Vintage Faux Fur Ideas for the Opulent Enthusiast

Vintage faux fur gives you the old Hollywood look without real fur. The photographs here are from Florence: the ceiling of the Palazzo Pitti, and me on the Ponte Vecchio in a hooded black faux fur cape.

I wore the faux fur cape over a black dress, with long pearls, a red bag, knee-high black leather boots and oversized pale pink glasses. For me, faux fur is a statement and not a compromise.

The cape came from Andorra. The accessories that day were my 1980s YSL pieces.

Why choose faux fur?

Faux fur is lighter than real fur and easier to look after. It also comes in colours, textures and patterns that real fur doesn’t, from glossy imitation mink to plush imitation chinchilla. The days when it looked cheap are gone.

I should say where I stand. When you buy new, go for faux fur. If you want the real thing, go vintage.

How to wear faux fur

It is all about what you put with it. A faux fur stole over a silk blouse, with wide-legged trousers and metallic heels, is dressed up. For the daytime, try a cropped faux fur jacket with tailored jeans, oversized sunglasses and a leather tote. And at home, a robe with a faux fur trim in blush pink.

Colours

Cream, taupe and grey go with everything, from jewel-coloured dresses to earthy trousers. But don’t overlook the bold ones. A ruby red faux fur coat is pure drama.

Animal prints deserve a mention. Leopard, zebra and even peacock patterns look best with plain clothes around them. For the evening there are metallic faux furs in gold and silver.

Faux fur accessories

A faux fur collar makes a plain coat interesting. Gloves with a faux fur trim look vintage straight away. Hats too: a pillbox, or a wide brim trimmed with fur, comes straight from the 1950s.

For bags, choose a texture that works with the fur. Velvet and satin clutches go well with it, and a structured leather bag keeps the whole look polished.

Buying faux fur second-hand

Buy it vintage or pre-loved and nothing new has to be made for you. Second-hand shops are a good place to look, and so are online platforms like Vestiaire Collective.

Travelling with faux fur

A faux fur cape travels well. It doesn’t crease, and on a long flight it doubles as a blanket. It goes over a tailored suit or a long bohemian dress.

Mixing old and new

Vintage faux fur looks good against modern pieces. Try a 1960s faux mink coat with platform boots and statement jewellery. Mixing eras keeps the look your own, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

Faux fur at home

Faux fur works in the house too. A throw over a velvet chaise longue, or a couple of faux fur cushions, adds texture and warmth to a plain room. There are faux fur rugs as well.

Coat, stole, cape or throw. Wear it, and enjoy the drama.