Few items keep you as toasty during the winter months as a puffer coat and this season, expect to see the sporty style pretty much everywhere. But while an inflated-looking outerwear pick protects you from the elements, it can make you feel kind of like a holiday parade float. Snuggly? Yes. Sexy? Not so much.
So, what’s the secret to keeping it chic while staying practical (and warm) in your puffy piece? It’s all in the styling, of course. And, as per usual, the fashion insider set has an abundance of outerwear inspiration to offer. Street style’s MVPs have been rocking the cold-weather staple in a non-ski slope sort of way for at least two seasons now.
The general styling consensus among the fashion crowd appears to be that a sporty/feminine mash-up is the way to go when it comes to successfully rocking a puffer coat. Balancing it with items like high boots, vinyl pencil skirts, floral frocks and sleek pumps give the puffer a decidedly sophisticated spin — and the fashion cred it never had previously. The idea is to treat it like you would any winter coat and style it accordingly. Over sequins? For sure. Color coordinating with your accessories? Absolutely. (Bonus points if you let it slip off one or both shoulders — if it’s warm enough, that is.) Joining the ranks of the sweatshirt and sneaker before it, the puffer coat has officially morphed into a fashion item.
Armed with these cold-weather styling hacks, you’re about to master the challenge of looking cute when it’s freezing out. Just click through the slideshow for 13 ways to fashion up your puffer coat like a street style star.
[ Next: 45 Winter Coats to Fall in Love with Right Now ]
Here's How to Make a Puffer Look Cool as per the Street Style Crowd
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Here's How to Make a Puffer Look Cool as per the Street Style Crowd #1
Go tonal and make your puffy jacket an integral part of your color palette, like this masterful pink-on-pink execution.
Image: Imaxtree
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Here's How to Make a Puffer Look Cool as per the Street Style Crowd #2
Give a sophisticated maxi and boots combo a cool-girl spin by adding a pop of color puffer.
Image: Imaxtree
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Here's How to Make a Puffer Look Cool as per the Street Style Crowd #3
Sub out your classic cropped moto or tweed for a winterized version with volume.
Image: Imaxtree
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Here's How to Make a Puffer Look Cool as per the Street Style Crowd #4
Do the monochromatic thing, then break it up with denim.
Image: Imaxtree
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Here's How to Make a Puffer Look Cool as per the Street Style Crowd #5
Leather, vinyl and lace get a just-right dose of the sporty treatment when you add active-inspired outerwear.
Image: Imaxtree
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Here's How to Make a Puffer Look Cool as per the Street Style Crowd #6
Play with proportion by pairing a voluminous upper half with cropped denim and heels.
Image: Imaxtree
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Here's How to Make a Puffer Look Cool as per the Street Style Crowd #7
An earth-toned quilted option adds an unexpected edge to a floral maxi while playing well with the overall vibe.
Image: Imaxtree
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Here's How to Make a Puffer Look Cool as per the Street Style Crowd #8
Work a streetwear-inspired take on ladylike by mixing pearls and bows with shiny nylon and edgy ankle boots.
Image: Imaxtree
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Here's How to Make a Puffer Look Cool as per the Street Style Crowd #9
A leather puffer coat? Hell, yes. Stick to a neutral palette and add pops of red to keep it all elevated.
Image: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
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Here's How to Make a Puffer Look Cool as per the Street Style Crowd #10
Go sleek and color coordinated from head to toe, then add volume up top for a cool-girl spin.
Image: Christian Vierig/Getty Images
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Here's How to Make a Puffer Look Cool as per the Street Style Crowd #11
Mix your shimmer and shine, then balance it out with a classic white button-down.
Image: Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images
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Here's How to Make a Puffer Look Cool as per the Street Style Crowd #12
Supersize your tailored style with an oversized belt, platforms and a voluminous coat.
Image: Christian Vierig/Getty Images
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Here's How to Make a Puffer Look Cool as per the Street Style Crowd #13
Pump up basic black with camo print and embellished footwear.
Image: Melodie Jeng/Getty Images
