Faux Fur Coats and Vests: How to Style Them for Winter
- Words by
- Julio Arco
- Published
- Reading
- 5 min
The simplest way to wear faux fur is to let it be the only big shape in the outfit. Keep what sits under it fitted, choose a pile length that suits your height, and add one sleek material (leather, silk or dark denim) to stop it from looking costume-like.
A vest is the easiest entry point, because it adds texture without the bulk of sleeves. Below: how to pick the pile, what to wear underneath, how to belt it, and what to check before you buy.
Are fake fur vests still in style?
Yes, as long as they look intentional. A vest reads as dated when it is shaggy, oversized and paired with equally loose pieces. It reads current when the pile is short or the shape is clean, and the rest of the outfit is tidy.
Through the lens of evidence-based design, I'd think about it as a question of surface. A dense, sheared pile catches light evenly and looks calm. A long, shaggy pile breaks light up and reads louder, so it needs quieter pieces around it.
How to choose the right pile and length
Pile is the length and density of the fibers, and it decides how much volume you add.
Sheared or short pile
This looks like shearling or plucked mink. It adds very little bulk, works indoors, and is the safest pick for everyday wear or the office. In black, navy or camel it looks close to a structured wool gilet.
Long, shaggy pile
Long-hair styles add drama and balance wide-leg trousers well. On a petite frame, keep a shaggy vest at about the hip, because a knee-length shag can swallow the legs. A long faux fur coat for women works best when the pile is short and the rest of the outfit is slim.
How to wear a faux fur coat or vest without looking bulky
Use opposites. If one piece adds volume, the piece next to it should reduce it.
- Under a vest, wear fitted sleeves: a ribbed turtleneck or a fine merino knit. Batwing and dolman sleeves bunch at the armpit.
- With a cropped vest, wide-leg trousers or a midi skirt balance the proportions.
- With a longer, tunic-length vest, choose slim or straight-leg pants, or leggings with tall boots, to keep a long line.
Check the armhole too. If it is cut small, it will pull over a chunky knit. Try the vest on with the thickest layer you plan to wear under it.
If you are layering for actual cold, put a moisture-wicking layer closest to the skin. Texas A&M's Howdy Health advises avoiding cotton because it absorbs moisture and can keep it next to your skin, making you cold. That matters most if you are outdoors for long stretches.
Which colors and materials work best with faux fur?
Monochrome looks polished, but it needs variety in texture. A black vest over a black cotton shirt looks flat. Swap in a silk blouse or leather trousers and the same colors look dimensional.
Watch undertones. A warm cream vest can make a stark white shirt look cool and slightly gray beside it. Oatmeal, camel or soft beige sit better next to it.
- Leather or faux leather: the slick surface contrasts with soft fur.
- Silk or satin: a slip dress under a vest suits evenings, and the vest adds winter warmth.
- Denim: choose dark or crisp white, and skip heavy distressing, which can look messy beside fur.
For more on pairing, see leather and faux fur pairings and faux fur with satin.
Should you belt a faux fur vest?
Belting is the quickest way to give a boxy vest a waist. Use a belt about 2-3 inches wide, because a skinny belt disappears into the pile. Leather or suede obi styles lie flat. Cinch gently so the fur suggests a waist rather than being squeezed.
If you prefer it open, a vest with side tabs can be gathered at the back for a more tailored rear view.
Can you wear a faux fur jacket for a formal dress?
Yes. A short, sleek faux fur jacket over a satin or silk dress is a classic evening layer. Keep jewelry simple and the shoes polished. For related ideas, look at faux fur stoles for evening and faux fur with beaded accents.
For a more relaxed layer, fluffy vests for cool evenings and warm faux fur jackets cover the casual end.
Where to buy faux fur coats and what to check
I can't point you to a single best brand, so judge the piece itself, whether you shop department stores, specialty outerwear labels or resale. Check these in person or in the product details:
- Lining: a smooth, well-stitched lining means the coat will hang better and last.
- Pile: gently part it. Dense fibers that spring back usually hold up better than sparse, stiff ones.
- Armholes and shoulders: you should be able to raise your arms with a sweater on.
- Closures: hidden hooks or sturdy buttons beat thin snaps.
Read the fiber content and the care label before you buy, and compare return policies for online orders.
How to care for faux fur
Do not put faux fur in a dryer, since heat can fuse the fiber tips. If it gets wet, shake it out and air dry it in an open space. Where a seatbelt has flattened the pile, brush the fibers gently with a soft pet slicker brush. Store it on a hanger with some room around it, not in a plastic bag, and follow the garment's care label.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy a good quality faux fur coat?
Department stores, outerwear specialists and resale sites all carry them. Judge by lining, pile density, stitching and fit rather than the label alone.
What is the best faux fur brand?
There is no single best brand. Compare fiber content, lining quality, reviews and return policy for the specific coat you are considering.
Can I wear a faux fur vest to the office?
Yes, if the pile is short and the color is neutral. A sheared black or navy vest over a crisp shirt and tailored trousers looks close to a wool gilet.
How do I stop a faux fur vest from shedding?
New pieces often shed a little. Lightly go over the vest with an upholstery vacuum attachment or a lint roller, and shake it out before wearing.
Filed under Seasonal Trends
