Shopping for a Parka

Nordstrom

By now you have probably noted that puffy coats and down jackets are in high demand this fall, but may not appreciate the way they make you feel (not to mention look) like Bib, the Michelin Man. Because most are too heavy for temperate fall weather, you will end up wearing them only when it is super chilly. As an alternative, check out Bod & Christensen’s Quilted Leather Jacket ($425), a gorgeous hip-length topper that gives the impression of a down jacket, but it has a far more streamlined silhouette. The jacket is made of soft, glossy leather that has a “vintage” patina, and it comes in a versatile light brown that coordinates beautifully with this fall’s dapper tweeds and burnt orange tones. Other details include a snap collar, silver zippers, and a leopard print lining.

Along the same lines, but at a far kinder price, you might opt for the Platinum Utex Quilted Barn Jacket ($98, on sale for $80). This darling lightweight parka (sans hood) buttons down the front and is styled with panels of smaller quilting along the sides that help slenderize the jacket’s profile. And perhaps best of all, it is available in basic black as well as pumpkin and teal, two of the season’s hottest hues.

Anthropologie

The Flounced Pintuck Parka ($198, on sale for $139) from Daughters of the Liberation qualifies as an incredibly wise investment. Not only is the parka this season’s most tempting coat, but this one is decked out with luxurious details and comes in fall’s must-have bright orange. It is surprisingly feminine for a parka. It has an ultra-soft faux fur hood that will keep you toasty and well-placed flounces on the back that give it some swing. Granted, this parka will not keep you warm if you live in the Aleutians, but its luxe feel and sizzling color more than compensate for any shortfall. You can team it with a myriad of looks this season. It looks just as great with a tweed miniskirt and flats as it does with your dark-rinse jeans and boots.

Another parka to look for when shopping is the Vaterland Parka ($268, on sale for $189), again by Daughters of the Liberation. This time the parka sports a ruffled hem (yes, ruffles on a parka!), a removable faux fur hood, and soft, shaggy sherpa lining. The coat hits above the knee, but it still has a longer length that makes it surprisingly warm. At the same time, the styling is so elegant and flattering that this luxe parka can easily segue from Sunday afternoon hike to Monday morning power meeting.