6:00am Saturday 23rd November 2013 in Lifestyle[1]
Furry good fashion Prepare for plummeting temperatures with faux fur reinforcements. Lisa Haynes unveils the cosiest pieces to cuddle up in.
It doesn't take a genius to work out that sub-zero temperatures require serious layers. But there's a cosy shortcut that's a marvel at keeping out the cold single-handedly - faux fur.
Just one plush garment can shield you from the elements and make you look luxuriously snug (and smug).
Forget the real stuff. In the words of designer king Karl Lagerfeld: "You cannot fake chic, but you can be chic and fake fur."
From teddy bear coats to subtle fluffy trims, there's a winter wonder to suit everyone's furry fashion limit. Be faux fur fabulous with our textured edit.
Full pelt
A thick, faux fur coat has winter written all over it. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, it's a sound overcoat investment for the big freeze months, from November through to March.
Colour is all-important when selecting your faux fur. Avoid an accidental matchy-matchy look by contrasting your coat with your hair colour slightly; uber-dark hair against black fur might look a touch too goth.
Brown, black or mink-like neutral shades will go with pretty much anything in your wardrobe, while animal prints are the ultimate statement. Leopard used to be the go-to print, but now you'll find Friesian cow or Dalmatian spots if you prefer a quirky monochrome colourway.
Eye-catching brights have also joined the fur party, with teddy bear-style denser furs in colours like yellow or blue.
Fur panels
If you're not convinced about a full-on faux fur, look to textured panelling instead.
Coats have turned indecisive this season, mixing up wool and fur, or leather and fur, for a two-tone look.
It's a half-and-half take on faux fur and allows for a flattering silhouette, if you're worried about adding extra bulk to your frame. If you want to experiment with textured panelled clothing, such as a skirt or top, a dense, flat fur, like faux ponyskin, is also more forgiving.
Look for a winter coat with fur panels flowing down the body, resembling a long gilet but with arms - hello, practicality! Reversed the other way around, a coat with fuzzy sleeves is a statement look, but beware of distorting slender arms with thick fur.
Furry trims
Faux fur can be used as a glamorous accent on clothes, almost like tinsel on a Christmas tree, but minus sparkle.
You can pretty much forgo a scarf if you opt for a winter coat with a generous faux fur or shearling collar. The bigger the collar, the bigger the style statement.
Avoid a furry collar if you're bigger busted, as it's likely to exaggerate your proportions but, conversely, if you're lacking in that area, it can boost your assets.
Generous faux fur trims on hemlines are the latest way to draw attention to your legs. Ensure you keep your pins streamlined in skinny jeans, leggings or tights, so that the fur can frame your limbs to the max.
Fluffy extras
Embrace the fluff factor with Siberia-inspired extras. Keep the cold out with furry snoods and scarves draped over shoulders, big hats cuddling heads, and mittens over paws - all easy ways to add fur accents to your look. Create a textural contrast by wearing against a leather jacket or wool coat.
If you want a colour contrast, the high street has rainbow bright numbers for a fun Care Bear approach.
When temperatures demand it, don't be afraid to accessorise a big yeti coat with a Cossack-style hat, to create impact by wearing fur on fur.
Throw practicality out of the window with this season's surprise fuzzy evening extras: think sandals trimmed with fluffy marabou and clutch bags decked out in cosy shearling. They won't keep you warm but they will look furry fabulous.
Hot in the cold
Look snug and stylish with these essential tips for pulling off faux fur:
:: Fur is no longer reserved for eveningwear. Tame down a statement coat with a pair of jeans or leggings and sturdy winter boots.
:: Stay aware of your proportions. If you're looking for a clean silhouette, switch faux fur for ponyskin-style fabrics that add less bulk.
:: Short, boxy coats will accentuate your top half, so avoid if you're top heavy. Try on if you're pear shaped to balance proportions.
:: The taller you are, the more likely you can carry off a knee-length longer faux fur, which is likely to swamp petites.
:: Lighten up dark, wintry ensembles with a shot of light faux fur in ivory, cream or dove grey.
:: The major downfall of faux fur? It's not waterproof, so avoid wearing on torrential downpour days.
Get the look
The Duchess of Cambridge accessorised her red poppy with a matching pillar box coat. Go on red alert for Preen for Edition at Debenhams' Designer Red Oversize Collar Coat, £160, currently on sale for £120 (www.debenhams.com).
Buy it now
If sparkle isn't your thing, look to Radley for a Christmas party clutch. The accessories brand has teamed up with London Fashion Week favourite Holly Fulton for a range of graphic leather bags, priced from £129-£249, available from selected Radley stores and online at www.radley.co.uk/hollyfulton
Fashion flash
:: Wrong direction
Tight trousers, as seen on the likes of Harry Styles and Russell Brand, top the list of fashion faux pas for a first date. A classic shirt is the secret to dating success, according to a recent poll of men and women by Cotton USA. Almost two thirds (65%) of women admitted they would rather date a man who wore an informal shirt - without the addition of a tie. When it comes to dating disasters, 26% of women claim that tight trousers on men are a huge no-no, while 52% declared leather trousers as the biggest male fashion crime.
:: Designer deals
Forget your fake Fendis and pale imitation Puccis: fake designer clothing is out of fashion favour. More than half (52%) of those who've purchased fake designer goods in the past claim that that they no longer do so, as the real items are now 'more affordable', according to a recent Vouchercloud.com survey, and three-fifths of designer clothes-lovers claim to never pay full price for their items. Ennio Lizzi, owner of designer outlet E&A Moda at Whiteleys Centre, said: "More and more consumers are choosing to purchase designer items, but they're becoming more savvy in the way in which they shop. The introduction of discounted designer outlets allows the average consumer access to luxury labels that previously were not in their price range."
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