How to Style a Puffer Jacket

Puffer jackets are a must-have wardrobe item if you live in colder climates, but they can sometimes be difficult to style due to their puffy shape. However, it’s totally possible to put together a fashionable look featuring a puffer jacket with just a little bit of planning. If you want to look good while staying warm this winter, here are nine tips to help you style puffer jackets and vests.

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   Choose the right puffer jacket.

Different puffer jackets need to be styled differently, so take that into account when planning your outfit around your puffer jacket. For instance, a short puffer jacket that is cropped at the waist creates a totally different look from a long puffer coat that hits at the mid-thigh and belts at the waist. If you have multiple puffer jackets, you can select whichever one fits your mood — but if you only have one, then use it as the foundation to dictate the rest of your look.

2. Coordinate a monochrome look.

A monochrome look is an easy way to look coordinated without spending hours choosing an outfit. You can select shades of the same color, or choose hues that are adjacent on the color wheel if you want a little more variety. We also love an outfit pulled together solely from neutral shades, such as white, black, and brown. If you want to inject a little bit of color without going overboard, make your clothes and puffer jacket monochrome, and then select accessories in brighter hues.

3. Experiment with bright colors.

While we do love a good neutral look, we totally get the impulse to experiment with brighter colors during the gray days of winter. If you have a bright-colored puffer jacket, that will take care of adding the color for you. If your puffer jacket is more neutral, then don’t be afraid to choose other clothes in bold colors such as red, blue, green, pink, and orange to make yourself stand out on bleak winter days.

4. Play around with texture.

Color isn’t the only element worth shaking up. Incorporating different textures into your puffer jacket outfit will add visual interest and turn your look into a fashion statement. Most puffer vests are made of a similar polyester fabric with a shiny finish, but you can find puffer jackets made out of other fabrics — such as faux leather or sherpa — to add some variety to your winter wardrobe. Even if you have a traditional puffer jacket, you can still add visual interest to your outfit by choosing other garments and accessories that incorporate different textures.

5. Mix up your silhouettes.

You’ve probably heard the logic that you should pair a looser top with some more tailored bottoms to prevent your frame from being totally overwhelmed with fabric, and this same logic applies to puffer jackets as well. If you have an oversized puffer jacket, it will look best with some fitted pants or a skirt that hugs your lower body. On the flip side, if you have a slimmer puffer jacket with a belt, you can get away with some wide-legged bottoms or a flowy skirt that takes up a little more volume.

6. Pair it with a skirt or dress.

If you’re headed to a nicer event but it’s cold enough that you need to wear a puffer jacket, we recommend pairing it with a skirt or a dress. We especially love a cropped puffer jacket over a shorter dress or shirt that hugs your legs so the silhouette balances out. If you want to show off a little leg without freezing, choose a slightly shorter skirt and wear knee-high boots with tights for a classy yet sexy look that is still appropriate for colder weather.

7. Get cozy with knitwear.

The awesome thing about knitwear is that it can be dressed up or down as the occasion requires. A cashmere sweater is perfect for the office, while a chunky knit cardigan works for a casual weekend brunch. Pair the knit top with slacks, jeans, or even some knitwear pants if you want to be extra cozy, and then throw an open puffer jacket over it to complete the look. You’ll be warm, stylish, and comfortable all at once.

8. Throw it over a sweatshirt or jogger sweatpants.

If you’re looking for a more casual look for a cold weekend, we love to see a puffer jacket paired with either a hoodie or some jogger sweatpants. For the hoodie, we recommend pairing it with leggings, a beanie and boots for a complete outfit. If the sweatshirt has a graphic on the front, wear the puffer jacket open to show it off. For the jogger sweatpants, we love to see them paired with a tight tank top or even a crop top or sports bra — if it’s not too cold — for the ultimate athleisure vibes.

9. Accessorize your outfit.

Accessories really do make the outfit, and this is especially true for jackets, which may be zipped up to cover most of your clothing underneath. Even if you’re completely bundled up in your puffer jacket, people will still be able to see your purse, shoes, mittens, and hat, so put some extra thought into choosing these accessories. If you want to give your puffer jacket a little extra shape, zip it up and then throw a belt over it to create a snatched waist without sacrificing warmth.

What are your favorite ways to wear a puffer jacket? Do you have a go-to style you always wear on cold days? Let us know in the comments below!

Check out: 7 Must-have Aldo Accessories for your Wardrobe