If you’ve been anywhere on the East Coast in the last month– or the last week– you know that a wool cocoon coat just ain’t cutting it anymore. When you have constant hat hair and are wearing stockings under your jeans everyday, you need to call in reinforcements. Though a puffer coat usually screams “ski slopes” rather than “street style,” our formulas for the cold-weather staple are simple, chic and oh-so-toasty.
All Black Everything
For the coldest nights when you just have to hit the club, do as the Parisians do and wear all black, a la French Vogue Editor-In-Chief Emmanuelle Alt. To balance the volume of the coat, keep the rest of the look body-conscious and pair black skinny jeans with a pointy ankle boot. Our friends at The Fashion Squad perfectly execute this look, which revolves around a basic black puffer. Gap’s fur-trimmed belted option trims the waist, while Urban Outfitters’ vegan leather coat has a luxe, urban edge.
Mix & Match
For fighting the wind on your morning commute or walking to afternoon tea at The Plaza on frigid afternoon, this look is all about feminine utility. Rachel Bilson’s head-to-toe Burberry outfit is a perfect example of ladylike warmth—the key is to make sure your dress and coat share a similar silhouette and length. For Rachel’s nipped-at-the-waist look, team a classic A-line coat, like Tahari’s regal Emily puffer (we love the bracelet sleeves) with a tweed sheath dress and finish with on-trend accessories. A chain link crossbody bag and sturdy knee-high boot keep the ensemble from looking too stuffy.
Get Sporty
Unfortunately, you still have to work out when it’s cold, but the perfect bomber puffer should get your butt in gear to hit the gym. Victoria’s Secret’s sweater puffer jacket is a hybrid of fleece and down, perfect for keeping warm after a run, and the hot pink color is the ideal antidote to winter’s moody hues. Alpha Industries’ liner is a bit more masculine, but acts as a great layering piece for a winter hike or snowshoe. Combing fashion and warmth, Bogner’s black and white puffer is a total splurge, but the jacket’s reversible feature offers two cutting-edge jackets for the price of one.
