The Freckled Life

Features a freckled Brooklynite's refined downtown style, beauty, and home décor for real life | NYC Style Blogger

The Smart Girl’s Guide to Buying a Parka

flattering-affordable-parkas

Shop My Coat: MY COAT (Lauren Ralph Lauren from Nordstrom bought 3 winters ago – sold out) |  SIMILAR STYLES (Here & Here)

Recycling this post from last winter because it’s that time again – parka season! And many are on sale (!!!). This is a fantastic time to snag one because it’s right about when you need it (give or take a few weeks depending on location). Or maybe you’ve just fished your old one out… and it’s just not doing it for ya anymore!

When I ordered this coat online a few years ago, I had been on the hunt for quite a while to find one that was both flattering and affordable (ideally was looking for something under $250)… and I never knew how difficult this would actually be. But once this baby arrived, I strongly believed I had accomplished my goal! And the compliments I have gotten since have definitely confirmed this. I remember the first person who noticed it was my city bestie Kelsey (@klstieg – she’s really cool, cooler than me!) saw me put it on and said, “I literally never thought a parka could be pretty …but yours is actually pretty!” And I knew I had found a good one!

So this snowy season I finally bring you – The Smart Girl’s Guide to Buying a Parka : all you need to know to purchase a winter coat that is equal parts warm, flattering, and affordable!

 

There are several reasons why this parka is so flattering,
let’s dive in:

 

reason #1
It’s an easy one – the color. Stick to dark tones. I know we all love a white puffer or even a colorful one, but this just isn’t the time. Parkas cover a lot of surface area and it’s just best to go with a dark tone for the slimming factor. Plus, considering the fact that it’s probably going to be in situations where it could get dirty you might as well have a hue where you don’t have to worry.

 

 

reason #2
It’s belted. It really is amazing the wonders a cinched waist can do for your figure! Find a parka that has a belt that either ties or buckles. I prefer the buckle because it looks a little cleaner, but the tie belt looks more feminine and is easier to put on quickly. And if you don’t love having a belted style, look for a more cinched style. A lot of parkas have drawcord waists that give the same effect without the belt.

 

 

reason #3

The pattern on the body and on the sides of the coat are both very slimming. The body has an elongated diamond quilting that lengthens. And the sides have thin panels of vertical lines to break up the body pattern and also elongate my figure. Avoid any horizontal seams and/or large quilting patterns that can make you look unnecessarily bulkier.

flattering-affordable-parka

And there you have it – all my best advice when shopping for the most flattering / least bulky parka. I hope it helps! Shop my favorite picks below, most right around $250 (several under $150!).

 

SHOP THIS GUIDE:

 

 STAY WARM, MY FRIENDS!