>> Bundle up. The parka had a big presence on the Fall 2011 runways — from Rag & Bone to Altuzarra (left), the options on offer were aplenty. And with the likes of Phillip Lim, Jason Wu, and Alexander Wang all showing versions of the parka's lighter-weight cousin — the anorak — for Spring 2012, it seems that sporty toppers are here to stay. Click through for five stylish ways to wear yours, this Winter and beyond.
Photo by Greg Kessler
We don't need any more evidence beyond three of our favorite blonde beauties — Kate Bosworth, Diane Kruger, and Sienna Miller — sporting army green parkas to convince us that it might just be a necessary year-round closet staple. It plays down the femininity of a girly white dress, adds utilitarian coolness to a lbd, and looks boyishly sexy with jeans and a red lip. Here are our picks for parkas to carry you through the year.
We're still digging parkas for Fall — and while the ubiquitous army green version is an option, we dare you to dabble with some of these new and noteworthy choices. We're smitten with the thought of wearing this smooth velvet parka from Asos, and Edun's patchwork pattern version is beyond rad. Feeling an extra splurge coming on? Then check out Rag & Bone's refined wool and cotton topper or Belstaff's timeless waxed cotton coat.
Left to right: Asos Velvet Parka ($211), Edun Patchwork Parka ($560), Rag & Bone Waterloo Parka ($965), Belstaff Roadmaster Jacket ($695)
At this year's Sundance Film Festival, stars bundled up in chic, winter outerwear. Naomi Watts and Kerry Washington sported sleek puff jackets out and about in Park City. Kristen Stewart, Jon Hamm, and James Franco were all spotted in a variety of cozy parkas by Woolrich Jon Rich & Bros. Jessica Alba wore a super chic faux fur coat by Opening Ceremony, inspired by Where the Wild Things Are. These Sundance starlets are proof that cold weather is no excuse to abandon stye!
Kate Beckinsale walked down Venice beach in the perfect Winter ensemble over the weekend. Her green fur-trimmed parka is simultaneously cozy and cute — I own a similar one and wear it all the time! Black leggings and leather buckled boots by Fiorentini+Baker complete her rugged, radical look.
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If Kate Hudson is looking for fresh snow gear for her family's annual Aspen Christmas trip, Topshop has her covered. Not to mention, yours truly. I'm gearing up for my first weekend of the season in Lake Tahoe, so Topshop's chic cozies are right on time. Sporty shades, cool thermals, snoods, goggles, gloves, and socks complement ski and board pants, parkas, and a furry-hooded boiler suit. All designs are wind and waterproof and feature rubberized zip-pulls and waterproof-coated zips, offering total comfort and protection from the elements. The collection drops online next week — ski on.
Baby, it's cold outside, but that shouldn't stop you from looking stylishly warm. Just take a gander at Gwyneth Paltrow, spotted on her way to lunch in London. Her olive green jacket is quintessentially chic. This warm color gives off a cool, militant vibe and goes with any ensemble. Pair it with skinny black pants and boots right now and with a flirty frock in the Spring. I actually own four and wouldn't have it any other way.
