Bundle up without sacrificing style.
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If winter fashion has a main character, it's the puffer coat. But while coats are a go-to for everyday wear, vests, their less popular iteration, offer more opportunities to play with your style. With plenty of options available, from The North Face to Prada, puffer vests can be dressed up or down for a casual day of errands or a fancy dinner with friends.
Yet, being wintertime sleeveless staples, puffer vests come with their own unique set of challenges. The key to crafting a functional yet stylish look is pairing the garment with pieces that offer more coverage. A quilted puffer vest is a more lightweight design, which would complement a long-sleeve maxi dress or a pair of leather pants. A more traditional style made of nylon with a slightly oversized silhouette would suit casual pieces, from jeans to midi skirts. If you want to elevate your look, reach for a puffer vest in a cropped length or with a unique design. It adds a playfulness to your ensemble but is still functional when styled with other cozy garments, such as a turtleneck or utility jacket.
If you’re looking to transform your winter wardrobe with a puffer vest, see below for 11 outfits that master the look.
Over a Sweater Vest
Combine two types of vests to create a preppy chic look you can wear to the office and beyond. By layering an oversized puffer vest in a neutral hue over a sweater vest in a bold color, you create contrast between the garments and add extra warmth to your outfit. Complete the sophisticated ensemble with a button-down shirt and pleated skirt.
With a Mini Skirt and Tights
Pair a black puffer vest with a mini skirt and sheer tights for a classic ensemble that you can dress up or down. Further style your vest with patent leather ankle boots and a long-sleeve T-shirt for a casual daytime look. To elevate the outfit for a more formal occasion, add pointed-toe heels, a statement belt, and a printed mesh top.
Try a Bold Pattern
A puffer vest in a neutral hue will give you maximum wear throughout winter, but it doesn’t hurt to also invest in a statement piece. A vest covered in sequins or in a bold pattern (even better if it has both) will elevate the casual silhouette for a garment you can wear to a variety of occasions. To balance the eye-catching design, wear your vest as a standalone top with loose-fitting jeans and ankle boots, or opt for more coverage by layering it over a long-sleeve midi dress.
Look of the day
As a Pop of Color
Another way to liven up a puffer vest ensemble is to reach for one in a vibrant hue. It will stand out when paired with a neutral top and bottoms, especially if in a cropped length, for a balanced look that feels effortlessly cool. To tie it all together, accessorize with sunglasses or a handbag in the same color as your vest.
Over a Maxi Dress
Puffer vests aren’t only for trips to the snow or casual daytime outings. If you want to elevate your vest for a night out or dinner date, pair it with a printed long-sleeve maxi dress. Whether you reach for a medium-length or cropped vest, make sure it’s in the same color palette as your dress for a more streamlined look. Finish off the ensemble with sleek accessories, such as platform boots or kitten heels.
Make It Monochromatic
The easiest way to create a visually intriguing ensemble with a puffer vest is to stick to a monochromatic color palette. Pair a hooded puffer vest with ankle boots and a turtleneck dress (or warm separates) in the same hue for a chic yet bold ensemble. To add more contrast to the look, choose accessories in a complementary hue, similar to the white belt above, that will break up the stream of color for a well-balanced outfit.
Over a Turtleneck
A puffer vest and basic turtleneck go hand in hand for a winter-friendly outfit. A turtleneck in a neutral color will give you more coverage and ground your ensemble, leaving you room to take a risk with your puffer vest. Opt for a vest in a fun color and pair it with a printed skirt for an eye-catching yet polished look.
With Cargo Pants
If you’re drawn to an edgier look, opt for an oversized puffer vest in a quilted pattern. It’s not as bulky as a traditional puffer vest and will complement a pair of cargo pants in a baggy or slim fit. The key to mastering this look is tucking your cargo pants into lug sole boots, but if you prefer a lightweight shoe, opt for platform sneakers or sleek booties.
Look of the day
With Wide-Leg Pants
For a more sophisticated ensemble, reach for a white puffer vest with no collar. The minimalist design will complement chic separates, such as wide-leg trousers and a ribbed long-sleeve top, for a look you can easily transform from day to night. Add ankle boots and stacked jewelry to dress up the look before heading out for the night.
Layer Outerwear
Sometimes one piece of outerwear just isn’t enough in the wintertime. For those especially chilly days, consider layering an oversized puffer vest over another jacket. A traditional blazer and trousers combo is a foolproof outfit for most occasions, but if you’re searching for an edgier combo, opt for a utility jacket and maxi skirt. Bonus points if you choose a vest in a vibrant color when wearing a neutral ensemble for an added sense of playfulness.
With Leather Pants and a Sweater
Winter is the perfect time to mix textures for a look that feels bold and stylish. Try styling a wrap puffer vest with a knit sweater and leather pants. The leather pants, in any hue, will add a sultry twist to the look while the knit sweater offers a more classic silhouette. Lace-up boots will make for an ultra-cool finish, but ballet flats or sneakers would also seamlessly pull the look together.