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Where to Buy a Parka You Won't Resent

Six brands making stylish cold-weather coats.

By Racked Fashion
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Damn. It's about to get really cold. Like, "too cold to be cute"-cold. But staying warm and feeling your look don't have to be mutually exclusive. Winter-crushing parkas that are also stylish do exist, if you know where to look. We scanned the vast world of puffy coats to find six brands making not-hideous parkas, starting at under $200.

These aren't fashion labels who made a down-filled jacket or two; these are actual coat brands with expertise in warmth, from fabric to design, that just happen to be killing it on the aesthetic front as well. Some of the names you'll recognize from other products (turns out Fjällräven isn't just for backpacks, and Hunter doesn't only make rainboots), while others might be brand new to you. Our list includes the 1904-founded Brooklyn workwear brand that just started making women's coats this season (hi, thanks, finally) to the start-up we've been obsessed with since their launch last year, and the collab to have an eye on.

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Spiewak

This Brooklyn, New York-based outerwear brand, which has roots in uniform workwear, launched womenswear for the first time this season. The streamlined styles marry a century of coat-making prowess with cool updates on classic styles, like the double-layered, water-resistant Aviation Cloth style pictured here.

'Hamilton' parka, $435

Rubber-touch down jacket, $385

Hunter

The brand you know and love for rubber rain boots is making a big apparel push (including at spot during the London Fashion Week shows), and turning out some great coats as a result. In the cold-weather department, there are clean, body-skimming styles like the A-line version we picked which has — gasp — a defined waist.

Mackage x Paul & Joe

There are two women's styles in the fall 2015 collab from the Canadian outerwear experts at Mackage and French fashion brand Paul and Joe. Both employ all of the winter-friendly details the coat company is known for, like angled pockets that are easy to shove your mitts into and down filling, boasting a "comfort zone" up to negative 31 degrees Fahrenheit.

'Kaley-PJ' navy down bomber coat with fur hood, $895

'Una' jacket, $350

Fjällräven

Yes, the Swedish brand you know from those little rectangular backpacks makes parkas (and snow pants!). Most of the styles are on the sportier side, but with tasteful restraint (no excessive light reflecting tape or neon drawstrings). The result is a collection of coats — and a down poncho — that would be at home on the slopes as well as city streets. Our pick, the Una jacket, fits slim but offers ample coverage. It's padded with a waterproof, windproof, yet remarkably breathable material, and has a removable hood, so you can wear it through spring.

The Arrivals

This year-old outerwear brand was founded by a former architect, which is evident in its modular approach to bundling up. Many styles have removable liners and hoods, making them versatile for a range of temperatures. On top of being functional, they have all the good design details for your inner aesthetics snob like matte black snaps and substantial, non-fussy fabrics.

'Halstrøm' modular unisex parka, $585

Stretch-down coat, $130

Uniqlo

The best budget buy comes from our friends at Japanese superstore Uniqlo (don't worry, they have a fully-functional and easy to shop US e-comm site, as well as growing network of stores along the coasts). Nearly every style comes in under $200, with options ranging from short, sporty puffers to wool-covered styles (like the one at left). Down jackets come in three flavors: down, Ultra Light down (including compact styles that fit into a small, included carrying bag), and Ultra Light Water Defender (water-resistant, as the name suggests).

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