How to avoid buying the wrong quilted puffer coat

I'm originally a Cali girl, but I lived in NY for some time before moving to the D.C metro area . You can get through winter just fine without a puffer coat in Cali. It is not the same if you live in the N.E (U.S).  Here, everyone needs a puffer coat -- the #1 winter essential.  Because it is such an important piece of clothing that you'll be wearing for 3-4 months, why not take the time to buy one that not only keeps you warm but also looks good on you ? You can achieve comfort and style, even with a puffer coat! A great looking and fitting coat can get you through several winters, so let's avoid becoming a victim of bad fashion.

Tip #1: Avoid overly shinny fabrics

Why: Nylon and certain silky materials give a low-quality (cheap) appearance, makes a puffy coat look greasy and not so delish.

Recommendation:

Kenneth Cole Reaction Coat, Hooded Faux-Fur-Trim Quilted Puffer

 
Moncler 'Lans' Lightweight Down Jacket (click image to buy)


The North Face 'Keats Down Delux' Faux Fur Trim Jacket X-Large
(click image to buy)

Vince Camuto Cable Knit Trim Belted Down & Feather Coat (click image to buy)

Tip #2: Avoid busy-looking patch-work

Why: Getting quilted in the right places with easy-on-the-eye patterns is key to stellar puffer coats. 

Recommendation:

Laundry by Shelli Segal Hooded Quilted Packable Puffer Coat with Tote

 
  The North Face  'Thunder' Down Jacket (click image to buy)


 The North Face  'Parkina' Belted Down Jacket
(click image to buy)


 The North Face  'Aconcagua' Down Jacket
(click image to buy)



MONCLER 'Dali' padded jacket
(click image to buy)



MONCLER 'Fluette' jacket
(click image to buy)

The North Face Transit Jacket
(click image to buy)

Tip #3: Avoid strange color combinations

Why: Unless it's done tastefully, the wrong color combos can turn an amazing coat into its inferior. 

Recommendation:

 Burberry Brit  'Hartleigh' Quilted Plaid Goose Down Jacket
(click image to buy)




MONCLER  long padded jacket (click image to buy)


MONCLER  padded jacket 
(click image to buy)


MONCLER GAMME ROUGE padded fur print coat
(click image to buy)


Moncler padded coat 
(click image to buy)


MONCLER GAMME ROUGE animal print padded coat (click image to buy)


MONCLER M BY MARY KATRANTZOU floral padded coat
(click image to buy)

 
MONCLER S printed padded coat
(click image to buy)


MONCLER M BY MARY KATRANTZOU 'Lora' padded coat
(click image to buy)

Tip #4: Find the perfect-shaped coat for your height and shape

Why: Proportion is everything! Don't make the mistakes below! Avoid excess volume in all the wrong areas.

Recommendation:

 
MONCLER 'Hiroko' jacket
(click image to buy)

The North Face Brooklyn Jacket
(click image to buy)

 Burberry Brit 'Roosby' Goose Down Jacket
(click image to buy)


MONCLER 'Buglosse' jacket
(click image to buy)


MONCLER 'Plane' jacket
(click image to buy)

MONCLER 'Sanglier' padded jacket
(click image to buy)

MONCLER 'Renouee' jacket
(click image to buy)


Tip #5: Avoid too much detail

Why: Sometimes less is more, and cannot be more true with quilts. You want the quilt to stand out not to be swallowed by giant detailing: fur, shinny nylon fabric, and crazy quilt patterns. The wrong detail combo is a style-killer.

Recommendation:

Nicole Miller Dressy Puffer Coat
(click image to buy)

MONCLER GRENOBLE 'Makalu' ski jacket
(click image to buy)



MONCLER GAMME ROUGE padded jacket
(click image to buy)

MONCLER padded coat
(click image to buy)

Tip #6: Don't wear grandma's quilted coat

Why: I think quilting is an amazing art, but when it comes to wearing quilts I rather stay away from looking like I have a quilted blanket on.   

Recommendation:

  The North Face  'Red Blaze' Jacket (click image to buy)

Burberry Brit  'Roosby' Goose Down Jacket (click image to buy)

The North Face 'Hybrid' PrimaLoft Jacket (click image to buy)

DKNY Quilted Jacket with Detachable Hood (click image to buy)

Burberry Brit  'Flynsbury' Quilted Double Breasted Jacket
(click image to buy)

Tip #7: To belt or not to belt ?

Why: You don't want to look jumbo even when wearing a jumbo jacket. Unless the coat is narrow at the waist-line, do opt for a belted version.

Recommendation:


   T Tahari  'Caroline' Pillow Hood Down Coat
(click image to buy)

Zella 'Montreal Luxe' Insulated Parka (click image to buy)

Lole 'Emmy' Jacket
(click image to buy)

1 Madison  Genuine Fox Fur Trim Belted Down & Feather Coat
(click image to buy)

DKNY Faux Leather Trim Quilted Coat (click image to buy)

Calvin Klein  Faux Fur Trim Quilted Jacket 
(click image to buy)

Tip #9: Thin Vs. thick quilt

Why: Thin quilts are great for layering--for added texture and depth. Thick quilts are for the weather more than for styling.

Recommendation:

MONCLER 'Salsifis' puff coat
(click image to buy)

T Tahari 'Taryn' Pillow Hood Down Coat (click image to buy)

 Burberry Brit 'Metcalf' Down Coat
(click image to buy)



  Moncler  'Hermine' Long Down Coat
(click image to buy)


Moncler 'Vanne Parka'
(click image to buy)



MONCLER GRENOBLE 'Rosier' coat
(click image to buy)



Tip #9: Don't buy the wrong coat even if it's super cheap

Why: This is perhaps the most important tip for financial success which equates to avoid buying something you are not going to wear.  Also, think about your closet space--a thick puffy thing takes a lot more space than a regular clothing item. Another down-side-- it can not be worn year-round!

Tip #10:  Timing is everything (to save $$ on coats)

Why:  The combination of structure and function makes it a must have for the cold. According to Yahoo Finance, Cyber Monday has better deals on clothing than Black Friday. I hope you'll take advantage of all the best deals before they're gone! Find your coat now at Nordstrom.com:  [Find women's coats under $200 at NORDSTROM. Free shipping & returns on every order.]

quilted puffer coats