What to wear with a parka?

A parka is a warm, long jacket with a fur-lined hood. Its main purpose is to protect against the cold. The invention of the indigenous peoples of the north was spied upon by the US military, adapted to the needs of military pilots, and in 1950 the Snorkel Parka N3B model was released. And since all good things catch on very quickly, the military parka also received a civilian version.

The jacket appeared in men's and women's wardrobes almost simultaneously. Its popularity peaked in the late seventies. The traditional swamp color remained unchanged, but the lining began to be made orange and quilted. Over time, the color range became more diverse, and along with winter models, demi-season and summer options appeared. Designers, paying tribute to the high functionality, practicality and versatility of the jacket, never tire of coming up with new styles and original styling options. Thanks to them, wearing women's parka can be found in different styles: from casual and sporty to business.

Today, a parka is no longer a trend, but a basic item and an absolute must-have for a woman's wardrobe. Well, let's figure out what to wear a parka with in the summer, in the off-season and in the winter. In this publication, we will consider:

• Features of a classic parka jacket.
• Popular styles of women's parka.
• What to wear with a women's parka?
• What shoes to wear with a parka?
• What hat to wear with a parka?
• What bag goes with a parka?

FEATURES OF A CLASSIC PARKA JACKET

The main attributes of a classic parka are:

• a loose silhouette made of thick, smooth olive-colored fabric;
• lined with or without insulation;
• fastens with a zipper with a windproof flap on buttons;
• there are large patch pockets on the sides on flaps or welts;
• plus an additional slit pocket on the top;
• a high stand-up collar when buttoned covers the lower half of the face;
• a large hood with fur trim is a must;
• the waistline and bottom of the product are adjusted with drawstrings on the fasteners.

For over 50 years, the parka has remained one of the most popular types of outerwear in the world. It does not look provocative - it is always restrainedly beautiful and elegant. It is warm and comfortable, it does not restrict movement, and is not afraid of piercing wind and water. Thanks to the high collar, you can refuse scarves, neckerchiefs or turtleneck sweaters - the jacket will reliably protect you from the cold in windy weather. A deep hood can replace a headdress. It completely covers the head, ears and forehead from cold, precipitation and other manifestations of bad weather. The long-wave fur trim on the headdress has a decorative and functional load - it decorates and protects the face from wind, rain and snow.

The parka is completely windproof and waterproof thanks to its dense material made of synthetic or mixed composition, treated with special impregnations. The length just below the middle of the thigh is the best option, in which the clothes do not restrict movement, but keep you warm. Together with the straight cut, this allows you to combine the jacket with most of your wardrobe items. And the tightening system allows you to individually adjust the fit of the clothes to the body, thereby adjusting the level of warmth and proportions of the figure. And most importantly, the parka suits fashionistas with any type of figure and has no restrictions on age and social status. It is not surprising that leading fashion houses offer a large selection of styles of this comfortable jacket.

POPULAR STYLES OF WOMEN'S PARKA

Surprisingly, it is the classic winter parka with a fur hood that is most in demand among the fairer sex and looks the most fashionable in a variety of styles. But the market also offers other, no less popular options for jackets for the off-season and summer, with or without lining, made of thick cotton, satin, silk. Such clothes do not weigh down the silhouette, look light, elegant and are worthy of being in your wardrobe.

• Women's short parka made of thick cotton - a combination of sophisticated style and functionality. Models are available without lining, with thin or fur lining. The latter can be detachable, which significantly increases the range of application of outerwear.
• Elongated women's parka. This jacket differs from the traditional one only in its length - from the midline of the hip to the knees and below. Otherwise, the functionality is unchanged.
• A long women's parka is a non-standard format (either a jacket or a coat). An ideal option for very cold weather. It can be both winter and demi-season. The level of insulation depends on the filler. Both natural down and its best analogues (Thinsulate, Hollofiber) are used as it, which are in no way inferior to down in terms of the warmth/weight/volume ratio.
• Female fitted parka. This model gently hugs the silhouette (focusing on the waist) and gradually widens towards the bottom. The length can be from standard to extended.
• Women's asymmetrical parka. Such jackets stand out for their unusual design, for example: shelves of different lengths, shortened front and extended back, beveled bottom line, inclined zipper.
• Women's sleeveless parka. Here you can find both sleeveless items and a 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 transformable parka.
• A double-sided women's parka. This can be worn with the fur inside or outside. And if it is a demi-season (non-insulated) version, then you get original outerwear in two colors.

The most common color of a traditional parka is khaki (olive or swamp) and all its shades: from dusty yellow to greenish-brown. But fashion could not limit itself to them. Therefore, modern parkas are produced in almost any color. Among the most popular we note: black, blue, yellow, beige, gray.

WHAT TO WEAR WITH A WOMEN'S PARKA?

The parka is an inseparable companion for bright and stylish looks in any season of the year. For stunning results, combine it with mini, midi and maxi skirts, classic jeans and skinny trousers, suits and dresses, tops and sweaters. Complete your look with all kinds of footwear (the parka will stand up to everything) and don't forget about accessories. The main advantage of the jacket is that it adapts to everything, even if there is a significant contrast between the items.

A green parka looks amazing with a basic white tee tucked into grey jeans and black high-top sneakers. For a stylish and cool outfit, pair a black and white striped long sleeve tee with black leather leggings and black ankle boots or suede boots.

Another cool idea on how to make an olive parka look stylish and fresh is to add a white or light gray sweater, black jeans and black leather boots. The latter can be replaced with mustard-brown suede ankle boots, adding a knitted beanie and aviator sunglasses.

A lightweight parka looks great over a black sweater tucked into a high-waisted pencil skirt. Complete the outfit with stylish sunglasses, a black leather mini shoulder bag and classic sneakers. Continuing the "skirt + parka" theme, we suggest pairing the same jacket with a mini skirt paired with black tights.

A creamy beige hooded parka is the perfect complement to this black and white striped top, paired with a pair of white skinny jeans and beige ankle boots. And next to it, a totally functional everyday outfit idea - a parka and boots. The ensemble is organically completed by a striped top, blue skinny jeans and a leopard print scarf. And oversized sunglasses complete it. A great look for every day.

A black parka with a fur hood is a perfect match for a khaki sweater and black skinny jeans - a practical solution for fashionistas who are constantly on the go. Classic brown suede Chelsea boots go perfectly with this outfit.

And next to it, we offer another excellent formula for creating a stylish and practical ensemble with a red parka. It is ideally combined with this gray sweatshirt, complemented with a black turtleneck, cuffed jeans and brown hiking boots.

A parka in tandem with a plain or floral dress allows you to create a feminine summer or demi-season look. After all, the weather is unpredictable even in the warm season. To ensure that rain and wind do not spoil your plans for the day, a light parka windbreaker over a knitted dress is an excellent solution.

WHAT SHOES TO COMBINE WITH A PARKA?

Almost any. The exceptions are high-heeled boots and patent leather stocking boots. If it is dry and warm outside, wear sneakers, shoes, sandals. If it is cool, arm yourself with high-top sneakers, ankle boots or suede boots. And if it is windy and frosty, then any footwear that suits the weather will do: ankle boots with heels, boots, loafers, high and low boots, ugg boots, winter sneakers. Here is a great example of a combination of a winter parka with timberlands.

Images built on the unity of opposites look interesting. If you put on a dress or skirt under a jacket, then choose massive shoes with lacing and a grooved sole. Alternatively, these could be platform boots. This technique will only emphasize the fragility and femininity of the image. Give preference to models with a stable low or high heel with a wide shaft.

Don't discount high-heeled shoes and sandals - they are a good addition to dresses and overalls in combination with a light summer parka.

WHAT TO WEAR WITH A PARKA?

Of course, with a beanie hat pulled down over the ears, pushed up on the crown, jauntily tilted to the side, short and tight-fitting, or with a pompom hanging down the back of the head. Absolutely all options are suitable, both knitted and jersey. A classic parka with a fur hood plus a beanie and scarf are the perfect combination for a stylish casual look. Complete the look with blue skinny jeans and furry ugg boots.

Considering that a parka always implies a rather reserved image, we do not recommend overloading it with a headdress with excessive decor - a pompom will be quite enough. But you can let loose on the knitting itself. It can be patterned, simple, thin or wide. Any colors, the main thing is that they match the color of the jacket. You can add rich brightness, but avoid sharp contrasts and toxicity.

If the weather is not very frosty, a baseball cap will also be an excellent option for a headdress.

WHICH BAG WILL SUIT A PARKA?

"The king is made by his retinue", and the parka is a worthy frame in the form of non-trivial accessories. Both classic bags with rigid strict forms and frankly glamorous items, including patent leather and decorated with many decorative elements, go with the jacket. And of course - massive backpacks, bags and miniature clutches on a chain instead of a strap. That is, almost any bag can be combined with a parka. And yet, stylists recommend paying attention to a large and rather laconic option that matches the overall style of the image. It follows that before choosing an accessory, you need to decide on the style of the jacket itself: sport or casual.

Remember that all elements (including: hat, shoes, gloves and scarf) should be combined with each other in style. They can (and in some cases must) be in different colors, but in the same style.

What color bag to choose for a women's parka?
The color of the bag should not match the main thing, as well as the color of other accessories. In other words, if you have a khaki parka and a dark brown bag (a classic combination), then all other accessories can be chosen in different shades of brown or other colors close on the compatibility scale. And of course, you should take into account the season: bright bags are for spring and summer, models in pastel and brown tones are for autumn and winter.

Following these simple rules, you will be able to create interesting and deep outfits for every day.