What is a parka and what to wear it with?

59337 3-11-2016 0 ABC of style parkas, jackets, winter, trends, how to wear

The parka is both basic clothing and a fashion trend. Girls love them for their convenience and warmth, and avid fashionistas also love them for their excellent compatibility with things of different styles. Let's see what to wear a parka with, what things it goes best with, and learn how to create stylish looks with a parka.

What is a parka?

Classic women's parka The parka is a long jacket with a zipper and a hood. A distinctive detail is also the drawstring at the waist. The classic parka is very warm: mid-thigh length, made of waterproof nylon, with a warm synthetic (or down) lining and a hood edged with fur, a collar that, when buttoned, covers almost half of the face, it is designed to keep you warm even in Arctic latitudes . Numerous internal and external pockets add functionality to the jacket.

Style selection

Today, many designers take the model of pilots’ military uniforms as a basis and create their own interpretations. Numerous models of jackets are presented in three main style directions:

Classic. Models as close as possible to the American prototype. This winter women's parka with fur (natural or artificial) has a length just above the knee and a neutral color (black, blue or khaki). A universal option for everyday wear.
Read also: Tips for choosing a headdress for a black sheepskin coat
Sport. Sports-style clothing includes cropped items made from lightweight materials. They are comfortable, look good with sports pants and shoes, and are appropriate for traveling and playing sports.
Luxury jackets. Status items of clothing from leading fashion brands. They are made from luxurious natural materials: expensive fur and leather - and often reflect the signature style of a fashion house. They belong to high price category goods.

History of the trend: how the parka found its way into fashion wardrobes

Initially, a parka was the name for outerwear made from animal skins, which was worn by the peoples of Alaska and Canada (which is why modern models are often called “Alaska”). Then in the 1950s, special warm and functional jackets (snorkel parka) were developed for American military pilots working in extremely cold conditions. They became the basis for the commercial version of the parka jacket, worn by both men and women.

Modern parkas , although not far from their classic model, have nevertheless undergone several significant changes: - The parka has ceased to be exclusively winter clothing, now there are many jackets without insulation for spring and autumn. — The hood, accordingly, is not always trimmed with fur. Sometimes the hood is completely absent. — Natural and artificial fur, as well as synthetic fillers, are used as lining. — The outer fabric is not always water-repellent; parkas are often made from thick cotton fabric.

Demi-season parka

Modern women's parka

Modern women's parka Modern women's parka

Modern women's parka

The most popular color of the parka is khaki, hinting at the military roots of this outerwear. But without a choice, women would get bored wearing identical jackets, so designers are experimenting with color. Now in stores you can see parkas in brown-red, black, blue, beige, burgundy and even bright orange. Manufacturers also vary the length of the jacket and add decorative details to please fashionistas.

Pink parka Black parka

Burgundy parka

Red parka

Brown parka

Beige parka Gray parka

For several winter seasons in a row, parkas have not left fashion catwalks , once again confirming that modern fashion is increasingly striving for comfort and functionality. Nowadays it is fashionable to dress according to the weather, and winter weather and a parka are inseparable.

parka 3.1 Phillip Lim (FW 2016/2017)

Belstaff Park (FW 2016/2017) Blumarine Park (FW 2016/2017)

Burberry parka (FW 2016/2017)

J.Crew parka (FW 2016/2017)

Just Cavalli parka (FW 2016/2017)

Trina Turk Park (FW 2016/2017)

Zadig&Voltaire parka (FW 2016/2017)

Jackets and coats

Jackets and coats made of polyester have long become the main type of winter clothing for both women and men. This is largely due to their availability, ease of maintenance and modern appearance.

Polyester is a synthetic fiber that is used to make a wide variety of fabrics. They can be matte or glossy, and have a variety of colors - from classic tones to the most exotic. This group of fabrics is characterized by the following properties:

high wear resistance;
low hydraulic conductivity;
quick drying;
resistance to pollution;
ease of care.

These properties make the material suitable for sewing high-quality coats and jackets, which is what most manufacturers of such products use.

Basic jackets and coats made of polyester differ from each other mainly in length - jackets are characterized by a length of up to 84 cm, then there is an intermediate type of short coat, and from 95 cm - a coat. The design of these clothes uses a variety of symmetrical and asymmetrical styles, straight and fitted. Stitching is also often used, and different types can be used in one product.

What to wear with a parka?

Now the parka jacket has become a basic wardrobe item in a casual style. It goes well with simple everyday items - jeans, sweaters, flat boots. The slightly rough look and protective color allow you to create chic military-style looks, while the loose cut and hood make the parka akin to a sporty style. “Combining the incongruous” is the main motto of modern fashion, so the parka fits equally well into business and romantic looks.

Parka with jeans

This combination is the most logical and most standard. Moreover, many girls are sure that parkas can only be worn with jeans. Dark and light, gray and black, narrow and wide, even flared jeans look good with a parka. Jeans are a neutral background; in this case, the style of the image will be set by shoes and accessories. For example, in Timberlands you will be ready for trips outside the city, walks in the forest and various types of outdoor activities. Chelsea boots will create a laconic urban look. Sneakers and sneakers will add a sporty touch.

Parka with jeans

Parka with jeans Parka with jeans

Parka with jeans

Parka with trousers

Where there are jeans, there are trousers. The most harmonious pairing with a winter jacket will be skinny leather trousers. Sweatpants and joggers will create a sporty look. Don't be afraid to wear dress pants with a parka. Just choose a 7/8 model (tapered or wide, it doesn’t matter) and complement it with heeled boots (don’t forget about socks and tights in winter).

Parka with leather pants

Parka with joggers Parka with joggers

Parka with trousers

Parka with dresses and skirts

Due to the fact that the parka is long and warm, there are no special requirements for dresses. The best partners for a casual jacket will be the same casual knitted dresses, straight dresses made of thick fabrics. You can also play with contrast and wear a light chiffon dress with a pattern, and voila, we have a ready-made ethnic style look. When going to a party or special event, it would not be shameful to throw a parka over an evening dress. A little unexpected, but valid, is a combo of parkas with a business pencil skirt.

Parka with a knitted dress

Parka with dress

Parka with chiffon dress

Parka with a plaid skirt Parka with a leather skirt

Parka with leather skirt

Parka with pencil skirt

Parka with cocktail dress

Parka with evening dress

What shoes to wear with a parka?

As you can see, parkas can be combined with almost any outfit. The same applies to shoes. Sneakers, chunky boots, Chelsea boots, knee-high boots, over the knee boots, Ugg boots... To balance out the bulky top and bottom, choose shoes with flat or chunky heels. If breaking proportions is your passion, you can wear a parka with stilettos.

Parka with slip-ons

Parka with boots

Parka with boots Parka with boots

Parka with boots

Parka with ankle boots

Parka with boots

Parka with heeled boots Parka with Chelsea boots

Parka with sneakers

Which hat to wear with a parka?

And although a hood with fur will protect your head from wind, rain and frost, we recommend that you do not abandon your headgear in winter. Opt for knitted hats: textured, voluminous or, conversely, tightly fitting your head. An alternative to a knitted hat paired with a parka would be military-themed headwear: caps and fur hats with earflaps.

Parka with hat

Parka with fur hat

Parka with cap

Parka with knitted hat

Which bag should I choose for my parka?

What definitely won’t suit you are hard-shaped business bags. Otherwise, there are no restrictions on size and models. Briefcases, backpacks, mail bags, shoppers, and large soft-shaped bags look good with the parka.

Parka and bag

Distinctive characteristics

Modern life is so dynamic that the same person can sit in the office in the morning, visit an exhibition of a famous artist at lunch, and have fun in a club in the evening. Naturally, in order to keep up with the fast pace of life, you need to have not only a lot of energy or desire. It is also necessary to learn and choose the right items of clothing that look appropriate in many situations.

One of these products is a parka, because with the right approach it can become an element of casual style, part of a sporty look, and even a component of a daring and very free romantic look.

What makes such outerwear a universal wardrobe item?

Length . Modern winter parkas usually have an elongated cut, approximately ¾, which guarantees excellent protection from the cold and allows you to wear short skirts and not very tight trousers with this outerwear.
Cut . The straight cut of this product suits absolutely all girls, since it quite successfully hides all the imperfections of the figure. At the same time, the existing narrowing at the waist, which appears when using a screed, visually brings the proportions closer to a harmonious hourglass.
Attention to detail . For example, a quick-release fur lining reduces washing and drying time. And the cuffs with elastic reduce to zero the possibility of snow getting inside the product. Thanks to this parka, you can wear it with both thin blouses and short-sleeve T-shirts. After all, your hands will always be as protected as possible.

What to wear with a parka: photo

What to wear with a parka?