaca Poncho is a true autumn staple.

&Daughter is a welcome new addition to the Hill’s Dry Goods family, and you know what they say: daughters are yours forever. For &Daughter, that sentiment holds true. Their devotion to craftsmanship, detail, raw materials, and an ethical supply chain is admirable, and we’re proud to carry a piece of Scottish and Irish heritage. Built on traditional Donegal and Aran knitwear techniques, &Daughter honors the craftsmanship of the past while infusing modern elements into design and fit.

Read more about &Daughter in our Archive post Introducing &Daughter | Best Women's Sweaters for Fall.

To achieve a utilitarian countryside look with heritage charm, we love the &Daughter argyle knits, available in the Ava Argyle Cardigan, Ava Argyle Crewneck, and Ava Argyle Foulard.

Spun in Scotland, the Ava Argyle knits offer a classic take on a traditional Scottish pattern. The origins of the argyle pattern date back to 17th-century Scottish Highlands as a 45-degree rotation of traditional tartan. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this diagonal layout serves a functional purpose: rotating the check pattern creates a more flexible, elastic weave that moves comfortably with the wearer. This bias-cut technique naturally adds stretch without requiring synthetic materials, staying true to traditional and ethical design principles.

The Ava Argyle Cardigan in Derby Grey features Red, Navy, Brown, and Cream and is a classic colorway with a pop of red that we adore. It is also available in Navy with Grey and Brown for a more understated palette. This cardigan can be worn on its own or layered, tucked in or left loose. We love the versatility of &Daughter knitwear and how seamlessly it transitions from dressed up to casual. Pieces like this are meant to be worn and cherished for years. To ensure your knitwear lasts, follow the care label instructions or consult our How to Care for Your Knitwear guide on The Archive.

The Ava Argyle Crewneck offers another fresh take on the pattern through a modern colorway: pink, yellow, green, and grey set against an earthy brown in a perfectly slouchy, super-soft knit. Style this crewneck with a baseball cap, wide-leg jeans, and sneakers for a morning coffee run, or elevate it with tailored trousers and heels.

Moving beyond argyle, the Ada Striped Cardigan and Ada Crewneck Cardigan deserve a special mention. The striped version features sophisticated navy stripes on a flannel grey base in a soft, slouchy cut. Sharing the same fit, the Ada Crewneck Cardigan comes in a cheerful Poppy Red that brightens up overcast autumn days. Poppy red works beautifully year-round and pairs just as easily with a skirt as it does with denim shorts on milder days. For a subtle hint of pattern, knot the Ava Argyle Foulard around the neck to coordinate with the bright red hues for a polished countryside look.

For the full countryside look, don’t hesitate to pair your knitwear with a Barbour jacket and tall wellies. It’s perfectly acceptable to dress like you live in the Cotswolds or spend your weekends in the Highlands. As the saying goes: dress for the lifestyle you want!