S and I were chatting recently about how much we love the Barbour Arlene Water Repellent Waxed Jacket: that perfect mix of British countryside meets city chic. But as much as we adore it, we both agreed: it can be a little tricky to style. The structure, the waxed finish, that slightly rugged energy… it doesn’t automatically go with everything.
That said, it’s one of my favorite purchases this fall, and I’ve been determined to make it work. So, I pulled it out of my closet, tried it on with a bunch of pieces I already own, and after a few trial-and-error moments (and a small mountain of clothes on my floor). I’ve figured out exactly what this jacket loves, and what it doesn’t.
jacket (Nordstrom | Bloomingdales | Free People | BackCountry) | sweater | leggings | sneakers | hat
Spoiler: it shines with classic styling, neutral color ways, and a mix of chocolate brown and black. It’s not the jacket to pair with hot pink or loud prints, but it does look incredible with denim, off-white tees, and subtle pops of color in your accessories.
5 Ways To Style The Barbour Arlene Waxed Jacket (That Actually Work For Plus Sizes)
jacket available at: Nordstrom | Bloomingdales | Free People | BackCountry
Let’s talk fit and proportion: the Barbour Arlene Water Repellent Waxed Jacket isn’t skin-tight, but it has structure, and that’s a game-changer for plus-size styling. The waxed finish gives it a crisp silhouette, the collar frames the neck nicely, and the cut skims the body without adding bulk. Because the fabric has some body, it avoids clinging in places you don’t want it t.
The length is just enough to hit below the hip, which helps anchor the outfit and gives you a more confident shape rather than hiding you. The button-and-zip front allows for multiple styling options (open, partially zipped, fully zipped) so you can control how much of your layer shows. In short: it gives polish, it gives structure, it gives flexibility, and in the plus-size world where fit and ease often feel at odds, this jacket hits the balance.
Here are 5 ways I’m styling it for fall that make this jacket look intentional, elevated, and totally wearable for fall.
1. French Girl Inspired: Stripes + Wide Leg Trousers
sweater (l) | pants (3x) | heels | jacket (14) | bag
This one feels like quiet luxury, but make it approachable. I styled the jacket with wide-leg black trousers and my favorite cropped stripe sweater for a clean, modern silhouette that feels slightly French. And opted for my Maison Margela look-a-likes that I have been testing out, they keep things a little softer and more relaxed without losing polish.
It’s simple, timeless, and the kind of outfit that makes you feel like the most put-together person at the coffee shop, office or on the streets of Paris.
sweater (l) | pants (3x) | heels | jacket (14) | bag
2. The Classic Combo: Denim + Off-White Graphic Tee
jacket (14) | jeans (22) | similar graphic tee (l) | shoes
This is the easiest, most effortless combo — a classic for a reason. I went with palazzo medium-wash denim, an off-white vintage graphic tee, and a cool pair of western mules. The waxed finish of the jacket adds just enough polish to make it look “done,” and even looks great if you swap the mules for sneakers.
jacket (14) | jeans (22) | similar graphic tee (l) | shoes
It’s giving: Sunday farmer’s market, but make it chic.
Outfit 3 | My Take On An English Countryside Outfit
jacket | dress (straight sizes | plus sizes) | boots | similar bag
Okay, hear me out. A linen Reformation dress under a waxed jacket might sound unexpected for fall, but it totally works, especially when paired with tall riding boots. The slightly rugged texture of the jacket balances the softness of the linen, and my electric blue Miu Miu bag (similar options on eBay) adds just the right amount of personality.
jacket (14) | dress (20) (straight sizes | plus sizes) | boots | similar bag
This outfit feels like “fall in the countryside,” but with a pop of fashion-forward energy.
4. Luxe Neutrals: Chocolate Corduroy + Edgy Heels
similar tee | jacket (14)| pants (3x) | heels
I first shared this outfit with our Discord community (come hang out with us over there, it’s a whole lotta fun!), and got raving reviews. Let me tell you all, these Spanx chocolate brown corduroy pants are chef’s kiss with this jacket. They add a bit of texture and depth that plays beautifully against the waxy finish. I topped it with another tee (because apparently I have a thing for them) and slipped on my Ganni pointed-toe heels for that unexpected, slightly edgy twist.
similar tee | jacket (14) | pants (3x) | heels
It’s cozy, but still has that “cool-girl contrast” I always look for when I dress up neutrals.
5. Neutral Sweat Set + Sneakers + Barbour Jacket = The Best Casual Uniform For Fall
similar zip up | sweats (3x) | sneaks | jacket (14)
One of my favorite styling hacks: throw a “fancy” jacket over something ultra-casual. A matching oatmeal-colored sweat set and cool girl sneakers make this Barbour jacket feel fresh and current — not stuffy. Bonus points if you add gold hoops and a baseball cap.
similar zip up | sweats (3x) | sneaks | jacket (14)
It’s an outfit that’s comfortable enough for errands and walking the pup. ps. yes the Wisconsin girl in me usually opts for flip flops with a jacket even when it’s cold outside 😂
The verdict?
The Barbour Arlene Jacket is definitely one of those pieces that rewards a little styling effort. Once you figure out its lane — clean, neutral, classic with subtle edge — it becomes the most reliable outerwear in your closet.
If you’ve been on the fence about investing in one, I say go for it. Just maybe skip the neon scarf. 😉
XX – Kat @thekatrinanichole on IG
