help find me a winter parka that's not frumpy

[yazzy85]

After reading all the "frumpy" threads on mumsnet I've become quite self conscious. I'm only 29 but because I have two toddlers fashion hasn't always been a priority. I want a waterproof parka style winter jacket, I looked at the Merrell Ellenwood that has been suggested on here but does it qualify as being frumpy and unfashionable?? Help please ??

@TalcumPowder - I think it depends on how you wear them. If you wear them with trainers and bootleg jeans, then yeah they'll look frumpy. But with a pair of skinnies and some heeled ankle boots, then they can look great. I remember that Gap did bright yellow and bright blue parkas a couple of years ago and they were gorgeous!

I bought this one last year following recommendations on here. I got it in the beetroot colour but love this purple and am tempted to buy another one this year

Practically, it is warm, kept me dry and the back is nice and long.

talcum my previous message was about brightly coloured parkas

I have (shock horror) a skye-blue Didrickson. Cheers me up in wet weather.
I got it from www.ccwclothing.com/didriksons-m7 But that was a little while ago.

I did have a Seasalt coat in very pretty blues and jade green 1960s-type pattern, but it leaked badly when I was walking in heavy rain in the mountains.

I bought one of these last year, warmest coat I've ever had and not toooo frumpy.

lawskirkcudbright.co.uk/index.php?option=com_opencart&route=product/product&product_id=51

What jacket is that Spooky?

That's lovely spooky. Where is it from? Can you link to the website where it is for sale? (Apologies if you did - that link is just bringing up a picture for me)

That's the Target Dry coat isn't it Spooky?

www.targetdry.com/collections/ladies-coats/products/target-dry-georgia-parka-for-women

Not sure if this discount code still works or not: SCHOOLGATE15

I've literally just ordered one from Oasis before seeing this thread. I tried it on in the shop first and along with many others and it was the only one I found that was warm but not bulky, non frumpy and for once, the arms weren't too long.

www.oasis-stores.com/bella-fur-lined-parka/shop/oasis/fcp-product/3930018614

It comes in khaki and black too, but I went for the grey because I thought it would go with pretty much anything.

Apologies, I thought I had linked to the website Yes, it is the Target Dry Georgia parka (if you look at the photo of the red one, it has a 'recommended by Mumsnet sticker on it )

I will try that discount code as I really want the purple one

SofaCanary thats a great Parka, they only have a few sizes left in the white colour on that website though, do you know the name of the parka so I can look for it on another site? Thanks

Yes it's the Didrikson's Lindsey

Just reporting back on the Iamia coat I linked it. It arrived today and unfortunately it is going to have to go back. Great cut but crappy cheap zip that's sticking already, not that warm and the hood doesn't actually come up over your head just sits perched on the back. Deffo a style thing rather than a functionality thing. God why can't a coat be both? I wasn't planning to climb Everest in it, was just for school runs!

Ocelot - danger words are 'showerproof' and 'design led'. Dry-clean-only is also not a good sign.

To be honest, there is not a lot that trendy designers can do to create a really stylish waterpoof.

But I do agree, it would be great if they could do more.

And you'd be right (rueful emoticon). Was just TRYING not to look so damn dowdy all the time!

Check out Alpha Industries,their parkas are fab, got mine off ebay for £8!!

I just got my target dry Georgia parka in the post, it looks like its too big! Lovely blue colour. Material is a bit stiffer than those on the high street but I suppose that's the waterproofing. I will have to send back and get a size smaller.

khujo coats are reallly warm. only problem is for me the small is a bit to small and medium is a bit frumpy, but depending on your size could be a really good warm totally NON frumpy coat

If its a thin one you're after, I've just taken delivery of this Aigle one:

www.aigle.com/en_uk/woman/outdoor-clothing/parkas-and-coats/brokfielde.html?color=5017

Not cheap, but definitely waterproof, I've had Aigle coats before and the quality is great and worth the money.

I think they key to a good parka stylewise is the fishtail back hem, slightly oversized, and the drawstring waist to add a bit of shape.

Paractically speaking, apart from being properly waterproof, a good hood which stays up is a must. The hood on this is HUGE and will stay on even if my hair is tied up in a bun (thus doubling the depth of my head!), and provides enough of an "overhang" over my face, I can even wear my glasses and them not get covered in raindrops.

toptrumps that looks lovely but sadly outnof my price range! The target dry one was oversized but too much room at the top and it looked frumpy, debating whether to size down or find something else!

I'm not sure if you need the spray, maybe someone else can answer?? It is nice looking coat just the material is a bit stiffer than the other ones in the shops.

The Target Dry parka is waterproof and warm

That 15% discount code 'SCHOOLGATE15' does still work for Target Dry's parka. Either they have reactivated it or it was never disabled. Would recommend

www.targetdry.com/collections/ladies-coats/products/target-dry-georgia-parka-for-women