How to Make Puffy Jackets Look Not So Puffy

Puffy jackets can be worn for skiing or simply for running around town.

Dressing for the weather means dressing to keep warm when temperatures dip down low. Puffy jackets, those that are quilted and lined with insulation such as down, can keep you warm and comfy during winter weather. Though the jackets are puffy, you can help keep yourself looking slim by choosing the right clothes and puffy jacket to ensure a comfortable and flattering look.

Things You'll Need

• Belt
• Dark pants (slim jeans or leggings)

Instructions

1. Choose a well fitting puffy coat to start. Make sure the coat is made of high-quality material, both inside and out. Opt for a down-filled coat and select a high-quality nylon exterior. The coat should be in a dark color, such as gray or black, to help keep the look slimming. Select a coat that falls just to the waist or the top of the hip. Steer clear of puffy coats that fall below the hips or to the knee unless you are naturally slim, as the puffy jacket will visually add bulk to the entire length of your body.

2. Cinch the puffy jacket with a coordinating belt. Use a thicker belt to cinch a larger portion of the waist to create an hourglass shape. Make sure to have the coat zipped the whole way up when cinching. This look works best in colder weather.

3. Wear the puffy jacket open if the temperature permits. Wear slimming jeans, such as straight leg or boot cut, or leggings to create a slimming effect on your bottom half. Wear a tighter fitting and sheer top under the puffy jacket to avoid adding extra bulk.

4. Choose dark colored pants, tights, shoes and boots to help maintain a slim silhouette while wearing a puffy jacket. Try a monochromatic look such as black boots, black leggings, a black form-fitting shirt under a black or gray puffy jacket to achieve a pulled together and slimming look.

Tips & Warnings

• Wash the puffy jacket according to the manufacturers stated instructions. Hang the jacket to dry and skip fluffing down feathers in a dryer to help keep the jacket less bulky. When you air dry or fluff the jacket in a clothes dryer, the puffy jacket puffs up even more.

• Do not attempt to remove down feathers or material from inside of the jacket to make the puffy jacket less puffy. Consider buying a better fitting jacket or a different type of coat if you feel uncomfortable in a puffy jacket or are unable to dress around the bulky style.

References

• Good Housekeeping magazine: Top Coats: Outerwear That Flatters
• Good Housekeeping magazine: How to Shop and Dress Slimmer