The puffer jacket, also known as a bubble coat and down jacket, is a perfect blend of style, warmth and versatility. This type of winter outerwear elevates your look while keeping you warm when temperatures plummet. Originating out of function rather than fashion, the puffer jacket was invented in 1936 by Eddie Bauer, who was inspired to design outerwear with quilted fabric and feather filling after experiencing hypothermia on a winter fishing trip. Since then, the puffer jacket has become a must-have for any winter wardrobe. The cozy padded jacket can reliably shield you from the winter chill and harsh winds. In the fashion world, the 90s-inspired puffer jacket is a trending streetwear staple that has been seen on fashion runways. Celebrities and supermodels have also been spotted wearing high-fashion puffers, showing that you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort when sporting this winter coat. There are many ways to make puffer jackets look stylish in cold-weather looks!
Puffer jackets have never gone out of style. Other than providing warmth and functionality, the puffer jacket can transform a mundane outfit into something bold and trendy. The world of fashion has welcomed the puffer trend as many designers have reworked the coat in a range of silhouettes and bold designs. As seen on social media and fashion runways, A-list celebrities have elevated puffer jackets by donning styles in unexpected color palettes and all sorts of aesthetics.
The puffer jacket’s distinctive design, particularly the large and voluminous silhouette, may not be for everyone, but there are many ways to style and update the look. Fashion influencers and celebrities have paved the way to style puffer jackets for everything from day-to-day to formal outfits. Below are some styling inspirations to ace the winter outerwear.
One of the most iconic looks in the 1990s was when Princess Diana wore a vibrant red puffer jacket while on holiday in Austria. She balanced the bulky silhouette and vibrant color of the coat with a muted pair of skinny jeans and added a baseball cap, resulting in an effortlessly cool look.
Puffer jackets are also a hit with rappers and singers. In the 1990s, hip-hop icons like The Notorious B.I.G popularized the coat as a street style piece. The late rapper’s signature style often included an oversized puffer jacket paired with baggy pieces and chunky necklaces. Today, rappers like Drake are long-time fans of puffer jackets. One of the Canadian entertainer’s most legendary looks was the simple tee-and-jeans combo with a shiny, cherry red puffy jacket that he wore in the Hotline Bling music video in 2016.
Who said that puffer jackets are best styled with pants only? Rihanna’s puffer jacket looks prove otherwise. The singer is known for wearing the outerwear in elegant ways, like long puffer coats with midi and maxi dresses. If you’re a maximalist like Dua Lipa, try going all out with a puffer jacket in colorful and fascinating prints. The key to styling pieces with prints is to keep everything in the look balanced, such as pairing a vibrantly patterned coat with basic pieces to let the jacket’s colors and embellishments shine.
Take styling tips from Kim Kardashian West as she’s an expert at styling a puffer jacket in fashionable monochrome looks! This is a failsafe way to incorporate the coat into an outfit while radiating chic and sophisticated vibes. If the weather isn’t too cold, try wearing a tank top or bodysuit underneath instead of a long-sleeve top. For the finishing touches, she adds sunglasses and a statement hat to the mix for a polished look.
Cropped: You can never go wrong with black! A trusty and minimal black puffer jacket is an essential outerwear piece you’ll come back to every winter. Bonus points for choosing a cropped puffer jacket design!
Textured: It’s nice to play around with different textures, and faux leather is the “it” material for fall and winter. Not only will a faux leather puffer jacket protect you against the wind, the faux leather design will instantly add a chic touch to your ensemble! If you want a softer look, reach for a cute corduroy puffer jacket styled with a high stand collar to keep your neck toasty warm.
Patterns: For those who love to stand out, choose fun and playful prints for your statement outerwear! This puffer jacket with an allover checked pattern will fashionably elevate a turtleneck-and-jeans combo while keeping you warm when the temperature drops!
Colorful Prints: Venture out of your comfort zone by sporting puffer coats in vibrant and bold colors! Opt for brightly colored puffer jacket to layer over your outfit for a look that radiates happy and positive vibes!
If you’re reluctant to join the puffer jacket trend, there are alternatives similar to puffer jackets. A puffer vest is easy to style and layer with other pieces in your wardrobe. Use it to update your usual winter outfits. The same goes for quilted jackets – the more lightweight puffer-inspired quilted jacket has a less voluminous silhouette that’s easier to style with outfits.
The popularity of the puffer trend has spread beyond outerwear and into daily accessories. There are scarves, pants, bags and phone cases in the market inspired by the puffer jacket aesthetic. It just goes to show the versatility of the puffer style. Every great outfit needs an accessory, so these puffer-inspired accessories may be worthy additions to your fall and winter OOTDs.
Practical and stylish, puffer jackets are great investments to add to your fall/winter essentials. YesStyle has a wide range of cold weather-ready puffer jackets to choose from. Whether you’re searching for a fashion-forward puffer with playful and eye-catching prints or a simple and classic design, you can find one that suits your style!
