Jennifer Lawrence Just Gave Winter’s Frumpiest Staple a Chic Upgrade

Now I'm convinced I need an elevated puffer jacket, too.

By

Kaelin Dodge

Published on December 14, 2023 @ 03:00PM

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It’s kind of amazing that, without fail, winter fashion repeats itself. My wallet is obviously thankful that the cold-weather wardrobe I put together years ago still works in 2023, save a few small tweaks here and there. The downside is that getting dressed can quickly become uninspiring when we’re always relying on the same outfit formula; especially when it ends with a frumpy parka. I have one, you have one, we all have one — stepping out the door to find everyone looking like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man is a long-held winter tradition. But this year, Jennifer Lawrence inspired me to rethink winter’s most quintessential layering piece.

While out in New York City earlier this week, the actress made me realize puffer jackets can actually be quite chic with her knee-length, quilted topper that featured details you’d typically find on a more dressed-up coat. Rather than zipping up the front, Lawrence’s style featured a double-breasted button-up front; the piece’s notched lapel further elevated it.

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Below the jacket, the actress stuck with her classics, including a pair of straight-leg jeans, a black belt, Adidas Sambas, and the Aupen bag she’s not alone in carrying. She has her street-style uniform down to a T, but this new jacket brought an unexpected but much-welcomed twist to her go-to pieces.

Her puffer style perfectly melded casual and elevated. It brought a chic element to an everyday winter ‘fit without looking out of place next to jeans and a sweater, which made me realize it might be the most versatile jacket you can own this season.

Above all, a quilted puffer is practical. It’s not a style we often reach for because we love the look (or, at least, I don’t). It’s one we grab because we want to be warm. And, because it’s so often about functionality rather than fashion, it tends to bring down just about any look. But Lawrence’s style balanced the two — you still get that warmth from the puffer’s layers and filling but with a more timeless, dressed-up silhouette. By combining a puffer with a topcoat, you end up with one jacket that works for pretty much every occasion; it’s casual enough to wear daily but not so frumpy you’d regret rocking it for a night out. And as someone who is in their frugal era, learning I can essentially get both styles for the price of one is a major victory.

Lawrence brought a fresh perspective to a tried-and-true winter staple, and now I’m convinced a double-breasted, collared puffer jacket is the only layering piece anyone needs this season. Shop more styles inspired by her look below.