DIY: Perfect Puffers

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The past three days of extreme weather in New York have sent us at SG out of our blackened apartments seeking power and higher ground. Among our realizations was that too big Doc Martens and cotton sweaters weren't going to cut it when it came to a hurricane.

But how to balance performance cold weather gear with your day-to-day musts without looking like you're on Man vs. Wild? We've taken inspiration from a Bruce Weber vision of outdoors Americana, where everyone is smiling along a warm campfire or having a good romp in the hay. Snowy workboots are paired back with elegant dresses and fisherman jackets meet their match in slim trousers and mens wellies. Look no further than Moncler's Weber-lensed ads to see that a pretty puffer can exist. Even on the runways brands are getting back into functionality, from Proenza Schouler's anoraks to Alexander Wang's slick hooded parkas.

The key with practical dressing is to keep it simple. You don't need the full Iditarod get-up to stay dry. Instead invest in a warm coat–don't be afraid to get puffy either! The key is to pair a slim bottom with your oversized top. Try insulated jeans (Uniqlo's heat-tech skinny jeans look no different than you're go-to Levi's except they're at least 5 times warmer), traditional hiking boots (the more classic the better), and cashmere everything from sweaters to socks. And if you're die-hard married to wearing your leather jacket 24/7, take a tip from SG's Editor-in-Chief Stevie Dance and layer a thin puffer vest underneath–goes perfect with possum socks, an alternative insulation technique from down under. Personally, I spend my winters in chunky sweaters layered under a thin all-weather jacket from Uniqlo. When I find the perfect boots for a snowy trek, complete with yellow laces and hooks up the calf, I'll let you know.

Stay safe and warm!

x Steff