How to wear a fur vest
One of the most popular and favorite real fur garments is the all-time-classic fur vest. Easy to match and style, warm and comfortable, it’s probably the second most favorite garment after the mink coat. What makes the fur vest so popular? Undoubtedly the fact that it’s the ultimate 24/7 mix and match winter clothing. You have seen it in classic looks for night outings, you have seen it in casual city style looks, as part of the everyday work outfit and even with sportswear for a lazy Sunday stroll in the city or a visit to the nature. There are several ways and occasions to wear a fur vest but you have to be careful in order to avoid being gaudy.
The most common fur vest models
The most common fur vest models are the short, around 60-80 cm, and the long , around 130 cm, both with or without a collar or a hood. Lately, fur vests with a hood are very popular as they are the perfect piece for a chic sporty outfit. Vests, like any other fur garment, come in any color as the fur dyeing methods are improving fast with newer and more efficient technologies coming out every day. Always in fashion, the natural shades are one of the most favorite characteristic of fur vests. Mink, sable, fox and chinchilla are the most popular types used in vests. Sable and chinchilla are almost always preserved in natural shades while fox and mink are natural or dyed, depending on the model.
How to wear a fur vest?
So how to wear a fur vest? Fur vest is a garment that everyone likes, but it isn’t very versatile as per it’s line. However, there are a few variations: there are the classic straight line – long or short with a collar or a hood, the short belted fur vests with/out a hood, the long belted A-line vests with an english collar and the loose fur vests with an asymmetric hem. Any of these vest models is perfect for layering during winter because you can easily combine it with your casual winter coat for extra warmth as well as your denim or leather jacket.
During autumn or early spring a fur vest works fine over a pullover, a sweater or even a long sleeve shirt. Another favourite casual outfit for this time of the year is a fur vest over a light down jacket with sports shoes and jeans or sportswear. Avoid the popular bulky sports shoes cause that combination wouldn’t be very flattering. A pair of leather trousers would make another very fashionable variation of this outfit. For a night out, keep the fur vest, the pair of leather trousers and match them with high heels and a white shirt. Be careful with the accessories: less is more when you’re wearing fur or be prepared to look like your 5 year old self playing dress up.
Should I wear a vest with a dress or a skirt?
Don’t be afraid to pull your fur vest out of the closet in order to wear it over any dress or skirt, is it a short, midi or long one, casual or formal. The secret is in the proportions: a short skirt or dress will be fine with a vest of any length. Make sure you follow the line of the dress / skirt – if it’s a straight one, your vest should be straight as well. If it’s a waisted one, make sure to wear your vest with a belt to create a waist effect. A great combination to try for an easy-going nature visit is a long-sleeved boho dress with tan cowboy boots and a light-coloured lamb vest.
An office outfit with a midi skirt or dress would look better with a short belted fur waistcoat. If you are into long fur vests and midi skirts, try these:
- Sports shoes with a stretch midi skirt, a jumper and a straight, knee-length vest for a very casual outfit.
- Heeled boots with any variation of the midi skirt (fit, flowy or pleated midi skirt) a sweater, a wool coat and a long vest – longer than the coat.
- Any kind of heels paired with a leather midi skirt (fit or pleated) with a shirt. For chilly nights make sure to add a light textile coat underneath the vest as well.
Fur vests in formal occassions
Fur vests are a great choice for formal occassions, especially if you are wearing a long dress. In this case you have two choices: a very short fur vest or a long one. A knee-length vest wouldn’t fit here. If you are planning to buy a real fur vest for special occassions, make sure you check those made of sheared mink which looks like velvet and it won’t create that characteristic volume. A sheared mink vest is perfect if you like slim silhouettes but don’t want to make discounts on warmth.
Another very elegant version of fur vest, perfect for special occasions is the sophisticated karakul vest. The sleek and shiny black karakul skin will upgrate any gown but good news is that you don’t have to go black again. The new trend wants karakul skins dyed in metallic shades, which turns it in the coolest thing you’ve ever seen. So now you can go silver, cooper, gold and any other color with an added metallic shade. Wear it over a long black silky dress and get ready to attract everybodies attention.
Keep on reading – “How much does a real fur coat cost?“