Like it or not, it's time to start thinking about winter coats. As painful as that may be for some, let's at least look on the bright side: There's a great outerwear trend brewing. If you buy just one this year, make it a cloud coat. Truth be told, the trend started heating up last winter, and it's gone full-force for F/W 21. So what is a cloud coat, and how is it different from a puffer, you ask? Let's discuss.
In general, a puffer is a very warm, casual coat style that usually zips up and often has a hood. It's quilted but the quilting is using large and simple. A cloud coat, on the other hand, is usually thinner than a puffer and often features smaller quilting, such as diamond shapes, hourglasses, or even flowers. It also is typically a bit dressier than a puffer and usually has buttons or snaps as opposed to a zipper. As for the neckline, it may be collared or resemble a bomber jacket. And like a puffer, it's typically made of nylon.
Cloud coats have been trending all over Instagram as of late (since it doesn't have to be freezing to wear one), and we're inspired to get one of our own. Scroll to see how fashion girls are wearing them, and shop the best ones.
This is the cloud coat fashion people are freaking out over.
This colorful Zara option should cure the winter blues (no pun intended).
This perfect everyday coat is at the top of our wish list.
Barbour is the heritage brand that practically invented quilted coats.
Buying a belted coat is always a smart decision.
This is another fashion person favorite, and we can see why.
The sheen on this one is so pretty.
Get it before it sells out (because it will).
She's fun.
You'll wear this one for years to come.
Of course Ganni gets it.
You're going to get so many compliments on this.
The model is wearing this one with sweatpants, and now we want to wear it with sweatpants.
This color is so good.
Leave it to Zara to make the perfect cloud coat.
It also comes in green and black, and we honestly can't decide.
They had us at packable.
This is the perfect October and November jacket.
A vegan-leather version looks so luxe.
Cloud jacket goals.
A worthy splurge.
This top-rated option is so classic and trendy at once.
You'll wear this a ton.
Next up, six major jacket trends that are about to drop for fall.
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People Always Compliment My Winter Outfits for Being Polished—These 7 Chic Items Are My SecretSimple pieces, big impact.
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Suddenly, Everyone With Good Taste Is Styling Fall Outfits With This Jacket Trend in 2025Spotted on the streets of Paris and New York.
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The One Winter Coat Trend Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper Both Agree OnIt works for millennials and Gen X.
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Spotted on Mercer Street: The Surprisingly Elegant Way Fashion People Are Wearing Belts for WinterResulting in the richest outfit recipe, well, ever.
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I'm a Senior Shopping Editor—These 25 Elevated and Rich-LookingReplica Store Fall Sale Picks Have My AttentionChic and affordable? Yes, please.
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My Mom Is in Her 50s and Asked Me for Fashion Advice—8 ChicReplica Store Outfits I Put Together for Her Under $425Outdated prints and "ugly" shoes included.
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Consider This Your Heads-Up: The Coolest People in Fashion Are Already Wearing This New Elegant Outerwear BrandFounded and designed by celebrity stylist Rob Zangardi.
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Every Cool Fall Outfit Will Include This Specific Jacket Trend, and I Found the 14 Best VersionsThe chicest people in London and New York are wearing it.
