Remember the hooded jacket you used to wear in the playground years ago? Well, dust off the mothballs and get it out of storage because this autumn the parka is back with a vengeance, as Georgina Heffernan reports.
Q. I want to invest in a cosy jacket for autumn and was thinking of buying a parka, as I’ve seen them in all the top fashion magazines, but I’m not really sure how to wear one? Have you any advice?
A. Kate Moss, Stella McCartney, Kate Beckinsale, and Natalie Portman - they're all doing it. Wearing parkas that is. Fur-lined hoods are what you need to be seen in this season to make a fashion statement, as well as keep out the cold, and there are plenty to choose from on the high street. The name parka was apparently first used in the early 1900s to describe a particular kind of woollen garment, and is Russian in origin.
Fishtail parkas, which are longer at the back, were worn by mods during the 1960s and 1970s but, going back a few years, most people remember them as the anorak of choice for thousands of schoolchildren across Ireland. Geek chic is now back in a big way though and have been spotted on the catwalks of Jean Paul Gaultier, Vera Wang, and Alexander Wang. Now parkas of all shapes, sizes and colours are pouring into shops at the moment as the autumn and winter collections are unveiled in Irish stores including Pennys, Debenhams, Ted Baker and New Look.
The sheer variety of parkas on the highstreet reflects the fact the jacket can be worn by everyone and in many different ways. Team it with a pair of skinny jeans and ankle boots for a casual look or wear it over a floaty dress (just like Kate Moss) if you want to make a real style statement. Still not sure how to work the look?
Here’s a few styling ideas – straight from the Irish high street.
With Jeans - This is a good length and works well with different outfits. You can wear jeans and cosy knits for a really casual look - perfect for festival or walks in the country. The boots look well with this jacket - they're perfect for running around town.
With a Maxi Dress - I like this one because of the shorter length, which is so on trend. It works well here when combined with a bold Matthew Williamson maxi dress. The striking effect is best suited for evenings.
With Shorts - The parka is a great staple for your wardrobe because it's a classic which has become a fashion item this season. I like the casual look with shorts and opaque tights. This cashmere jumper is amazing quality and the belt gives it a more interesting look, ideal for the weekends.
