Furry good fashion - The Star

Prepare for plummeting temperatures with faux fur reinforcements, cosy 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. You can pretty much forgo a scarf if you opt for a winter coat with a generous faux fur or shearling collar. Avoid a furry collar if you’re bigger busted, though, 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.

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 with faux fur. Team a big yeti coat with a Cossack-style hat to create impact.

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.