7 Easy Ways to Style a Puffer Coat This Winter

The humble puffer coat has come a long way since its original outdoor sports iterations. Designers, editors and influencers will all agree that we're very much in the era of the fashionable puffer coat. And last year has seen this item of clothing gain even more popularity.

But, as these jackets tend to cover us completely (especially if you have one of those head-to-toe versions), they can leave you feeling like it's pointless to wear anything exciting underneath. I'm here to tell you that that's actually not the case. I had a look at how some of my favourite Instagrammers have been wearing theirs and found some genuinely fun and exciting winter outfits that will make you love wearing your duvet coat on repeat. 

There's the classic longline puffer, which looks great with jeans and midi dresses. Or cropped styles that we love to pair with another of our favourite wardrobe staple: leggings. Fashion girls also have belted styles on their radar right now, as well as colourful iterations that help lift an otherwise monochrome look.

If your interest is piqued, or like me, you're just a puffer enthusiast and after some fresh ways to look cosy and chic this winter, keep scrolling to see seven of the best puffer-jacket looks and all the pieces you might need to recreate them.

1. Black Puffer + Knitted Dress

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(Image credit: @claudia_berresford)

Style Notes: Knitted dress + a maxi puffer coat = a dream winter look. Claudia's mix of textures and tones makes her cosy yet chic outfit look so elevated. Add chunky boots or knee-highs depending on where you're off to.

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2. Colourful Puffer + Black Separates

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(Image credit: @alexisforeman)

Style Notes: If you're looking for a fun version of a puffer coat, opt for a brightly coloured style such as Alexis Foreman's yellow one. Wear all black underneath for a really contrasting look. 

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3. Belted Puffer + Black Jeans + Heeled Boots

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(Image credit: @trustmebuythis)

Style Notes: A puffer isn't just a weekend staple. Dress it up for mid-week with classic black jeans and heeled ankle boots. A belted version of the cosy coat will add extra polish, too.

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4. Mid-Length Puffer + Leggings + Tall Boots

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(Image credit: @hannahlewisstylist)

Style Notes: Ah, leggings. One of the most versatile items in anyone's wardrobe. I love how Hannah has crafted the ideal cold weather look by pairing hers with boots that come up higher up on the leg and a chocolate brown puffer. Note that incredible Chanel bag, too.

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5. Oversized Puffer + Blue Jeans + Flat Boots

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(Image credit: @monikh)

Style Notes: The easiest of outfits, by far, is wearing a pair of blue jeans and track-sole boots underneath an oversize version. 

6. Brown, Belted Puffer + Leather Trousers

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(Image credit: @francescasaffari)

Style Notes: I love this leather trouser look. Francesca has paired her stylish belted puffer with straight-leg leathers, heeled ankle boots and a cable knit jumper before finishing it off with a sleek crossbody bag. Simple, yet so effective, and made up with some of my favourite wardrobe staples no less.

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7. Cropped Puffer + Tailored Trousers

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(Image credit: @annabelrosendahl)

Style Notes: Puffers don't have to be knee-length or long. Cropped is much cooler and looks great with wide-leg, tailored trousers as Annabel proves.

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

Next Up: This High-Street Store Is Known for Doing the Very Best Coats

Poppy Nash
Managing Editor

Poppy joined the Who What Wear UK team as managing editor in 2022. After graduating from university with a degree in English literature, she worked for a number of print and digital publications, including Women's Health, The Times, Hello! and Marie Claire. In these roles she assisted the fashion teams with print content as well as digital shopping features, shoots and celebrity news.

Prior to Who What Wear, Poppy worked at SheerLuxe as the commercial content manager. There she oversaw all paid-for site content and inclusions, managed the visual assets and briefs for branded content, and ensured all content—whether editorial or commercial—was in line with overall brand guidelines and tone. She also supported the editorial team by looking after visual merchandising on site and reviewing the brand’s daily newsletters.

As WWW UK’s managing editor, Poppy spends most of her time looking after the content calendar and all output across the brand, in addition to working with contributors, supporting with social media planning, assisting with branded content and contributing to brand strategy. Poppy prides herself on being organised, and a keen eye for detail means she oversees the production of tentpole moments such as Who What Wear’s quarterly celebrity covers, the Wedding Issue, team shoots, events, industry-facing moments, gift guides and more. In addition to this, Poppy ensures processes across the brand are efficient and effective, and is always on the lookout for ways the team can work smarter, not harder! As someone who works behind the scenes (Poppy loves a spreadsheet!), you won’t find many articles by Poppy on site, but when you do there’s no doubt they will either be focused on dresses, handbags or classic high-street buys. Or better yet, all three!

Born and raised in London, Poppy is a true city girl. When she's not thinking about clothes (or raiding her mum’s wardrobe), Poppy fills her time walking along the river with her 11-year-old labradoodle, getting stuck in a good book and enjoying as many of the city’s amazing restaurants and bars as her purse will allow! Her favourite London spots are Caravel for dinner, the Ham Yard Hotel for a fancy pre-theatre drink, Daunt Books for a new read, 26Grains for breakfast and Coal Drop's Yard for a spot of shopping.