In our biweekly series, editors share the item so versatile, so chic, so comfortable that they wear it over and over and over again—whether it be a basic white tee or a super-trendy jumpsuit. Prepare yourself (and your credit card) for some guilt-free shopping.
Much like Barbour, I am a British stereotype. Unlike Barbour, I am not the cool, trend-setting kind of British, but the kind that spills tea all over herself and therefore requires sturdy, reliable, stain-proof clothing. Contrary to popular opinion and television shows, not everybody from my home country owns a Barbour (although the entire royal family does), so I didn't get my first until I was in my twenties and fed up with New York winters—which, if you're wondering, are colder, meaner, and wetter than winter across the pond. (I'd packed a fleece jacket that had seen me through two London winters for my move here. It was useless.)
The photos that I've chosen to feature here were taken on a mild fall day, because this is my story and I call the shots, but don't be fooled. On sleety, snowy, rainy, icy New York days (when I am not taking photos of myself because I have no desire to relive it, and also because I look like shit), my Barbour is the only thing that keeps me from breaking down and getting on a plane. (Not to London, obviously. It's less miserable there, but it's still London. I'd go to the Bahamas.)
'Do not be fooled. This is not what New York nor I look like for 99 percent of winter.'
Now that I've spent plenty of time complaining about my adopted country, allow me to count the ways I love my Barbour Elmis Wax.
I love the faux-fur collar that nestles into my ears and the belt that will magically make me look put-together when I go to real events again. I love the classic quilting on the inside that reminds me of home and also makes me feel like I'm in The Crown. (Fun fact: Barbour asked the Queen if they could please replace her battered, decades-old Barbour for free, but she was so attached to it that she said no.) I love the element-defying wax finish that can stand up to rain, sleet, and snow. I especially love the secret zipper I can slip a spare $20 in for when I inevitably lose my credit card. Unlike the edgy model pictured here, I do not own jodhpurs, but this jacket makes me feel like I could pull them off. This jacket believes in me.
If you're someone who's interested in pretending to be on the set of The Crown and/or want to stay warm and dry during whatever kind of weather you're enduring right now, may I present to you some of other Barbour items I endorse:
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