Fashionable in fur

Are you a lynx, a fox or a racy cheetah? Faux fur is eternally stylish this winter.

Hollywood sirens for decades have adorned themselves in fur, even though it is mostly (and thankfully) faux nowdays. Marylyn-style white mink is glamour in its purist form or be a Marleen Dietrich in fabulous red fox. Italians wear it all year round. The Parisiennes have perfected it. Fur flatters all ages, shapes and sizes.

However, not every fur-style suits all. Avoid long, hairy cuffs on a petite frame, for example. Short mink-like fabric is classy and flattering and won’t add bulk. Look for quality in the tone. Think chinchilla-like effects with under-tones of browns, greys, taupes and creams to really flatter your features. If it is a coat, scarf or collar, hold it up to your face – it should bring your skin tone to life. Velvety black minky trims are also chic and classic. For those preferring a hint of fur only, buy even a faux-fur hair-tie or fur-trimmed gloves al la Audrey Hepburn.

Prance feline-style in front of a full-length mirror and have fun combining furs with fabrics from knits to lace. This is where you can re-create your own style. Think black eyelashes peeping over a sensuous snow leopard scarf! Its OK to mix your furs too, there are strict no rules, go a little wild – you will know if it looks right.

Fur-cuffed boots are gorgeously European and keep the puddle splashes out. If you haven’t been blessed with long legs, go for black-fur trimmed dark-coloured boots with black leggings. It will still provide a lean glamour-puss look.  A lighter fur trim on dark boots will break up the ensemble and shorten the leg. However, this contrast is fine for ankle boots worn under trousers or jeans.

Choose your cat-prints carefully. Horizontal tiger stripes may not be slimming, whereas fine cheetah spots can camouflage figure flaws. Think cat-walk and European couture rather than Eskimo. Avoid neck to toe fur or you will look like you’re off tobogganing. A swing style fur coat can flatter a pear–shaped body perfectly. Fur should be loosely draped to be flattering. You can pull off a bulky fur coat if you combine it with slinky black tights and high heels.

Nothing looks as glamorous at a mid winter’s ball than a fur stole draped over porcelain skin and little black dress – be cosy and classy. And I’m sure there are no naturally occurring hot-pink foxes, but coloured faux fur is equally as stylish and fun.

Fur feels sumptuous on your wrists, neck and ankles. It locks in the warmth. Just take off your fur scarf on a cold winter’s day and you will certainly feel the difference in temperature.

Hot tips:

1)   Be careful wearing sticky lip-gloss or eating spaghetti in your favourite furry scarf!

2)   Be vigilant with the washing instructions (never machine wash) – to avoid the raggedly look and keep your garments plush for seasons to come.

3)   Detachable collars and scarves, cuffs and fur boot-socks are practical wardrobe solutions.

4)   You generally get what you pay for – when you start shopping around its easy to compare quality and finishes. However there are exceptions if you go hunting.

5)   Jazz up a boring winter black outfit with the neutral tones and wild textures of fur.

6)   If you need to lengthen a sleave, or hide a ragged cuff – a fur trim is the purrrfect solution. The same applies if you want to lengthen a top or coat.

Whether the effect is kittenishly cute, slinky minx or a bear-ly there token of fluff – fur is fun, practical and sexy and will never date. It’s perfect for feeling warm and gorgeous in the frosty midwinter months. If you haven’t fallen for fur yet, try it – you will feel naked without it.