Look the part in a party puffer! FEMAIL has you covered for style and comfort this festive season

Party season is just around the corner, bringing the eternal dilemma when choosing a coat: should you go for full-throttle glamour, or something that will actually keep you warm? 

This year, you can do both, thanks to the stylish party puffer. Yes, utilitarian padded coats have had a designer makeover. On the catwalk, Prada has showcased voluminous puffers decorated with feather plumes. Dior paraded cinched-in waists, with sleeves finishing just above the wrist — all the better for flashing fabulous jewels. Dries Van Noten layered thickly quilted coats in velvet and floral print over coordinating evening wear. 

Invented by U.S. adventurer Eddie Bauer in the 1930s, the down-insulated jacket has typically been reserved for outdoor pursuits. In the 1990s, they were part of the streetwear trend; think boy band East 17 wearing white puffers and combat trousers. But not until 2016 when Balenciaga put an off-the-shoulder padded coat on the catwalk did it approach high fashion. 

Jacket, £299, allsaints.com; skirt, £89, mintvelvet. co.uk; boots, £35.99, shop. mango.com; earrings, £150, sorujewellery. com; bracelet, £42, boden. co.uk

This season, the puffer is taking over the High Street. The key to choosing a true ‘party puffer’ is to reach for luxe textures. A high-shine finish says cocktail-ready — like Guess’s glossy style. Or go for a metallic sheen such as Massimo Dutti’s pearly puffer. 

If wearing a statement bottom half, keep your puffer cropped. Karen Millen’s pepum jacket allows a sequin skirt to take centre stage. The shawl collar gives an elegant touch. While a bold print gives block-coloured dresses extra pizazz, such as Kate Spade’s floral number, which comes with a faux fur collar. Or coordinate with your outfit for a tonal look. 

Jacket, £119, massimo dutti.com; dress, £249, allsaints.com; boots, £49.50, marksand spencer.com; bag, £150, essentielantwerp. com

Jacket, £350, jumper, £375, katespade.co.uk; roll neck (worn underneath), £79, lavenderhillclothing. com; skirt, £79.99, reserved.com; boots, £65, next.co.uk; bracelet, £38, anthropologie.com

For smart-casual occasions, a puffer in hot pink will up the ante of dark-wash jeans and boots. Essentiel Antwerp’s comes with a hood for midnight downpours. Just add a flash of gold with hoop earrings and a shoulder bag. 

And when the party’s over, you’ll still be warm and cosy, while spreading a little sparkle on dreary winter days.

Left: Jacket, £124, karenmillen. com; skirt, £245, wyselondon. com; socks, £8, calzedonia. com; heels, £120, boden.co.uk; earrings, £42, anthropologie. com. Right: Jacket, £79.99, and dress, £35.99, reserved.com; boots, £75, riverisland.com; necklace, £48, anthropologie.com; earrings, £28, orelia.co.uk

Red jacket, £170, guess.eu; orange jacket, £44.95, regatta.com; skirt, £89, mint velvet.co.uk; boots, £250, duoboots.com