Why the Chore Coat is the Perfect Fall Accessory

Fashion trends always come and go. Often, they even come back again and sometimes yet again. But one piece of clothing has always been a popular staple of many wardrobes: the chore coat. Over time, it has been popular among different crowds and for different reasons. But one thing is constant: it is and always remains popular.

What makes a chore coat a chore coat?

I suppose it’s the simplicity of the design, as well as the comfort of movement and pure functionality, that make up the traditional chore coat. 

The Characteristics of a Chore Coat

The oversized, roomy, flat pockets, the heavy, durable fabric, the double stitching, and the relaxed fit, in my opinion, define the classic chore coat. Although, today, you can find chore coats with slimmer fits and lightweight or heavy fabric. The chore jacket seems to continually evolve with the fashion trends, but the basic design remains the same.

What is the origin of the chore coat?

The origins of the chore coat date back to the late 1800s in France. At the time, it was referred to as the “bleu de travail” or “the blue work jacket” and was the uniform or workwear of most blue-collar workers doing manual jobs – farmers, railroad workers, or those working in construction and building maintenance. The hallmark design of oversized pockets on the hips and chests, the heavy, durable fabric, and the relaxed fit were nothing more than just functional pieces of clothing. Today, those elements remain constants even in the trendy designs.

Perhaps the person most responsible for popularizing the original vintage chore jacket in the U.S. is the iconic New York Times fashion photographer Bill Cunningham, who could be seen riding his bike around New York and other major fashion-forward cities around the world, photographing people and the fashions of the season – always sporting his iconic blue French chore coat. 

Although famous for his ability to capture the latest fashion trends, his wardrobe was very simple. Most days he wore straight-legged khakis, black dress shoes, and a solid shirt. Every once in a while, he would be seen wearing blue trousers, and on rainy days maybe a pair of bean boots swapped out for the black dress shoes. But, his vintage blue chore coat remained constant. 

Why everyone needs a good chore coat

Versatility and comfort are the biggest reasons everyone needs a chore coat as part of their wardrobe. You can dress it up or dress it down for a casual look. Throw it over a t-shirt or hoodie and leave it open. Button it up over a nice shirt or sweater. Roll up the sleeves and cuffs on a warm day, or leave them down when the weather is colder. Wear it with jeans and boots or a skirt or trousers with loafers. Any way you wear it, it works. How many garments do we have like that? 

And don’t forget about the utility of all the large patch pockets, usually three or four patches on the outside (at least one being a chest pocket) and a few pockets on the inside. You’ve got room for everything you need when heading out.

What I love most about the chore coat

Rec Chore Coat // Canvas Field Cap // L-O-V-E Bracelet from No. 299 // Red Bandana Scarf // Suede Veja Sneakers // Madewell Cargo Jeans

Practical

It’s the most practical outerwear you can buy. The simple design and humble origins make the chore coat one of my favorite all-time pieces of my wardrobe. Although you probably won’t be out and about performing manual labor in it, you definitely could, given its ease of movement quality. 

Comfortable

With its relaxed, a little bit boxy-type fit, it’s easy to move in and comfortable in almost any situation. An autumn stroll in the park or even your favorite sporting event, it’s like wrapping yourself in your favorite soft blanket. There’s room to layer up or you can just wear it loosely as an overshirt with the sleeves rolled up. 

Versatile

I can’t think of another item of clothing as versatile as the chore jacket. I can dress it up or down, depending on the occasion. I can layer and turn up the collar and wear it on cold days or wear it loosely over a t-shirt for those pleasantly warm days in September and early October.

Durable

Don’t forget, the original chore coat was meant to work in. Whether it was made from duck canvas, denim, or heavy twill, it can take a beating and still look good. It is the perfect travel coat when temperatures remain above freezing. 

The popularity of today’s chore coat

Chore coats and workwear in general, have become so popular in today’s culture that you can find modern renditions with corduroy collars, some made from fine linen and wool, and even some that resemble a casual blazer. I confess I do own a few of these as well, but my all-time favorite is my vintage indigo blue chore coat, well-worn and perfectly broken in, that I bought at a flea market on my last trip to Paris.

I bought a few extras and brought them home to sell in my online store (https://shopmostlovelythings.com/), but before I could even photograph and list them, I sold out. So I will be bringing many more back from my upcoming buying trip in September. I’ll let you know when they are available. 

Here are some of my favorite chore coats

Sézane Chore Jacket

The Sézane Chore Jacket is actually called the Will Jacket. I’ve had mine for about four years, and they still make the exact jacket I bought in Paris. They have other options, including washed black, ecru, denim, Indigo, and a patchwork floral.

Sézane Offers embroidery, making it personal.

One of the things I love about the Will Jacket from Sézan is that they offer custom embroidery. When I purchased my jacket in Paris, they had a young woman doing the embroidery right while I waited. I chose my last name, Diamond, and a small diamond emoji. Now, they offer this as a complimentary option when you order. It’s a fun “accessory” for your chore coat that makes it personal.

Mermade Brooklyn

Meredith of Mermade Brooklyn does beautiful embroidery on just about anything. She created a pair of jeans with all-white flowers and two denim jackets. You can see those posts below:

How to Elevate Wearing Your Denim

Why Jean Jackets Never Go Out of Style

Buck Mason Chore Jacket

What’s fun about this one is that it breaks the rule of being made out of heavy twill. It’s from This jacket will take me into December with a hat and a pair of gloves!

Here are some of my other favorites

This is a little video I made in Paris on the blue chore coat once worn by Bill Cunningham.

Some accessories I Love…Socks and Loafers

Some fun socks . . .

1. Jackson Cozy Stripe Sock // 2. Hansel From Basel Stripe Sock 3. Stripe Cozy Crew // 4. Set of Two Sheer Socks // 5. Le Bon Shoppe Boyfriend Sock // 6. Cozy Stripe Crew with Red // 7. Chamomile Sheer Crew Socks // 8. Casa Clara Char Socks // 9. Beloved Ankle Knit Waffle Socks

. . . to wear with loafers

There’s a loafer for everyone! My daughter Madeline raves about the reasonable loafer from Madewell. She also loves her vintage Gucci loafers. I’ve always been a fan of Cole Haan and Bass. If you want to splurge on a pair, you’ll have for years and years…I love the traditional Gucci Brixton Loafer that I wear year-round. I’ve been seeing the Prada loafer a lot lately. I love this one since it’s not a platform that I know is so popular right now, but this more traditional loafer will be in style forever!

G.H. Bass Loafer // Cole Haan Geneva Chain Loafer // Free People Liv Penny Loafer // Tod’s Lugg Sole Penny Loafer // Madewll Lug Sole Penny Loafer // Prada Triangle Logo Loafer // Gucci Brixton Loafer

I still love socks with loafers. I’ve been doing it since the 1980s. You can read more in this post. I’m even thinking this is the year I’ll wear them with Birkenstocks. (audible gasp)!! I love it when I see Linda V. Wright on Instagram wearing them in Paris!