Not Just a Coat, Not Just a Jacket: Polished Looks to Go With Your Parka

Parka jackets have made a triumphant return to fashion this season and are the must-have item for our winter wardrobes. As well as being warm and versatile, they are also effortlessly stylish. Transforming them from day to night requires only a few accessories. The new modern styles tend to be more tailored than the previous versions creating a more feminine silhouette. If you're stuck for ideas on how to maximise your parka coat, the following guide can help you prepare for just about any occasion Rough and Ready The parka began life as a casual, weekend coat that was perfect for walking the dog or kicking a ball around the local park. The military styles in heavy fabrics still work perfectly for this casual, laid-back style. The parka is perhaps the number one choice for summer music festivals and its bohemian charm works perfectly in this setting. Try wearing yours over some skinny jeans with some big fluffy boots and a vintage t-shirt. As temperatures begin to rise, you can substitute the jeans for denim shorts. The parka also works over relaxed-fit cargo pants and converse sneakers. Girl About Town The parka has become the it-coat of this season and has been seen on everyone from Kate Middleton to Rihanna. It works perfectly with a cashmere sweater layered over an oxford shirt for some preppy-chic. You can also throw it over silk blouses, tailored trousers, vintage t-shirts and skirts. A lightweight version without padded lining or a fur-lined hood is a great modern twist on the classic style. For a fun and flirty look, layer it over a floaty dress in a floral pattern. Butch- up the look with some studded ankle boots and leather wrist straps. A Glamorous Alternative Parka jackets were not traditionally thought of as going out attire, unless you were heading to the local park with a carrier bag full of beer. This season has seen it mixed with sparkly mini-dresses, stiletto shoes and plenty of big hair and lip gloss. Wearing a parka jacket with a party dress gives it an edgy, urban style that looks fantastic on young girls. If you want to wear a parka on your next night out, choose one with an elasticated waist. A fur-trimmed hood will also add some glamour to your finished look. Some skinny jeans and stiletto heels are a fantastic combination to wear with your parka. Strictly Formal Wearing a parka over formal clothing can be a difficult trend to pull-off. Thankfully, the new variations on the parka have now made it possible to wear one to formal occasions or even to the office. Search for a lighter version that has a belted waist. Black or camel colours work best for a more conservative style. Add a printed silk scarf to give an even more sophisticated look and you are good to go. High-Fashion To get ahead of the fashion pack, a parka with leather sleeves is the hottest new style for winter coats. Leather sleeves have been showing up everywhere on jackets, shirts and even dresses. Combining them with a parka jacket lets you nail two trends at once. Lightweight, fitted parkas in shorter lengths work best with leather sleeves. Short-sleeved parkas in a bat-wing cut are also a stunning adaptation of the classic style. This ultra-modern version looks as though it just stepped off the catwalk so requires an appropriately stylish outfit to really showcase it. Three-quarter length trousers teamed with some Christian Laboutin heels and a tight jumper will do nicely. If you are lucky enough to own your original parka from 20 years ago, then you only need to perform a few simple adjustments to bring it in line with this season's new designs. A good dressmaker will be able to bring in the waist slightly if it is cut straight down the sides. Removing the heavy lining is also a good idea. Revamping an old style is a great way to inject new life into a tried and tested classic. If you grew up in the 90s, then you no doubt remember the years when parkas were the ultimate in grunge fashion. Wearing pieces from our childhood brings back memories of a simpler time. The fashion industry's obsession with vintage items has led to a whole range of long-forgotten fashions making a welcome come-back over the last few years. xoxo, M. Sophie West adores fashion. She often blogs about emerging trends and stylish looks for the modern woman. Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook