I’m a chilly girl. As in, I’m cold on a regular basis.
I get chilly on the hint of a slight breeze, and I would like an additional layer when the temperature drops below 70. Suffice to say, winters are hard. Having grown up within the tri-state area, I’ve learned to administer, but each time the top of fall rolls around and the times get shorter and colder, it’s a struggle all all over again. I’ve learned to layer to the gods and trust in my sleeping bag-style jacket to hold me through the Latest York blizzards and single-digit temps. Fleece tights and chunky scarves have also turn out to be good friends.
With puffer jackets being all the fashion from street style to TikTok, I made a decision to check out one trending style: The North Face Nuptse jacket. It’s got a classic feel and a cool color-block look that is available in quite a lot of colours. Ultimately, I went with white as a “secure” alternative—but when it gets dirty, fear not: it’s mechanically cleanable. And, in the event you’re searching for a more cropped silhouette, you may at all times cinch the ties on the waist to regulate the hem to your liking.
I put the puffer to the final word test after I went to Sundance Film Festival at the top of January. What higher option to test drive a jacket than within the beautifully snowy mountain destination of Park City, Utah, where the temperatures ranged from 4 degrees to the mid-20s, and where I’d need to spend considerable time outside theaters waiting in lines?
The North Face Women’s 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket
The North Face Women’s 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket
Credit: Courtesy The North Face
To start with, the Nuptse may be very travel-friendly. It’s lightweight and didn’t take up much room in my suitcase in any respect—and this was before I noticed you may fold the entire thing down and tuck it into considered one of its own pockets. Even the hood rolls and tucks into the collar easily, so you’ve got some protection for rainy days but don’t need to take care of the additional bulkiness. And the puffer itself can carry a couple of things. There’s a handy inside pocket to carry something small, like, say, your keys or AirPods. The 2 outside pockets can fit loads, like an additional beanie or gloves, however the openings could’ve been a tad greater, as I discovered it was a little bit tight getting my phone out and in of there. Thankfully, though, they’ve zipper closures, so you may keep whatever’s in there nice and dry.
Now, how warm was it? Possibly in the event you’re a skier and also you’re more lively within the snow, and also you don’t get as cold as I do, this is able to be an important fit for you within the dead of winter. But I needed to layer to survive the Utah weather. I’m talking a tank top + fleece turtleneck + cable-knit sweater + the jacket, but I’ll admit it was effective. Plus, the puffer jacket was roomy enough that I zipped it close and didn’t feel like a stuffed pillow. The outside can also be crisp and waterproof so unexpected rain or flurries were no problem.
So perhaps this one’s not right for me within the frigid cold. But after coming back home to Latest York, I’ve been wearing the puffer loads. I discovered it to be perfect for me within the 40-degree range, specifically for this awkward time of the yr when it’s technically “spring” however it’s still not warm enough to bust out the jean jacket and linens. (I’m sure that will probably be the case in the autumn, too.) Due to this fact, the Nuptse makes an important transitional piece. I wear it with jeans and boots or cargo pants and sneakers, to work or on the weekend, and it’s easy to only throw on and go. Plus, I can forego the additional layers.
I could not have found a puffer for sub-zero temperatures, but I did discover a recent favorite jacket. This cold girl approves.
Erica Gonzales is the Senior Culture Editor at ELLE.com, where she oversees coverage on TV, movies, music, books, and more. She was previously an editor at HarpersBAZAAR.com. There may be a 75 percent likelihood she’s listening to Lorde at once.
