Sorry to the Puffer Coat I Once Lived in—This Chicer Alternative Is Already Taking Over and Will Peak in 2025

woman wearing tailored coat

(Image credit: @_sierramayhew)

For years, my puffer coat was my ride-or-die winter essential—practical, cozy, and always there when I needed it. But like an old flame outshined by a dazzling new crush, it’s time to admit that puffers are losing their grip on the spotlight. Enter the sleek, sophisticated coat that’s redefining how we do winter fashion. It's just as functional but oozes a polished elegance that my puffer simply can’t compete with.

2025's chicer alternative is popping up everywhere, from street style icons to the most buzz-worthy designer collections, and all signs point to it continuing to dominate this year. If you want to stay ahead of the trend curve and feel like your most stylish self this winter, you’re going to want to make the switch. Trust me—your old puffer will understand.

This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.     

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Sierra Mayhew
Fashion Editor

Sierra Mayhew is a fashion editor at Who What Wear, bringing a decade of industry experience to the editorial team. Since joining in 2021, she has made her mark by blending luxury and accessible fashion, decoding runway trends, and curating must-have shopping lists. Before joining Who What Wear, Sierra sharpened her skills at Harper's Bazaar and Elle, with bylines in Bazaar.com and collaborated with iconic brands such as Gucci and Ferragamo. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Sierra translates editorial expertise into viral social content, making fashion engaging for a new generation. Her unique perspective is rooted in her love for travel, music, and discovering the hidden gems that make New York City a constant source of inspiration.