Copenhagen Fashion Week may be over, but we're still reminiscing over the dopamine dressing that dominated the Danish capital. Playful, practical and always imbued with that Scandi effortlessness, it's a style that's so distinct, it's become an entire genre of its own. On the hunt for a coat to breath new life into my current outerwear collection, I stumbled upon Free People's popular Printed Cotton Candy puffer coat that feels as though it's been plucked straight from the Copenhagen streets — and into my wardrobe.
While it can be tempting to gravitate towards wool coats and suede jackets in an effort to look more put-together, I'm here to tell you that the humble puffer coat can look just as polished. Free People's puffer ditches the rigidity of classic outerwear in favour of something, well, more fun. Where suede and wool may not always be the best option for fear of the next downpour, the cloud-like puffer brings a cocoon of warmth (and waterproofness) that makes it the more practical option.
Free People www.freepeople.com
The oversized, balloon-sleeved puffer style also comes in an olive green and baby pink striped colourway, a good choice if you don't want to fully take the leap of adding colour into your winter wardrobe.
The coat is available in three different patterns; a deep orange and berry gingham print, olive and pink striped and a navy, red and green bandana print. Balance is key when attempting to style something as print-heavy as the cotton candy puffer. Style the coat with high-waisted trousers and a sleek turtleneck to offset the oversized silhouette, or play into it with a pair of barrel-leg jeans (you might even want to try this Free People style our shopping editor swears by) and chunky trainers.
Free Peoplewww.freepeople.com
This Free People puffer coat is one of the best on the high street right now. With its quirky, orange and magenta checked print and ultra puffy fit, style with a chunky knit, boots and your favourite pair of jeans.
I can attest to the brilliance of this coat - I own it in the gold combo colour-way and every time I wear it I get complimented. I've had strangers stop me to ask where it's from, friends that have tried to 'borrow' it, and even the most devout minimalists in my life can't help but be drawn to its colourful charm. A word of warning, however, the fit is quite generous. I'm usually a size 10 in coats and I (following the advice from the reviews) opted for an XS and even then, there's plenty of room to spare. If you're expecting a snug little puffer, think again, as the cotton candy puffer is about embracing exaggerated volume as it wraps your frame like a wearable duvet.
Free Peoplewww.freepeople.com
If you're a maximalist when it comes to winter dressing and want to embrace that in coat form - this is the print for you. A mixture of reds, blues and greens, Free People's fun combo is reminiscent of a bandana print, with intricate details, and of course, the coat's signature balloon sleeves, stand collar and zipper closure.
Proof that warmth and practicality don't have to come at the expense of design, Free People's puffer coat has combined all three - in the most colourful and chic way possible.
Main image credit: Instagram/@florettenacer, @ageorgievska, @melanieamccrindle
Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia, where she tracks down viral pieces and is as comfortable navigating the M&S new-in page as she is dissecting the latest celebrity look - yes, she can tell you exactly where a specific coat is from. When not writing, shopping or scrolling Instagram (find hers here), Gemma will likely be dreaming up her next holiday (and what she's going to wear).