5 Ways You Can Wear Quilted Outerwear In The Tropics

Quilted jackets for women have garnered popularity, with shopping platform Lyst reporting a 61% increase in searches for the style. But while our fashionista pals who are revelling in the autumn season right now are already wearing them, us tropical gals are still on the fence on whether or not we should also don this piece. Sure, quilted jackets look cute and chic but they’re also associated with icy weather — the opposite of what we have here.

But what if we told you that there’s a way to wear the trend in the tropics for the cooler months, when the temperature drops to 19-25°C? Check out these tips on how you can wear cosy quilted jackets in our region.

Edgy look: Wear with a bralette

Left - MANGO Ultralight button down jacket, ~USD50.87 (shop.mango.com); Right - Perk By Kate Dylan Padded Bralette, USD69 (perkbykate.com)

It’s no secret that quilted jackets are designed to keep you warm. These winter staples are usually worn with insulated long-sleeved tops and maybe even a scarf on top. But if you do that here in the tropics — even during the colder months — you’re almost guaranteed to sweat buckets. The solution? Wear one with a lovely bralette.

Bra tops paired with outerwear is another trend that’s been gaining traction lately, and while this ensemble is done with a blazer, it’s a look that can also work with quilted jackets. For foolproof styling, make sure that your bralette and quilted jacket are in the same hue. Want to make your outfit more vibrant? Choose contrasting colours that work well together.

Bonus style tip: If you prefer a piece that has more coverage, go for a crop top instead. It’s also still light and comfortable enough to pair with a quilted jacket but isn’t as skin-revealing as a bralette.

Easy styling: Pair with an oversized statement tee

Left - ONLY Tanzia Quilted Bomber Jacket, ~USD45.68 (zalora.com); Right - H&M Printed T-Shirt, USD17.99 (hm.com)

Another piece that you can consider pairing with your quilted jacket is an oversized statement or band tee. This route is probably the easiest styling option because it’s a clothing item that you most likely have in your wardrobe. Choose an oversized tee that has a breathable material so you can still feel comfortable and breezy once you pair it with a quilted jacket. To further the casual vibe of the look, wear biker shorts instead of pants.

Bonus style tip: Tone down this leg-baring ensemble by matching it with high-top sneakers like a pair of Converse Chuck Taylor or Vans Sk8-Hi. You can also choose to wear ankle-length boots if you prefer something dressier.

Elegant take: Choose flowy dresses

Left - UNIQLO INES DE LA FRESSANGE Quilted Coat, ~USD42.30 (uniqlo.com); Right - Love, Bonito Kaleni Padded Plunge Maxi Dress, USD55.90 (lovebonito.com)

There are several reasons why flowy dresses have become a mainstay piece in the wardrobes of many (even ladies from our Clozette Community are fans of it!). They are no-brainer outfits; you can just throw one on and you’re set for the day. At the same time, wearing one gives off that effortless ethereal look that suits many trendy aesthetics like cottagecore. Above all, the style is as comfy and airy as it’s stylish. But don’t just put on any flowy dress; pick one that’s sleeveless and made with lightweight material to keep things cool.

Bonus style tip: Go for a quilted jacket with a long but looser silhouette to maintain the whimsical look of the ensemble. For footwear, go for ones with an easy and casual design like a pair of sandals.

For those who like it light: Opt for a quilted vest

Left - Net-A-Porter HORROR VACUI Pauline floral-print quilted cotton vest, USD565.03 (net-a-porter.com); Right - Pomelo Barbie™ X Pomelo Sustainable Good Vibes Organic Cotton Tee, ~USD10.17 (pomelofashion.com)

Like the look of quilt but prefer to show your arms? Yup, it’s possible with quilted vests. These pieces belong to the quilted outerwear category but unlike the others, these are not as heavy nor warm. Think of them as more of an accent or accessory to your look; the proverbial cherry on top, if you will. The key is to look for a piece with an eye-catching pattern that will make your base outfit pop even more.

Bonus style tip: When looking for a top to pair with your outerwear, pick one that features a colour that can also be found in your printed quilted vest. This ensures that your ensemble will look streamlined from every angle.

Quilted alternatives: Turn to tropic-appropriate quilted pieces

Left - Net-A-Porter GANNI + NET SUSTAIN quilted recycled shell mini dress, USD313.91 (net-a-porter.com); Right - FOREVER 21 Quilted Dolphin Shorts, ~USD16.90 (zalora.com) 

Think jackets and vests still too much for warm weather? No worries! There are other options you can try if you want to jump on the quilted trend. For loungewear, you can go for comfy co-ords that feature the style. But if you want to adopt the trend for your going-out ensembles, try sleeveless mini dresses with quilted accents.

Bonus style tip: You can amp up the quilted theme of your outfits by incorporating footwear or bags with the same style. Just make sure to not overdo it. A good rule of thumb is to match just two quilted items at a time.

While quilted clothing may not feel tropic-appropriate at first glance, a few easy tweaks here and there will make it suitable for the warm weather. With the tips we shared in mind, would you try this trend?

(Cover photo from: uniqlo.com)