All Puffed Up

Winter coats are one article of clothing where you don’t want function to trump fashion – but you don’t have to pick between the two when the latest look is all about the puffer jacket. With varying lengths and sizes, cool fabrics like leather and velvet, and a myriad of colours to choose from, we promise there’s a puffer for you.

If there’s one winter jacket you just must have, it’s the puffer. These big, bulky pieces of outerwear provide insulation from harsh weather like no other and since their slow but sure rise over the last few decades from a purely utilitarian garment to a chic fashion must-have, a multitude of sensational styles have been spotted on 2018/2019 runways the globe over. The humble puffer is no stranger to the catwalk either, with fashion royalty Balenciaga, Burberry, Valentino, Tom Ford and more all taking a turn to champion the jacket in recent seasons, but the puffer has undergone a street-style resurgence of late, with influencers pairing it with bumbags, leather hotpants and belts.

As always black makes for a good staple colour, but metallic-y styles in vibrant colours are all the rage this season, as is animal print and maxi-length (in fact, any length goes). Huge hoods, embellishments and fur lining/trim are also fun puffer styles in the fashion arena, and puffers of timelessly fashionable fabrics – think leather, velvet and faux suede – are equally as trendy. The asymmetrical wrap puffer with an oversized collar and bow is another version that’s caught the attention of fashion followers.

For those who love a good retro look, consider pairing a vintage puffer – throwback styles include flouncy florals, velvet and colours like 70s golden yellow – with other pieces from the past. Oversized is the way to go for a totally on-trend fashion statement – according to designers like Marques Almeida and Y Project; the bulkier the better. No complaints here – we’ll definitely be cosy this winter when we’re snuggled in a jacket that could double as a sleeping bag.