THE SEASON’S BEST & BRIGHTEST DOWN JACKETS

Whether cruising city streets, hanging out in the country, or racing down the slopes, stay warm and toasty wherever you may be with a bright and colorful down puffer sure to keep those winter blues away. From the very affordable to the ultra luxe, there are so many colors and styles from which to choose, it’s hard to pick just one. KDHamptons contributing fitness editor Claudia Lebenthal shares her favorite pretty puffers of the season, below:

ROW 1: PATAGONIA WOMENS DOWNTOWN LOFT JACKET $279. This city style hip-length jacket is insulated with 600-fill grey goose down and has a water repellent DWR shell. The hood stows into a high shawl collar for extra warmth and style. STIO HOMETOWN DOWN JACKET $275. From Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where the weather can be brutal, comes this 800-fill down jacket that features DownTek™, a water repellent goose down that stays warm and dry from the slopes to the streets. MOUNTAIN HARDWARE GHOST WHISPERER HOODED DOWN JACKET $320. Weighing in at a nothing 8oz, this might be the lightest down jacket out there, but comes packed with 850-fill Q.Shield™ down that resists moisture to stay warm in all conditions.

ROW 2: ARC’TERYX THORIUM AR HOODY $285. This 750-fill European grey goose down jacket is great as substantial mid layer or on its own in cold, dry conditions. It features strategic placement of both synthetic and down insulation in the areas most prone to moisture and retains its warmth when wet. UNIQLO ULTRA LIGHT DOWN PARKA $69.90. Although this is a far less technical jacket than the others featured, it is still hard to believe the price is less than $70. Available in 12 colors, it is ultralight and thin, and packs down into a small stow pocket for easy travel. MONCLER BADY JACKET $975. On the other side of the price spectrum is this ultra luxe down hoody. It is sleek, shiny and very warm, with that unmistakable Moncler style for which you pay the big bucks.

ROW 3: THE NORTH FACE WOMEN’S SUPER DIEZ JACKET $349. Made with 900-fill down, this super lightweight jacket skimps on the bulk but not on the warmth. Slim fitting and shiny, it is durable and rugged with a whole lot of sporty style. MONTBELL FROST SMOKE PARKA $189. This lightweight parka packs high loft 800-fill goose down inside a DWR water resistant and wind shedding Ballistic nylon shell. DUVETICA PADDED COAT $745. Winter is no match for this ultra stylish long down coat stuffed with lofty down in a bright and shiny shell.

**And be sure to check out Claudia’s recently launched website: STYLE OF SPORT, a fantastic new destination that celebrates the intersection of sports with fashion, design, art, culture and all things hip and cool: www.STYLEOFSPORT.com