Properly warm but stylish parka/puffer

[ChilliPB]

I’m know I’m being really fussy.

I’m looking for a warm (I live in Scotland but also often go on trips to cold cities in winter) parka or puffer BUT I don’t want one that looks too sporty/outdoorsy. It’s to wear in the city for eg a day of walking around, and something water resistant would be ideal. I just want something which looks more stylish and less like I’m off hiking. Something simple would be fine, just that would go with jeans/boots etc. I know lots of people just wear outdoors brands over regular clothes but I really am not a fan.

I don’t want down either for ethical reasons so I’m struggling to find anything.

I’ve seen plenty of nice styles from high street shops but I’m not convinced they’d be warm enough.

Any ideas gratefully received!

Sweaty Betty? They do ski and winter-wear.

This?

I like that style @OhMerde but like I say, I won’t wear down for ethical reasons so that’s adding another complication to the search!

@DameHelena will keep an eye on Sweaty Betty, good shout. There’s not loads on their site yet but it’s probably still too early in the year.

I know. it's just so lovely though 😁

Superdry? Still mostly quite safe in design/colour but just a tad less functional looking than North Face et al.

this orange bomber for example

Sorry I got mine in Denmark - full of such things and reasonable too

Every year there are numerous threads, and I've come to the conclusion that it doesn't exist. I'll be display my north face parka as I have chosen comfort over style.

Have you also looked at Joules?

Their puffer jackets don’t tend to be down filled.

This one comes in bright colours.

Patagonia
Probably too plain for you, and pricey, but it will probably outlive you. I have a Patagonia parka that I am about to get out for it's 23rd winter, and Patagonia baselayers from 1996.

I don't think there exists a single garment which does everything you want. I have found that the solution is to layer. One attractive, waterproof coat as outerwear and then an additional base layer for warmth. I wear a Uniqlo ultra light down gilet under a smart coat on very cold days and was given this tip by a friend who works in telly, as it is apparently what the correspondents do to keep warm when doing outside broadcasts in the winter. The Uniqlo won't suit you a it is down but if you can find an alternative then I think this will get you closest to what you want.

@declutteringmymind i think you’re right and it doesn’t exist! There’s definitely a gap in the market 😅

@sponsabillaries that’s a good idea. I think when it’s dry I have lots of nice smarter coats that I could layer under. And get a stylish waterproof to go under layers when it’s wet.

Joules, Superdry not really my style but thanks though.

@OhMerde if it wasn’t down I’d definitely be looking at it! I just want something pretty, most warm coats just look so sad and boring.

Woolrich have well cut puffers but quite pricey, or look at other Italian brands as tend to be better cut

@OhMerde where is that fabulous cost from? Xx

I dont think it exists. I have a few nice wool coats in excellent colours.
And a burberry raincoat

But stylish warm & dry doesnt exist. 😞

I love wool coats. They are warm and look stylish. I've never been soaked through in one, although I wear a waterproof if going out in a real downpour.

@Bex000 Woolrich use real fur so I’d not buy from them. Do you have any Italian brands you can think of? Sounds interesting.

its so annoying isn’t it @beachcitygirl !

Something like this? Padded & warm but not down

Holland and cooper.

Thanks @BootSlippers it looks practical but it’s not really what I’m looking for. I want beautiful and practical!

Aspesi , Weekend by MaxMara , Herno , Tory Burch. Also have a look at Massimo Dutti in the next few months as they usually have stylish puffers .