Fashion Challenge: Rock (Faux) Fur
Ladies, you shared your thoughts and they have been heard! It may be 70 degrees here in sunny Oklahoma Soonerland, but my friends at school up north are shocked at how cold it has suddenly become. So watch out for more cold weather-appropriate shoes and more fun ways to help you stay chic in the snow. This week, we focus on (faux) fur.
I know that there are a lot of mixed feelings on fur — personally, I’m an advocate of faux fur (as are many of us here at CF). Not only is is cheaper and animal-friendly, but there are incredible plush pieces available that keep you warm and look great. That said, my mom gave me her vintage white rabbit fur coat a couple years ago; I haven’t had the nerve to wear it in public, but it’s a shame that it has just been hanging out in my closet for so long. Although I would never buy a real fur item, I can understand keeping a vintage piece that holds sentimental value.
The other great thing about faux fur is that it is SO warm. There is nothing cozier to wrap around yourself on a windy night than a fuzzy coat. It also carries an air of sophistication and class — pair a coat with a string of pearls and red lipstick for some old Hollywood glamour.
There are many ways to rock faux fur without channeling stuffy old ladies who lunch or looking tacky. Curious to know how? Read on for ideas take on this challenge!
Tips and Tricks for Working Faux Fur into an Outfit
- Try a faux fur vest. I got mine on sale for $20 at American Eagle last season, so this piece does not have to be a huge splurge. Fur vests look awesome with jeans and a long sleeved shirt, or a simple dress, leggings and boots.
- Try small accents. If you’re hesitant about this look, try a faux fur scarf or purse for a hint of the trend. I also love corduroy and wool jackets with fur trimming on the collars and sleeves.
- Keep it simple if you’re unsure. I love faux fur with florals and stripes, but my style is all about contrast. For a more conservative approach, try it out with solid colors.
- Rock a faux fur jacket or coat. We all loved Carrie Bradshaw’s coat on SATC, and coats like hers are amazingly warm and stylish. Just be careful about wearing one in precipitation — water can make faux fur clump together awkwardly.
- Experiment with animal print. I absolutely LOVE my leopard print faux fur jacket, and I’ve seen other great animal prints as well in stores this season. But to avoid looking like Cruella DeVille, seek out subtle, blended prints.
Outfit Ideas
Outfit #1: Casual Outfit for Daytime
Fur Vest, Shirt, Jeans, Watch, Boots
Faux fur vests are great investments – they can literally change the entire look and feel of an outfit! Pair one with a long sleeved shirt – plain if you’re trying the trend for the first time, or striped to step up the style. Pull on a pair of worn-in jeans and add riding boots to keep your feet dry and warm. Finish with simple jewelry, like this menswear-inspired watch.
Outfit #2: Classic Look for a Semi-Formal Occasion
Fur Stole, Dress, Bracelet, Pumps, Earrings, Lipstick
There’s nothing like a faux fur stole to completely change an outfit from plain-jane to absolutely glamorous! The outfit is perfect for a semi-formal occasion, like a date party, fancy dinner, or banquet. Start off with your trusty little black dress, classic black pumps, crystal earrings, and a pretty pearl bracelet. Finish the look with ruby red lips and a warm fur wrap.
Outfit #3: Trendy Look for a Night on the Town
Liquid Leggings, Tank Dress, Leopard Coat, Necklace, Jeffrey Campbell Boots, Lace Up Boots
This is one of my favorite outfits for a night out on the town. Liquid leggings and a simple tank dress make a great base outfit. Throw on a fancy necklace and pull on a furry leopard print coat for a chic outfit perfect for a cold night. Keep your feet warm with a pair of lace up boots. I have been absolutely lusting over Jeffrey Campbell’s Lita boots, but Forever 21 makes a great budget-friendly knockoff.
Took the Challenge? Send Us Your Photos!
Did you wear faux fur this week? Send your pictures at fashionchallege AT collegefashion.net along with your name, school, brief description of what you’re wearing, and your blog’s URL if you have one. We’ll post your pictures here to inspire other CF readers!
Can’t wait to see your submissions!
Thoughts?
How do you feel about real fur? Would you ever justify wearing a piece? Are you rocking faux fur already? What challenges would you like to see in the future? Leave a comment and tell us what you think!
Posted on on November 11, 2010 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Fashion Challenge, Faux Fur, Fur, How To, Trends, Winter
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cg
OMG! The first outfit is so cute!!! I love the watch–but the link goes straight to net-a-porter’s home page–the same with the jeans.
Faux fur.. Ok, i’ve tried it on in stores and it is incredibly warm. I don’t see a problem with dressing warm and looking stylish! Since when is that a crime :)? But, I’m interested to hear why people are against faux fur..
Chelsea - University of Oklahoma
I’m so sorry about those links! The watch is Michael Kors if that helps you find it–I have a silver one that I wear every single day, so its definitely worth the investment. I’m glad you like the outfits! :)
cg
No worries! Thanks for getting back to me :)
Hi there love
I LOVE the first outfit!!
shaina
love all the outfits…the middle one is especially classy and old fashioned, even though the one i’d probably wear is the top one. i also own a sweater coat with a big fur collar from forever 21. still looks glamorous and a little sexy, but it’s less dramatic :)
Holly
Darn I adore that stole but the link doesn’t work. I tried searching wrap, stole, and fur but it’s not helping. Could you give me the name of the fur stole from number 2?
Sarah G.
I’ve been looking everywhere for a cute faux fur bag that looks something like Rumi’s Theory bag from fashiontoast.com. I can’t see myself wearing a fur piece of clothing, but I love faux fur accessories!
Maxine
I like a little bit of faux fur but not a lot like all over because I do not want to look like an animal.
Chelsea - University of Oklahoma
@Holly– here’s the link for where I found it on polyvore!
http://www.polyvore.com/fur_shrug_gap/thing?id=24624654
SAB
I don’t understand why you’re all so gung-ho about faux fur when you still promote the use of leather products.
Mandi
i think this trend is cute when paired like the first outfit is. uggg i LOVE the first fur vest sooo much! i recently purchased a fur vest @ jcpenny…allen b brand it was pretty cheap too 20 something in store ( $30.80 online) it’s pretty cute because it is crochet in the back and ties in front ;) the texture of the vest is not like these though and is a grey color… just shouting that out in case anyone is looking for a cheap cute find.
Charlotte - University of Birmingham
i ADORE the vest in the first outfit!!
i am a huge faux fur fan. I have a gorgeous leopard print faux fur coat which is a little ostentatious, but I adore it!!
I think this post is fabulous :]]]
Charlotte xxx
Nikki
I love the first one I even wore it with my cords for two different texture I have my vest like three yrs
Monique
Not into fur and definitely don’t plan on rockin’ this challenge.
But those Jeffrey Campbell boots are HOT. I just want the boots.
Yue
I agree with SAB. So fur is no-no but everybody is okay with UGGs? Did you know UGGs are made of fur turned inside out? Leather shoes and bags are acceptable too apparently. There’s such a stigma around fur but not other products made of animal skins, why is that?
Mandi
@Sarah G, cute faux fur bag….@shopruche. fur-ociously flirty faux fur purse by Melie Biaco $77.99
Lalalina
I am pretty sure Rachel Zoe wears real fur, not faux. I’m not positive, but I watch her show on Bravo and the vests she wears on there are definitely real fur. Not the best person to have representing this topic.