What can convince even the vainest woman to add a layer of bulk to her Pilates-slimmed physique?

A fashionable puffy down coat, of course. The good news is that these winter outerwear staples have slimmed down a bit since last season, making them great for layering.

Still, piling on more clothes is rarely necessary with these modern quilted picker-uppers, many of which feature smart-looking patterned stitching. Indeed, whether they’re long or short, snap-ups or zippered, with sleeves or without, they pack the same warm wallop as their more hefty predecessors.

* Staying warm in style is no problem for Minka Accorsi, who wears a calf-length beige down coat with easy jeans, a classy khaki and tan bag, and a red turtleneck and sneakers.

* Above, from left Graphic A-line stitching makes Kangol-hat- clad Kimberly Caidas’ black J. Crew jacket look modern. A puffy black down vest may be the best purchase Mannar Wong’s made this winter – unless you consider her shiny black Dominici boots, that is. Meg Nomura shows she’s punky by wearing a studded white belt, and practical by pulling on a warm black down coat. Jamie Waugh’s white diamond-pattern puffy zip-up coat with high funnel collar works well for kicking around during the day, though it’s neat enough to wear to casual evening functions as well.

* At right, denim meets down in this casual winter combo chosen by Vani Bissessar. At far right, it’s easy for Sandy Kawanara to keep her body heat and good mood high by wearing a bright red down jacket, pink floppy hat and retro blue jeans with yellow contrast stitching.