7 Outfits That Prove Parkas Are as Cool as Ever

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The best parkas have one thing in common: They need to look legitimately like something a genuine Britpop boy would wear (even if you aren't matching yours with a scowl and bootcut jeans) and have enough quality detailing to pass for being entirely utilitarian. That means proper cotton drills (like a denim-thick khaki fabric) and plenty of pockets for, you know, important stuff like penknives and, er, lip balm…

While padded coats have been gaining more column inches of late thanks to a major boom in sales (blame Balenciaga), the parka coat has been quietly toiling away in some of the hippest and most hard-working wardrobes a girl could conjure up. Whether a high-fashion version—we're talking fur or sheepskin lined in a rainbow of colours—or back to traditional basics, there are now myriad outfit options that can be made even more enjoyable with the addition of this cosy-cool cover-up. There are few things quite as joyful as wrapping up against the elements while still looking entirely pulled together, wouldn't you agree?

So with that in mind, we uncovered some great street style looks that revolve around the parka and provided you with a list of the best to shop now. Enjoy!

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(Image credit: Style du Monde)

Style Notes: French girls in parkas? Now there's a dream situation. Aymeline Valade uses a schoolgirlish dress as a base, and then punks it up via her coat and boots.

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(Image credit: Style du Monde)

Style Notes: Yep, your parka can be best friends with your hoodie—just balance out the casual slant with some fancy shoes.

Related: It's the Perfect Time to Invest in a Great Winter Coat—28 That Stand Out

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: Too hot for your furry parka? Just shoulder-robe it, darling.

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: If you're feeling brave enough, use a camo parka as a neutral base for wacky extras.

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(Image credit: Style du Monde)

Style Notes: Fashion loves an unexpected mix, and this cute floral dress–and-anorak formula is certainly that.

Related: Trust Me—These 5 Ankle-Boot Trends Will Be Everywhere You Look in 2024

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: Oh, we do like the sassy flash of leg Zanita Whittington is providing here.

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(Image credit: Style du Monde)

Style Notes: Who says you can't go eclectic? We love the retro-meets-tailoring-meets-parka combination pictured here in NYC.

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Hannah Almassi
Hannah Almassi
Managing Director, Women's UK

Hannah Almassi is the MD for Women’s UK at Future PLC. Following a decade-long tenure as Who What Wear UK’s first Editor-in-Chief, she now oversees Who What Wear and Marie Claire in the UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. As an expert at the intersection of content, commerce, building brands and monetising digital platforms, she now combines her editorial experience alongside business acumen to help guide digital titles into the future.