MMM: Nosy Parka

A parka has to be the ultimate Modern Mum Must-Have. Practical, warm and classic, it’s the perfect throw-on-for-the-school-run coat.

Plus, thanks to a resurgence in the trend for all things grunge this Autumn, you can even wear over that LBD for the ultimate in high-low dressing. For those of you who don’t speak ridiculous fashion talk, that means pairing something swanky with something a bit more street. You get it.

Last week in the office, one of my stylists was talking me through a story she was working on and it was this coat that got me most excited:

Totally lined in fleece, it was long, waterproof, practical – and I knew it would be brilliant for weekends in the park and nursery drop-off.

Wow, how my life has changed.

Cara, Alexa and Kate all wear theirs with jeans or party frocks.

Of course, I can drool as much as I want over the Burberry one, but that won’t be happening any time soon:

The key is to buy slightly bigger than your size to give that slouchy effect – much cooler. Detail is always good, so look for zips and really, really furry hoods.

For the ultimate, find one with Arctic Down lining. Won’t be cheap, but it’ll be like wearing your duvet outside. Woolrich are your all-singing, all-dancing parkas with Arctic Down and real coyote fur, but cost around £550.

Here are some others I love, whatever your budget.

Credits:

1. Zara
2. Primark
3. Whistles
4. Great Plains at Atterley Road
5. Maison Scotch at Farfetch.com
6. Hobbs

• atterley road

• Burberry

• coat

• farfetch

• Hobbs

• maison scotch

• parka

• Primark

• uniqlo

• Whistles

• Zara