Trendspotting: Faux fur

Damselle Faux Lynx Fur Vest, $98. Photo: Nordstrom

When it comes to faux fur, designers this year have decided less is more, foregoing the big, bulky fur coats of the past in favor of versatile vests, shrugs and cropped jackets. Celebrities like Kate Moss, Sienna Miller and Rachel Zoe have all made the trend their own, creating effortless rocker chic and boho bombshell looks.

Find the faux fur piece that fits your style, then begin experimenting. You’ll be surprised how well it pairs with items already in your closet.

Classic vest
Perhaps the easiest faux fur item to adopt, the vest looks great with a range of pieces. The trick is to offset the vest’s bulkiness with fitted pieces. Go casual on the weekend with skinny or slim-fit jeans and a long tee shirt or sweater topped with the vest. Pair with ballet flats. For a more cutting-edge look, layer the vest over a fitted leather jacket or blazer and black skinny jeans, and accessorize with an oversize leather bag, cut-out heels or ankle boots and sunglasses. If your workplace is somewhat casual, wear it with a long sweater dress and knee-high boots. At night, pair the vest with a sequined tank or simple ribbed tank and a bunch of necklaces. For formal events, choose a darker faux fur and wear it over a dress of the same color for a striking – but sophisticated – textured look.

Cropped jacket
Balance the cropped jacket’s boxy cut with wide-leg trouser pants or jeans and a long fitted top. If your frame is smaller, a blousy, slightly billowed, long top is also a great contrast to the jacket’s length. Because the jacket is small, feel free to go big on jewelry and wear platform shoes or chunky cut-out heels.

Shrug
Many of the rules for cropped jackets apply here, but if the shrug is sleeveless, wear more substantial turtlenecks, blouses and sweater dresses under it during the day.

Scarf
If you aren’t sure whether faux fur is for you, try the most subtle option: a scarf. Faux fur scarves add instant glamour and style to any outfit. Try it with a simple sweater and skirt or slim-leg jeans, a long blouse, cardigan and flats. Go light on jewelry to avoid competition – let the scarf remain the stand-out piece.