Help me find a parka for all casual occasions! Going to return Barbour

[dr3aming]

I received the winter force Barbour parka today but think I'm going to have to return it. I can only really afford one coat this year (wanted to buy quality so it would last many years rather than just one) - like the Barbour & can see myself using it for my day to day SAHM mum stuff (park, school run etc) but don't think it will work for walking round a city for example... Wouldn't it look out of place because it's such a 'country' item?

Anyone have another recommendation for a warmish/quality parka style coat that will suit most casual occasions?

No suggestions but place marking as I'm after something similar!

Oh, I am contemplating getting a Barbour because I thought it fits the bill exactly. Never thought it was too country for the city!

^ I haven't returned the Barbour yet. Hope this thread will help me decide. It's lovely and very high quality, warm, waterproof and will last a decade or more but the wax just makes it look very country, park, bonfire, walks rather than nipping to the shops IYSWIM.

I did see a lovely one on Esprit but it sold out quickly. I'm always too slow :(

You could get a barbour international as a more town like casual coat? Though obviously they are a bit of a cliche I do think for the lightness of the coat they are very warm.

I have a barbour arctic parka which I don't mind wearing in town but its warmer and bulkier than what you've mentioned.

DH had a similar problem and went for a Musto in the end, which is waterproof, warm - ish (ie fine in all but coldest weather when you can pop another layer underneath) but not waxed so not quite so country. They might be worth a look as I know they do womens coats too though I haven't looked at them recently. That said I love Barbours and personally don't think they are too country.

I have the winter force parka and have been wearing it for the last three winters. I live in a city and I find it a bit odd that anyone would even bat an eyelid at you wearing one It's a lovely coat! Definitely keep it as mine has been worn to death and still looks in too condition.

Ok I might be persuaded

Will try it on again later. The only thing throwing me off is the wax. The fit and style is perfect.

Will look at Musto too.

Merrell Ellenwood and Target Dry Georgia are both popular on here, warm & waterproof

^ thanks, I know, but the fit of those is too big (I'm size 6).

Oh yes sorry those would be too big then. Have you looked at Jack Wolfskin Icegaurd that is a nice one too, not sure what the smallest size is though. Good luck

feeling a bit like the poor relation but I got myself a parka from Tesco last winter, think I paid around £35 and it's been brilliant. I know you wanted one that will last a few years but this one looks as good as new still so I'm expecting it to at least last this year and next. I put it through the washing machine and it came up lovely.
Might just be worth a look :)

Honestly I think you're worrying about nothing! You won't stick out at all. I've seen loads of people wearing waxed jackets where I live. It sounds like it's exactly what you've been looking for