Inspiration Board: Carmella - 2 x Teddy Coat

The (faux ;)) fur coat (or it’s fuzzy variant, the Teddy coat) has always had a place in fall/winter fashion and this year, the look has taken on new importance as a way to convey laidback luxe. We’ve seen everything from classic neutrals to crazy colors, all topping the most chill of looks. Carmella gave the trend a try in two different ways. First up was a black monochrome look which used her knee-length coat over a simple black tee and velvet leggings. I love the play on texture here, but I’m finding the all-black a little monotonous, so I imagined jazzing it up a smidge by using an olive turtleneck instead of the tee. (Burgundy, scarlet, beige and gray would all work as well). The slim fit is key – you’re looking for a contrasting silhouette to the boxy, oversized coat.  To re-create the textural contrast, add velvet leggings like ‘Mella, or reach for leather (she’d totally approve). If you’re not feeling (or possessed of) either of those, distressed skinny denim will work too ;).  Add OTK boots and swap Carmella’s skull cap for an on-trend newsboy hat…or skip the hat altogether and just go for a sleek low pony.  If you’re craving a sporty variation on this look, do tapered sweats on the bottom and black sneakers. Tie the formality of the coat into the look by adding a few delicate touches of gold jewelry: a bar necklace, a selection of band rings, slim hoop earrings. No Teddy coat? No problem – top either look with a chunky, long cardigan instead.

Carmella’s next foray into faux fur was with a super-simple LBD, a mini knit piece with an eye-catching squared-out neckline that ‘Mella made the most of. This time, she broke up the black by completing the look with light neutral OTKs. Your dress of choice depends on where you’re headed in this fabulous look. Off to date night or out with the girls? Reach for a black slip dress or a body-con piece with a sensual detail – an off-shoulder silhouette, open back or side slit. Headed to a work party? Try a midi length in a curve-kissing heavyweight knit or pretty lace. Top the frock with your Teddy or faux fur coat and add light colored OTKs (or, black always works too ;)). With short dresses, there should be a clear difference (at least two inches) between the dress’ hem and the top of the boot shaft. With midi pieces, the boots should extend above the hem of the dress so that their shaft disappears under it. Accent work event looks with delicate jewelry that contrast with the massive statement of your coat:  long, slim earrings, a ‘Y’ necklace, a skinny bangle or three. Spice up night out event looks with a leopard bag and statement earrings or ring(s!) :). Fresh out of faux fur? No worries – top the outfit with a long overcoat. (Note:  your chosen coats should either be longer than the dress or substantially shorter. You want to avoid the situation where your dress is just slightly longer than your coat. Other than that, pretty much anything goes!) Happy styling!