Puffer jacket outfits: How to style this season’s cosiest outerwear
These foolproof puffer jacket outfits will keep you warm without sacrificing on style
Puffer jacket outfits are easier to put together than you might think. Despite this outerwear style being on the slightly bulkier style, you can make them look stylish and chic with just a few simple proportion balancing techniques, meaning they'll work with everything from jeans to dresses.
If you want to invest in one of the best winter coats that’s seriously snug, a puffer or quilted style is a great option. Cosying into one of the best puffer jackets is the next best thing to hauling your duvet off of your bed, making them a joy to wear. Of course, they're endlessly stylish too.
The type you choose will likely depend on both your budget and whether you wear any animal products. Puffer coats filled with down and feathers tend to be more expensive, while those that use synthetic filling are more budget-friendly. But the range of styles on offer from high-end and high street brands, from floor-skimming styles to sleeveless gilet versions, means you can easily start putting together puffer jacket outfits you'll love.
Puffer jacket outfits: 6 ways to wear this season’s must-have coat
Putting together puffer jacket outfits is easy when you know how. One of this season's hottest trends, the puffer jacket combines practicality and style for an instantly directional look. Sometimes tricky to wear thanks to its fuller shape, it's all about balancing out proportions. Take inspiration from the street stylers with six ways to wear…
1. How to wear puffer jackets with jeans
The thing we love most about jeans is how versatile they are. The best jeans go with absolutely everything (and are great as part of puffer jacket outfits) which makes them a wardrobe essential. If you’re wearing a puffer jacket, in all likelihood you're keeping it for more casual outfits, so keep your jeans mid-blue or lighter, as the paler the wash, the more laid-back your denim will feel. A straight or skinny jean is great with an oversized or longline puffer, but if you’re opting for wide-leg pair or want to learn how to style flared jeans, choose a shorter puffer jacket instead.
A styling tip… Puffers don’t have to be plain. Fuzzy shearling fabric makes for an extra cosy choice.
RRP: £375 | One of the cosiest puffer coats of the season, this down and fuzzy shearling coat will keep you warm no matter the weather. We love the flattering elasticated waist that will add some shape to this oversized fit.
2. How to wear puffer jackets with leggings
When it comes to leggings outfits, puffer jackets and leggings slot together like pieces of a puzzle. Both are fashionable, sure, but first and foremost, they’re both practical items of clothing. A puffer jacket will keep you cosy and dry, while the best leggings will ensure top-notch comfort without contending with stiff fabrics or digging-in waistbands. For a more sporty feel, choose workout leggings with plenty of lycra. They could be plain black, navy, or boast a graphic pattern. Faux leather leggings will elevate your look further, adding a luxe texture to the mix. Or, for a middle ground, trusty black cotton leggings make for a failsafe layering piece.
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A styling tip… When it comes to what shoes to wear with leggings and a puffer jacket, the best knee-high boots and leggings work really well together.
RRP: £248 | The name of this jacket alone is enough to make you feel instantly warmer. Packed with practical details such as zipped pockets and a hidden phone sleeve, this cobalt blue Wunder Puff is also wind-resistant and water-repellent.
RRP: £27 | A good sweatshirt is trickier to find than you might think. This ticks all our boxes, with a relaxed cut - thanks to the drop shoulders and slightly oversized fit. Available in a wide range of colours, you can nail 'what colour suits me' with ease.
RRP: £26 | With a stylish ribbed design as well as a fleecy lining, these are some of the warmest leggings on the market. Ideal for layering under dresses for extra insulation or wearing with an oversized tee for a sporty vibe, they are a wardrobe hero.
3. How to wear puffer jackets with a dress
When putting together puffer jacket outfits, unexpected styling combinations are always the best, which is why we love the high-low mix of wearing a dress with a puffer jacket. The best jumper dresses are the obvious choice here, in either midi or mini length, and they're best teamed with chunky sole boots. Feminine, floral frocks still have a place too, and the sporty feel of a puffer will help to make these traditionally more spring-like pieces feel winter-appropriate. Or, you could choose a form-fitting slip dress for layering beneath your puffer for a real contrast of fabrics and cuts.
A styling tip…
This is one where you really want to think about proportions. For fuller-skirted dresses, opt for cropped puffer jacket silhouettes to help ensure your waistline isn't lost. More streamlined dress shapes can take longer puffer coats, worn open you create a central column that elongates your silhouette.
RRP: £140 | For a more fashion-forward and less practical puffer look, a quilted style ticks every box. This herringbone style comes complete with oversized pockets and colourful poppers at the bottom, making it versatile and eye-catching.
RRP: £55.99 | Don't let your best midi dresses stay in your wardrobe until summer - layer them with a cosy puffer and some tights and you're set. This floral number isn't too seasonal, so can be worn year-round with the right layers.
RRP: £165 | The best Chelsea boots will never go out of style, and they are ideal for giving floaty dresses a cool edge. This leather pair will stand the test of time and give a little bit of extra height in a comfortable way.
4. How to wear puffer jackets for work
In an ideal world, our work outfits would be finished off with one of the best wool coats, but wet and windy weather doesn’t always make that tailored and tactile look the most sensible choice. The key to making your puffer jacket outfits office-appropriate is to coordinate the shade of your puffer jacket with the rest of your look so it feels like a natural extension. Think a mink-hued puffer coat with a beige sweater and biscuit-toned trousers, or a graphic black and purple midi with a black puffer. A puffer without a hood can be a smart option for the office (just don't forget your umbrella) while a style that ties at the waist will bring structure to your silhouette, helping to nip you in at the waist.
A styling tip… It’s always better to miss the mark on the dress code than turn up to work soggy and bedraggled.
RRP: £319 | Reiss coats are often thought of as being wool and tailored, but the British clothing brand has also nailed more functional pieces too. The sandy shade makes this design feel instantly more chic and less sporty.
RRP: £75 | Finding the best shirt is all in the details, and this earns top marks for the perfectly oversized shape. Made from breathable cotton, it can be layered with a chunky knit and your puffer of choice throughout winter.
5. How to wear puffer jackets for evening
A puffer jacket might not feel like the obvious layering choice for evening, but it does have the benefit of making your outfit feel more casual as you get from A to B. Not to mention, you’ll be grateful for that extra warmth when you’re waiting for your taxi home. To keep it looking deliberate, (and not as if you just grabbed the first coat you saw on the rack as you left) stick to darker shades of black and khaki. A pale sage green or icy blue could work too if the rest of your outfit is very dark, but ideally, it’ll have a high-shine finish or gold hardware for a premium touch.
A styling tip… Aim for a coat that’s the same length as, or shorter than, your dress. If you’re wearing tights, you could go longer.
RRP: £134.99 | The plush velvet fabric makes this puffer jacket a cut above the rest, balancing style and practicality. The padding is super thick, for extra warmth, while the cropped shape is perfect for wearing with trousers and skirts.
RRP: £18.99 | If jeans and a nice top are your party combination of choice, then you'll love this. With the comfort of a t-shirt but some added glitz and glamour, this is a top you'll turn to for every special occasion.
RRP: £35 | Not keen on skin-tight trousers? This slightly looser option could be the pair for you. When it comes to how to style leather pants, these have the perfect high-waisted shape to tuck baggier tops into.
6. How to wear puffer jackets for the weekend
Don’t let a disappointing forecast put a dampener on your weekend puffer jacket outfits. With a puffer in tow, you can still make the most of getting out and about without compromising on style. A printed or patterned puffer is a brilliant way to liven up even the most laid-back of looks and earns extra style brownie points over a block colour. Also, if you can’t have a little fun with fashion at the weekend, then when can you? That being said, a plain puffer is a more savvy, long-term investment that can be worn over over more shades and pieces in your capsule wardrobe. Whether you’re wearing a pretty dress or donning a tracksuit, the puffer has got you covered.
A styling tip… Keep the rest of your layers light to avoid adding too much bulk.
RRP: £169 | There's no going wrong with leopard print, so if you want to try out a more statement puffer, this is the way to go. With a warm collar and shorter cut, it has a fashion-forward feel that will liven up any weekend ensemble.
RRP: £29 | Nothing is more reliable than a good black tee, and this scoop neck shape is flattering too. The ideal length to tuck into any bottoms, it is comfortable with a put-together feel that will suit any weekend occasion and nail brunch outfit ideas.
RRP: £45 | The extra soft material makes these some of the best joggers for lounging around in. Keep the look relaxed with the matching hoodie and some trainers, or team with an oversized cashmere knit for a coffee date.
How do you make a puffer look stylish?
"People often panic that puffer jackets can be overwhelming and struggle with how to style them, but it's all in the proportions," says our fashion editor Rivkie Baum. "While some puffers are heavily padded, there are plenty more streamlined and tailored options, including those with belts that still highlight your curves whilst giving you the added warmth a puffer jacket provides."
When it comes to styling, "make sure to balance your silhouette, so if you are wearing a bulkier puffer, keep your bottom half streamlined with either straight or skinny jeans, or a fitted skirt that highlights your shape," she says.
What goes well with puffer jackets?
If you stick to a neutral hue, almost anything can go with a puffer jacket. But there are a few things in particular that look best with the boxier silhouette.
"Slim-fitting clothes such as leggings or ribbed turtlenecks, for example, pair well with puffer jackets," says Yenia Hernández Fonseca, Stylist, Luxury Fashion Expert & Contributor to Margo Paige. "Balance the heavy top portion of the look with a chunky shoe, such as vintage-inspired trainers, or break the volume with a contrasting boot, like a point or almond-toe style."
Can you dress up a puffer jacket?
One of the most versatile types of coats, a puffer can be made to look more polished in several ways. However, not all puffers are created equal, and some boast more high-end details than others. It’s the little things that make the biggest difference, like zips over poppers, deep pockets rather than patch ones, and silver or gold hardware over plastic detailing. You can also look for belted designs or luxe details like a faux fur collar to give added polish.
Mostly, it's about what you wear under your puffer jacket. As we’ve already established, puffer jackets can be worn over dresses, even for evening or work. Just keep the colours coordinated (black is always the chicest choice) and don’t go too oversized. If a tracksuit isn’t your bag, but you still want to feel relaxed, choose a pair of plain black lycra leggings, a high-neck striped jumper, black leather knee-high boots, and a crossbody bag for a polished but relaxed finish.
Our experts:
With over fifteen years' experience, Rivkie is an accomplished fashion editor, writer and stylist. Covering international fashion weeks, and styling photoshoots all over the world, Rivkie loves translating the trends in an accessible way to make fashion available for all budgets.
Yenia is a writer, stylist, and visual presentation designer with over ten years of experience in the luxury fashion industry working with globally recognized designers, high-end specialty stores, and premium service companies. She's also the founder of @RockFashionHistory, a fashion studies Instagram account that explores the relationship between fashion and identity in rock & roll culture.
Jess Beech is an experienced fashion and beauty editor, with more than eight years experience in the publishing industry. She has written for woman&home, GoodtoKnow, Now, Woman, Woman’s Weekly, Woman’s Own and Chat, and is a former Deputy Fashion & Beauty Editor at Future PLC. A beauty obsessive, Jess has tried everything from cryotherapy to chemical peels (minus the Samantha in Sex and The City-worthy redness) and interviewed experts including Jo Malone and Trinny Woodall.
- Amelia YeomansSenior writer
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