Go ahead and reward yourself for holding on to the knowledge, the hope, that all things old will become new again. Dig to the back of your closet and pull out that awesome puffy winter coat that made it nearly impossible to put your arms down because they’re back! And not only are puffy coats back but puff has extended to skirts and it’s not just for the slopes anymore.

This winter, the puffy coat is as puffy as ever. You’ll still love the sheer volume of them and you’ll be surprised by a few simple changes that make them as stylish as anything on the runway. One tailoring detail is a seam around the elbow that accentuates the arms and gives definition to the overall shape of the coat. Another stylish accent is the addition of furs and leather along the collar. You’ll also love the puffy skirt. It is an extension of the coat, made in the same material and shape. Although the skirts are as puffy as the coat, they still maintain the silhouette of your figure with the help of shoulder pads in the jacket and extra width at the bottom of the sleeves. Wear these coats over thin turtlenecks and leggings so you don’t look like the Michelin Man!

Another throwback style that is back again this year is the trench coat. While these have never disappeared completely from the fashion scene, they have not run center stage for many years. Designers have done an amazing job of holding true to the traditional cut and feel of trench coats from the days when beautiful dames ended up in the offices of private eyes, while adding the flair of a modern coat. Look for new fabrics like suede and cashmere. Bright colors and patterns make the modern trench coat the perfect coat for everything from jeans to spiked heels.

Layering unlikely combinations is another hot trend in winter wear. Imagine a model in a cotton zip-up hoodie layered over a long sleeve tee topped with a nylon suit jacket and she’s not hanging out at Starbucks, she’s on the runway. The season has embraced a new level of casual and made it stylish and trendy. The mix and match has as much to do with keeping warm as it does with looking great. Add a fur lined vest over your silk blouse then top it with an open peacoat. How you layer depends on your style and what’s comfortable for you. The rules have been thrown out the frosty window, so don’t be afraid to put on your favorite cable knit hoodie and knee-high boots. Feel free to put your puffy coat over a pencil skirt and sexy high heels.

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