I used to dread putting on my puffer coat during Chicago winters. It kept me warm, but I always felt enormous… and dowdy.

If only I had thought to cinch my coat with a stretchy waist belt! It doesn’t even have to match your coat exactly—part of the charm in this trend is in its DIY-look. As long as it gives you an hourglass shape, you can put on any damn belt you want.

Belted coats from Albino, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Acne, and Burberry Prorsum.