As the mercury steadily drops, my thoughts have turned to all things cosy. If there’s one snuggly wardrobe all-rounder to invest in now – especially if, like me, you’re avoiding putting the heating on – it’s a faux fur coat.
My enthusiasm for strokable outerwear comes from just how versatile these fuzzy coats really are. They work at cocktail hour and at parties, but they’re even acceptable office attire too. And if winter gets particularly bad, I may well wear mine at my desk whilst I #wfh – don’t judge! Read on for the purse friendly styles to shop now, for under £100.
Where can I buy the best faux fur coats this winter?
Hooded faux fur coats
If you’re after maximum warmth, opt for a fluffy hooded number to work with casual looks. I rate this perfectly cropped, zip-up style from Pull & Bear in ecru, dark khaki and simple black (£35.99, pullandbear.com).
It’s ideal for petite ladies on the hunt for shorter jackets. I also recommend this luxe brown panelled version – it looks far more expensive than it is – and for a tonal yet textural look pair it with matching brown leather trews and a chunky chocolate-hued knit (£95, riverisland.com). If you’re after a black classic silhouette (that isn’t cropped) New Look’s silky soft iteration is a steal for under £46 (£45.99, newlook.com).
What to wear them with…
I would reserve a hooded number for weekend walks, brunching or even schlepping to the gym – especially as the dark evenings draw in. Pair yours with these vintage straight jeans (£24.99, hm.com) and a pair of dad trainers (£22, hm.com) when socialising for a Scandi cool girl look. Or opt for a simple pair of Lululemon’s align leggings (£78, lululemon.co.uk) which can equally be worn with trainers, gym shoes or tuck them into a pair of black knee-high chunky boots (£39.99, publicdesire.com).
Finish by layering a comfortable yet chic knit underneath. I have my eye on this mock neck sweater from & Other Stories, (it does the best knitwear), which comes in 13 colours, but I like the greige iteration – trust me, it will work with everything in your wardrobe (£35, stories.com).
Power print faux fur coats
A bold, printed fur is the easiest way to create a statement outfit – especially when attending parties in colder climbs where you won’t be taking your coat off. I love this eye-catching black and white checkerboard jacket – and it’s less than £50 (£48, asos.com).
For a similarly monochrome moment with a teddy textured fur in a shorter crop, try Warehouse (£95.20, warehousefashion.com). You can’t go wrong with a leopard print either – Peacocks do a lapelled fluffy version that sits on the right side of Pat Butcher (£45, peacocks.co.uk). For a khaki twist on this animal print classic head to M&S (£75, marksandspencer.com). Or add a touch of drama to any look with the shawl collared cropped patched coat from Karen Millen (£95, karenmillen.com).
What to wear them with…
When wearing these eye-catching designs, make sure to keep the rest of your look pared-back. I would advise sticking to one staple in a single block colour – aka, a slinky knit dress. They’re warm, it will streamline your silhouette and they can be worn with tights or without (depending on whether you’re wearing it to the office, to the pub or your work Christmas party).
The jersey ribbed column midi in goes-with-everything-black from M&S is a must-have, in petite, regular and long lengths up to a size 24 (£35, marksandspencer.com). Or try a slightly more form-fitting number in burgundy (for night-time) or cornflower blue (for daytime), with a sweetheart neckline (£49, riverisland.com). Throw on some gold chunky earrings (£19, cos.com) and a chain (£25, orelia.co.uk) to finish the look – avoid anything overtly blingy so as not to detract from the furry statement.
Block colours
Nothing screams festive party season like a jewel-toned jacket. For a sapphire-inspired style Next supplies a gorgeous option in a midnight blue that hits mid-thigh length (£62, next.co.uk). If you’re after ruby tones, try the collarless short jacket in ‘Merlot’ from Coast (£69.50, coastfashion.com). Oasis also supply a tipple inspired burgundy iteration in ‘Wine’ – plus it’s made from recycled materials! (£49.50, oasisfashion.com).
For an emerald iteration try my top buy – a forest green cocktail jacket from Karen Millen (£79.20, karenmillen.com). I also love Monki’s slightly subtler deep bronze faux fur design, with an extremely flattering stand collar (£65, monki.com). Or if you prefer bold and bright, don’t miss out on this shaggy cobalt blue style from Topshop (£65, Topshop at asos.com). If you’re thinking pink, snap up Mango’s oversized pastel fluff – simply add a sparkling pair of chandelier earrings for maximum style points (£99.99, mango.com).
What to wear them with…
I wear my stand-out faux fur for dinner dates and soirees. To balance out these bold colours you need a neutral and for this season, I suggest anything metallic. Softly sparkling, gold and silver tones will sit nicely against your chosen jacket.
Zara’s party range is a must-see with a fantastic array of figure-flattering slip dresses – my favourite being this satin camisole midi in gunmetal grey (£45.99, zara.com). I also have my eye on this shiny gold lamé pleated sleeve shirt – simply throw it on with some plain black trousers and strappy heels (£89, mintvelvet.co.uk). For more gorgeous lamé, try this fabulous halter neck from Warehouse (£41.60, warehousefashion.com). Or go full glitter ball with a silver sequined high neck top (£29.50, marksandspencer.com). Shine on!