I’m having a thing about … an oversized parka

It’s deliberately oversized, it’s moddishly modern and has its own Instagram account.

Meet the Hyde Parka (geddit?), part of the limited edition BodenICONS collection that launched to huge fanfare last week.

Coat, Boden | Relaxed cashmere jumper, Boden | Leather mini skirt, Boden | Boots, Daniel Footwear (now only available in nude) | Bag, Accessorize (old season, similar here)

I managed to nab one (that means borrowed, I didn’t steal it) to wear to London Fashion Week and double thumbs up (my kids do FLASHING double thumbs when something’s really great) – it is a brilliant coat.

I mean, I’ve had many, many parkas in the past, in fact this post should be called ‘Parkas I Have Loved and Lost.’

I rocked them in my teens, wearing DM boots racing for the last train back to Birkenhead from a night in Liverpool.

I’ve thrown one over my shoulders with a floor-length evening gown, trying to do dressed-down chic at a fashion do.

But mainly I wear one on rainy days doing the school run. In fact two years ago, I got a brilliantly cheap parka from Uniqlo which is still doing the biz.

This one though, is a little bit spesh. That’s not just the price, because yes – it IS expensive. But it’s a posh mix of wool, gold hardwear and faux fur with a quilted, bright orange lining.

This bad boy is going to last the distance – whether it’s only for the school run, or to be used every weekend pursuit known to man.

Just think of the price per wear.

And for every budget, here are a few more high street parkas I love.