I’m having mixed feelings about fall…it’s an annual occurrence. This polarity stems from my hatred of cold weather, and my love for celebrating my November birthday (JK – kind of). This morning, I was ready to embrace it – I left my house in full blown fall mode. Brought out the platform boots, a nice cozy sweater with a midi skirt situation…then my car broke down on me and I was sitting in 75 degree heat with no AC as I waited for my tow truck to arrive. Like, what am I doing? I have to ride out the days in tank tops & sandals because these toes won’t be seeing the light of day for 6 months.
Despite my poor outfit execution this morning…well, the outfit was great, the timing was poor…I am truly excited for all the items that come with fall. No, I’m not going to say pumpkin spice like a basic B! I’m talking other basic B items like ankle boots, cozy sweaters, jeans…and COATS.
One coat I never thought I’d need in my life? A PARKA. I made the naive assumption that this coat was reserved only for avid hikers…you know, the outdoorsy type. Yet fashion for the outdoorsy has managed to make its way into fashion for us city folk, and I’m on board. Ultimately, it all boils down to the piece…and the styling.
That’s why I’ve partnered with from Coat Check Chicago to show you three parka outfit ideas (styling this badass parka). It’s made in Chicago, with materials from Japan. It has a convertible hood that turns into an oversize collar. It’s quilted on the inside (which just feels so lux) and water resistant. Basically, it’s everything you need in a parka.
outdoorsy high / low.
Parka: Coat Check Chicago | Sequin Crop Top: Vintage, similar here | Black Culottes: Cos, similar here | Sandals: Camper | Bag: From Italy, similar here
Take the high / low concept and make it hiker-chic. My go-to styling approach is take a low item (i.e. casual tee, sporty sandal) and mixing it with a high item (i.e. sparkly shoes, evening bag, sequins on anything). I paired traditionally casual items – the parka and what I like to call my “tourist sandals” – with a sequined crop top and pants that could very easily be worn to the office. The result? A super effortless look that can stylishly get you to a happy hour of your choosing.
hiker-chic meets grunge.
Parka: Coat Check Chicago | Denim Skirt: Vintage, similar here | Platform Boots: Dorateymur, similar here | Headband: Amazon | Bag: From Italy, similar here
You knew I had to insert a 90s inspired look somewhere here. I’m still on that sh*t people. Truth be told, I do like the combination of hiker-chic and 90s grunge. It’s completely unexpected, yet doesn’t feel forced. For this look, I styled up a denim midi skirt and tank top with platform boots, and a structured bag alongside the parka. The look here is fairly simple, but I leaned on statement accessories to, well, make a statement.
brb, gone camping.
Parka: Coat Check Chicago | Denim: Vintage, similar here | White Tee: Only the best! | Rain Sneakers: Target X Hunter, similar here | Bucket Hat: Amazon | Bag: From Italy, similar here
Finally, I just succumbed to a full blown camping look…yet I still feel very on brand. HOW IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE?! When I said this outdoorsy / hiker / camping vibe was a thing, did you believe me? Do you believe me now? I rocked the parka with a pair of 90s vintage high waist jeans, a white tee, threw on a pair of high top rain sneakers (these are so amazing, it’s too bad they’re sold out), and added a tie dye bucket hat for the full “I’m going to a National Park but haven’t hiked in my life” effect. The quintessential look of the American tourist, but FASHUN.
