The 11 best parkas for women that will keep you stylish whatever the weather

The best parkas for women can take you from spring through fall and well into the winter. Available in different weights and trims, this timeless coat style has long been popular with celebrities, fashionistas, and designers due to its versatility. Particularly popular in lighter weights for spring and early summer, they often have water-resistant coatings and a good level of coverage making them ideal for festival season. 

Practical and stylish, the best parkas offer a cool finish. Reminiscent of '90s indie bands, such as Oasis, the park coat is considered a design that will never go out of fashion. While unmoving in the fashion stakes with '90s nostalgia being one of the big fashion trends 2022, the parka is enjoying a peak in popularity right now. An integral part of your capsule wardrobe, the best coats offer a return on investment and a parka is a silhouette that will work for all ages and seasons. 

The best parkas will fall below hip level, offering excellent coverage against the elements. This wardrobe essential often features a detachable hood, making it practical year-round. The most stylish iterations feature extra details such as faux fur trims, or cozy linings (again sometimes detachable) for extra snugness and warmth—making the parka also one of the best winter coats. While this style isn't particularly body conscious, many designs feature waist drawcords, allowing you to adjust the fit, making it one of the best slimming coats. 

The best parkas for women according to our fashion editors

Guaranteed to never go out of style, it’s worth splashing out on a decent parka coat, one of the most versatile types of coats, it will see you through all kinds of weather and occasions. Whether you go for a classic khaki shade or make a statement in a brighter hue, we’ve rounded up the best parkas to add to your wardrobe now.

Parkas make for practical summer coats, offering protection from any unexpected showers, this number is a front-runner. Ideal for summer walks and camping trips, team this lightweight and breathable parka, with your best walking shoes for an adventure-ready look. The pops of yellow on the buttons are a playful touch whilst the navy hue, with luxe wax finish, is chic and smart. It has a drawstring waist to cinch you in at the middle for a flattering finish. 

With a removable padded lining, this parka offers year-round wear and high levels of versatility. Made using a water-repellent technical fabric, the parka's inner-lining adds warmth on those cooler days, but can also be worn separately. The gilet has grown in popularity in recent seasons and makes a particularly good buy as we head into spring. For more styling ideas, check out 'how to style a gilet' to learn how to maximize the style. While a number of Mango's pieces now go into plus sizes, this design, unfortunately, stops at an XL, making it rather limited.

Fjallraven makes some of the best backpacks for women, but their outerwear is well worth a look too. Available in five shades, this practical parka comes in everything from classic black and navy, to bright yellow, giving a nod to the fashion color trends 2022, for embracing bright color clothing. There’s a protective flap on both the inside and outside of the zipper to stop cold winds and it’s lightly padded for extra warmth. The waist can be adjusted for a streamlined fit too.

When it comes to what to wear to an interview, picking the right piece of outerwear can really affect that first impression. If you've ever debated purchasing a trench coat vs parka coat, the decision can be tricky. Both generally water-resistant or repellant styles, the trench coat does tend to be a little more tailored. This camel coat, however, is a trench-parka hybrid and packs a stylish punch. Lightweight, the tailored cut gives it a smarter execution. With an adjustable and detachable hood, you can switch up your look with ease. The cotton fabric will keep this coat breathable, ensuring you don't build up a sweat, while the button fastening offers a more grown-up finish. Pair over any of your best shirt dresses for an office-ready look. 

This parka has loads of rave reviews. One of the best waterproof jackets, this parka features fully seam-sealed 3-layer fabric for breathability and waterproof protection. With a relaxed, oversized silhouette, that is ideal for taller shoppers, the parka also features an adjustable hood and storm cuffs. Ideal for everything from the school run to weekend adventures in the great outdoors, this coat is one you can turn to year after year. 

M&S is our go-to when it comes to purse-friendly pieces that deliver on the technicals too. This cotton-rich utility parka gives a nod to the summer runway utility trend, but keeps it light and spring-ready in a pastel pink hue. With a drawcord at the waist, to allow you to adjust the fit of the coat, the cinchable waist design is ideal for hourglass body shapes. With deep pockets for your essentials, this jacket is ideal for everyday use. 

One of our favorite places to shop for the best dresses, Whistles always offers a fashion-forward version of classic styles. One of the biggest coat trends 2022, the parka remains a key piece in many straight-to-market collections and this British clothing brand doesn't disappoint. The Gracie coat has a stylish faux fur trim hood for maximum luxe factor. Cut roomy enough to allow you to layer over your best cashmere sweater in the coldest months, this black coat will easily become a wardrobe staple. Warmer than many of the parkas in this edit, this is more a buy now, wear later purchase as it will come into its own in late autumn and early spring when you'll be chuffed you invested in a cozy and trendy padded design. 

Loved by the likes of Kate Middleton, Hobbs is a British retailer we've come to rely on. From what to wear to the races to the best midi dresses, Hobbs also has an excellent selection of stylish and tailored outerwear pieces, making them an ideal pitstop for a parka coat that feels more polished. This longline parka in new season sage offers a relaxed but slim fit making it ideal for teaming over workwear outfits. With a water repellent coating, this parka will be just right for spring showers, but might not hold up quite as well in a torrential downpour. The color is bright enough to usher in warmer days, while muted enough to team with earthy hues for all-year versatility. 

Rains have a solid reputation for making some of the best rainwear. As the name suggests, everything this Scandinavian clothing brand sells keeps weatherproofing in mind and its coats offer very high levels of protection, without added bulk. This fishtail parka has a lovely relaxed fit making it just right for what to wear to a festival. Featuring a highly technical spec, the ultrasonically welded seams and elasticated cuffs ensure this parka can withstand 4000mm of rain, while the ventilation under the storm shield will stop you from building up a sweat. Available in slate or black, Rains also offer plenty of printed and colorful iterations on-site too in other silhouettes.

This coat is guaranteed to keep you toasty during a bitter cold snap. The inner jacket is insulated with 600-fill-power goose down and whilst the outer jacket is fully seam-sealed and waterproof keeping you warm and dry even in the depths of winter. If that wasn’t enough, it has a fleece lining too. The classic fit makes it easy to layer, although you could probably get away with wearing just a t-shirt under this one!

Spanish clothing brand Zara is an obvious choice when it comes to chic outerwear and this parka ticks the practical box too. It’s slightly padded with a polar fleece lining and a high collar to help beat the chill. The removable faux fur trim is a stylish touch and the black hue makes it easy to work into your winter wardrobe. Little details such as an interior zip pocket are super handy too. Smart enough to wear to work, this would team just as well over your best blazer as it will paired with a t-shirt and your best jeans.