The Seven Layers That Equal One Winter Puffer

The myth of the non-puffy puffer coat is something I refuse to perpetuate this winter. I mean, c’mon, it’s right there in the name: Puffer. Coat. However, even if you’ve stumbled across my humble story in search of non-bulky outerwear, don’t close this window just yet—there is another way to achieve down jacket warmness without sacrificing your shape. All you need is seven key items and a light lesson in layering—click through the slideshow below for both right now.

Knit camisole

Bing Shopping | Knit camisoles

Start with a thin—not flimsy—camisole.

Look for flesh colored wool, silk and cashmere in finely gauged knit. It'll cost way more than your average Hanes' three pack, but is so worth it—you'll be about a million times toastier with no extra bulk.

Woolen Silk Camisole, $74, hanro.com

©Lucky

1 of 8 Courtesy of hanro.com

Buttoned tunic

Bing Shopping | Buttoned tunic

Add blousey-fit button-down.

The tunic length is key because you want it to peek beneath other layers. Bonus points for a cute print! Pink Fleur De Lys Oversized Shirt, $281.87, MiH, my-wardrobe.com

2 of 8 Courtesy of my-wardrobe.com

Wool sweater

Bing Shopping | Wool Sweater

Sweater number one: Slightly shrunken, not too heavy.

But not too light, either! Just avoid chunky texture, like pom-poms or cabling, and you'll be safe from weird scrunchiness later on. Also: stay far away from cotton and linen—there's a reason people wear those in the summer.

Brightside Sweater, $88, madewell.com

3 of 8 Courtesy of madewell.com

Chunky cardigan

Bing Shopping | Chunky cardigan

Time for chunky coat-like cardigan.

If Mr. Rogers would wear it, you're golden.

Vince Scarf Neck Cardigan, $395, piperlime.com

4 of 8 Courtesy of piperlime.com

Anorak

Bing Shopping | Anorak

Add some non-poufy outerwear.

I'm totally team anorak: It's loose enough to to accommodate all those extra layers yet remarkably streamlined.

Wynn Hooded Coat, $895, Rag & Bone, barneys.com

5 of 8 Courtesy of barneys.com

Faux fur vest

Bing Shopping | Faux fur vest

Hello, cozy vest!

Sleeveless fur has all the snugglyness of a full coat but provides a much better shape. (Plus you won't have to worry about your arm hairs getting caught in the elevator. The worst!)

Faux Fur Gilet, $340.13, Touffe De Poils, farfetch.com

6 of 8 Courtesy of farfetch.com

Snood

Bing Shopping | Snood

The cherry on top.

Finish your look with a big chunky something that complements layer number three's color scheme. It's a tiny touch, but really pulls the whole look together.

Textured Grunge Snood, $32, topshop.com

7 of 8 Courtesy of topshop.com