Look Cozy and Cute With These 6 Style Panel-Approved Tips for Wearing a Puffer

The air is crisp and there’s no denying that winter is here. For those of us wishing for a white Christmas we may be in luck. While snow covered streets create the perfect winter wonderland (and Instagram shot), navigating the fashion landscape and balancing between frosty and fashionable is a bit of a challenge. We’ve asked our style panel for their top tips on how to style a puffer in a way that looks anything but Michelin Man.

Challenge #174: How do you style a puffer?

Kira Paran, 29 Edmonton | Northern Style Exposure

For a laid back look with a puffer vest I love to mix texture and pattern. I try to keep my look tonal with different patterns on each layer. Don’t be afraid to mix prints, it’s an easy way to add dimension to a look.

Kira is wearing: Vest, shirt, and scarf, J.Crew.

Teresa Yoo, 25 Toronto | What T Loves

Puffer jackets are often associated with casual styling. To boost the level of fashion in this practical piece I went for a leopard print puffer paired with a clean and modern sweater dress. This look proves that functional can be fashionable.

Teresa is wearing: Jacket, Zara; Dress, Uniqlo; Boots, Ego Official; Hat, Zara.

Kayla Short, 29Halifax | Short Presents

To embrace my puffer and get through the cold Canadian winter I add fun accessories like this double pom pom hat and these patent leather Chelsea ankle boots. Bold and playful accessories take this look to the next level.

Kayla is wearing: Jacket, MEC; Boots, Rockport; Jeans, Joe Fresh; Hat, Sirens; Sunglasses, Celine at Smartbuy Glasses.

Liat Neuman, 39 Toronto | YomanChic

Living in a city where the weather can be extremely cold,  it’s necessary to find a creative way to survive the freezing climate. A duvet coat or a cozy puffer is a oversized statement item that can be tricky to wear. To avoid looking sloppy, I chose a cropped fit in sleek, pink satin. The soft, unexpected hue helps give it a more polished look.

Liat is wearing: Coat, Topshop; Necklace and Bracelet, Topaz Jewelry Canada; Pants, Topshop; Shoes, Aldo.

Laura Mitbrodt, 31 Victoria | Laura Jane Atelier

I choose this tweed vest from Old Navy because it looks more sophisticated and dressy compared to your typical down-filled vest. I’m wearing it with the mustard-coloured sweater and plaid scarf to add a pop of colour and texture with the extra layers. My black distressed skinny jeans give the whole look a more edgy and urban aesthetic.

Laura is wearing: Vest, sweater and jeans, Old Navy.

Katie Rose Decoeli, 29 Halifax | Wild Rosebuds

As a busy mom, my puffer jacket is my go-to. A short version can literally take you from the gym in your workout clothes, to meetings if you wear it with a great pair of leather leggings and a more formal sweater or shirt. My favourite way to pair it is with a longer layer underneath and a great skinny jean or legging. It’s a versatile piece that works all winter long.

Katie is wearing: Jeans, American Eagle Outfitters; Jacket and sweater, Joe Fresh; Boots, Kodiak at Union Jack Boots.