Puffed is not a look I greet with huge enthusiasm. Even supermodels look like mushrooms in puffball skirts. But a bit of puff is back, although this time, the volume is in vests and jackets in everything from silk to leather.

I know what you're thinking. What sane women wants to add bulk to her frame?

Actually, a puffy coat or vest can have a slimming effect. If you wear an oversized garment, such as a puffy coat, the rest of you will look smaller. Combine puffy stuff with a pencil skirt, cigarette-leg trousers or a fitted turtleneck and the illusion is complete.

If the puffy look is still too inflated for you, how about a puffy purse? Bags of fun.

Photos by Ron Albertson, The Hamilton Spectator Model from Vogue Models and Talent Hamilton-Toronto Makeup by Greta Medley, gmedley@sympatico.ca, 416-575-0158 Clothing from Bocana Boutique, 435 Pearl St., Burlington