With everyone from Oscar de la Renta to Sportsgirl sporting fur in their latest range it's clear that any girl worth her stillettos will be indulging in this luxurious trend. The great thing about this trend is it is so versatile that any girl of any personality can find something lux that will suit her budget and her personality.
Winter Update or Lifetime Investment?
Like any garment, those that are well made, designer or of natural fibres tend to be more expensive. If you're after a simple trend-setting update some cheaper faux furs are probably the way to go. With modern cuts and textures a medium quality faux fur can look a million dollars without making your wallet unsettlingly light. With loving care they can last a few seasons and give you tonnes of lighthearted fluffy moments. These are best for casual everyday pieces.
If you're looking for ultra glam perhaps consider a genuine fur. They always look better because to be honest they usually are of better quality as long as you buy from a reputable dealer. The only time a faux fur is going to have better quality fur is when it is designer or exceptional quality and you are comparing it to a cheap Chinese unethically farmed real fur garment. As with other garments, you get what you pay for so get the best you can afford even if it means the piece is small or relatively 'tame'. The less conspicuous it is the more often you can wear it and the more items it will match in your wardrobe.
Decide how excited you are about fur and whether you're genuinely in love with that mink fur jacket or whether your heart is likely to flit to another trend in 6 weeks time and buy with your head as well as your heart. Consider that ALL fur/fake fur garments need to be professionally cleaned and genuine fur by a specialist dry cleaner or furrier.
How to Look Hot When You've Added a Layer of Bulk
Let's face it, in this lifetime most of us intend to be as healthily thin and fit as we can be. Nobody wants to look like they gained 10 pounds overnight and yet when we throw on a fur this is exactly what can happen. To keep it slim make sure you :
Show some shape: Have a silhouette that shows the difference between your coat and you. Bulky coats contrasted with lovely legs can make you look super sexy in an 'I don't need to flaunt it' way. Don't cover yourself head to toe in fur..or in any trend for that matter.
If you don't have shape create it: So you have a full length fur? Go you! Make sure you belt it to create a waist or put your hair up to show your beautiful neckline and jawline. Did someone say free instant facelift?
When in doubt keep it short: 'Chubby' style short jacket furs are called that for a reason. They add bulk as all fur pieces will.. but if you keep it in a high-waisted style you'll be able to show off your lovely waist, butt and legs and nobody will mistake you for having extra body weight. This is a favourite of smaller breasted women who want a little extra boost. If you're already amply catered for in the bust department opt for longer lines and make sure you keep the look unzipped or unbuttoned to create a vertical line down your body that will instantly make you proportional and slim.
Key Must-Have Pieces
- A 'mink' waist length coat - whether faux or real, mink is a short haired fur which means it adds less bulk and is also super glam. Often softer than other furs it comes in all natural colors including 'cross mink' which is a blend of black and white.
- Super chubby casual jacket - 70's boho shaggy style jackets are back. Break out the shearling baby. Alternatively, keep it modern with a fur bomber with a sturdy zip.
- Vintage style fur wrap/shawl/bolero - There are a tonne of vintage wraps on sale at op shops or eBay but you can pick up a faux copy at any local Westfield. A great way to indulge in the trend without over-committing if it is not really your thing.
- Full length fur coat - for the true lovers of this trend. Definitely the most conspicuous and the warmest of fur options, this trend will also cost the most. Invest in a lux coat and you'll keep it for years and have its cost paid back in feel good compliments.
- Fur edged boots - for those too shy for fur jackets there are many faux fur boots available from Zu, Wittner and the like. Wear these and you will shine as there is nothing that says 'I'm on trend' more.
- Fur hat - A great accessory but beware cheap faux fur versions. If you are worried that it looks a little cheap (even if the price tag says otherwise) then it probably does. Try a fur accent instead of a full fur hat unless it is either genuine fur or very well made.
Rebecca Mickan - Rebecca has studied a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (creative writing) minoring in fashion at Queensland University of ...
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