What would I do without my trusted cosy puffer coat? I find down/puffer coats the most practical and chic coats for winter. If you live in the northern hemisphere, as I do, we tend to have to put up with cold and often wet winters. When I am heading out of the door my instinctive reaction is to reach for my puffer. I like to buy mine large enough, often choosing a size up from my normal size, so that I can wear it over a jacket and chunky sweater.
A few years ago the only puffer coats/jackets that were available tended to make us look a bit like the Michelin tyre man. Not a very chic style. However these days most puffers are lightweight and styles range from oversize (a look best worn if you are tall) to the more tailored variety.
I am wearing my dark grey puffa from Gerard Darel, that I originally bought in France. It is a classic style and many brands such as Hobbs and Nordstrom offer similar styles. The best lightweight down coats, jackets and waistcoats are available at Uniqlo. They are ideal for travel as you can squash them down and they fit into their own small bags.
I could not resist adding one of my St.Tropez scarves/shawls to give a touch of colour to my outfit. It also helps to keep my neck warm and cosy. My burgundy bag is from Jaeger similar here. My burgundy/suede ankle boots are from John Lewis & Partners.
Nordstrom has an excellent selection of puffer coats and jackets. You can also find good ones at Lands’End, John Lewis & Partners, marksandspencer. Uniqlo has practical packable ones.
Puffer coats you might like:
PS. Some of my favourite brands are already on sale:-
MeandEm – I find them great for tops and knitwear.
Hopefashionuk Sale preview. Many of their party wear is included.
Photos were taken by Laura Hines at Battersea Park.
You can follow my adventures in Paris on my Instagram.
I adore my Uniqlo jacket, both for lightweight warmth AND that wonderful little bag! Truly a winner.
I also am a Uniglo fan. I have a black short jacket with zipped front size Medium and a Burgundy jacket size Large. The latter has a versatile two way collar and poppers as fasteners. If I had my time again I would reverse the sizes! I have, thanks to your previous blogs, Josephine, been thinking of getting a longer jacket. If with zipped I’d go for a Large size if with poppers I’d buy a Medium. That’s the only “fault” with Uniglo: the sizes can be a bit hit and miss! I do find the reviews there very helpful if the buyer states bust size and garment size.
(I’ve just ordered a jade green scarf. Am I a copycat?)
Hi Marifachmary
Thank you for your comment. I would definitely recommend a longer jacket I certainly needed mine during my trip to Paris. It was very cold.
Copying is the highest form of flattery.
I’m right with you. I bought a puffer coat a few years ago because it was on sale and a great price. Did not have a need to wear it until a trip to Washington DC where the temperatures were below freezing. Layered sweaters and puffer coat and I was good to go. Of course a scarf for my neck.
Hi Sandra
I agree my cashmere/silk scarf kept my neck really warm on my trip plus my wooly hat to keep my head cosy as apparently we loose a lot of heat through our heads when it is very cold.
You manage to look very stylish in your puffa. Alas I am short and fairly wide (?!!) so probably look like a Michelin man but I don’t care, I love these coats. Comfort and warmth win every time with me. And I love that they are so lightweight and I also layer up with a Uniqlo gilet underneath at times. Joules coats and jackets are good quality too.
We are all looking forward to your scarf launch next year.
Hi Jenny
Comfort and warmth is definitely the most important. You are correct Joules do some excellent coats and jackets and wellies.
Would have loved puffers when I last lived in the UK. So much lighter to carry around when inside shops during winter . I remember the days, long ago, of the cloakrooms in the London department stores so one could shop in comfort.
Hi Angela
I too remember the days of cloakrooms in London department stores. My mother often used them. Harrods and Harvey Nichols definitely had one from memory. They were such a great idea. Shops are now so crowded these days that it would be very difficult.
I fell in love with Uniqlo when I lived in Japan… long before it came to Canada. My only complaint with their puffer jackets and coats is that the labels don’t give a temperature rating. I’m not sure if they would be warm enough for winter on the Canadian prairie (the closest Uniqlo store is in Vancouver which has a much more temperate coastal climate).
Elaine @ Following Augustine
It is -30 C.with the windchill here in Ottawa,Canada tonight.My puffer coat is a Goddess Send.Very fortunate to own one.