Fashion writer Hannah Clarke gets into parkas and wellies
Rainwear.
It doesn't really grab every ones attention nor stimulate their mind. However
don't be too quick to pass it off as boring or 'sad' as reading a little bit
further will have you racing down the high street to snap up your parka, quicker
then your feet can touch the ground.
Think urban teamed with colour and fur lining and you have your essential fashion item for this season. And this isn't just one for the girls' wardrobes, but for all you men out there too. Its no wonder really why the parka or raincoat hasn't been picked up as being this season's must haves sooner. Its versatile, suits everyone, and above all it actually does the job while looking good too.
So, I hear you ask, what's hot and what are you not to wear?
Fashion week saw the 'disciplined' look coming into action through this season's parade of designers and labels. Sharply tailored jackets with pinched waists, stiff collars and lapels were a few of the many favourite features designers such as Clements Ribeiro were using. And if that isn't inspiring, hats and boots are also among the many accessories to be seen in too.
It seems that fcuk fashion have it right with the latest edition
to the family being the Wellington boot which they rightly advertise as looking
cool on concrete. This I think is where many people have the wrong impression
of rainwear. It doesn't just have to be brought out the closet when the weather
is bad. The range of fruity coloured wellies from the fcuk range come in pink,
red, jade and green and can be worn either fully 
or
turned down at the top so you can see the stripes imprinted on the inside. Very
snazzy! Of course these wellies aren't your bog standard pair and so a pair
of 'Hunters' will set you back around £47 where the more serious shopper
may like to spend up to £230 for a pair of the 'Sovereigns'.
Of course many people wouldn't be prepared to pay this much and maybe would like to splash out on something more eye catching- otherwise known as the parka. Featured in a recent FHM article, the parka looks set to being the must have coat of this season. With its thick fur lined hood that 'makes' the parka what it is, its no wonder that people can't get enough of them. Teamed with the cargo pants or baggy jeans, the urban look is definitely catching on. And what's more, the parka is durable in all weathers and situations so it's not just a fashion accessory that'll last you a few weeks. Prices range from £80 for your Next version to £370 for a Woolrich make. Ben Sherman and Urban Stone are also making them but in relation to the FHM article, it seems that money doesn't necessarily buy you everything. Next, the cheapest came out on top.
Remember also that the raincoat can also be used for sport too
such as Golf. And for the ladies who simply like to leisure, you can have your
choice of the reversible jacket, the raincoat liner or the simple rainlight
parka that come in a range of fashionable names such as Berghouse, Burberry
or Mckintosh. So if your thinking about what your new winter jacket is gonna
look like, make sure it looks like a parka, one of this season's must haves
to be stylish and smart anytime anywhere.
November 2002
