Not Pillbox Hats or Capes—this winter's accessory trend for those with style will be the "Rich" look.
As winter approaches, certain staples reappear in cities around the globe, prominently featuring items embellished with fur. This accessory trend first gained prominence in the fashion scene during the 1960s, largely due to designers like Karl Lagerfeld, who popularized the term "fun fur" at Fendi. Since then, furry accessories have become a popular choice among fashion enthusiasts as temperatures drop and lighter materials become impractical. While this particular accessory isn't considered particularly cutting-edge, it consistently conveys an impression of luxury and elegance, making it a seasonal favorite for everyone from celebrities to Upper East Side residents. However, what's made furry accessories even more intriguing in recent seasons is their resurgence on the runway. From Fendi to Ferragamo, many luxury brands have prominently featured furry items, including bold coats, shoes, wraps, and shoulder bags. The abundance of fuzzy items has prompted fashion insiders to ask, "Is fur truly making a complete comeback?" The answer isn't straightforward, as an ongoing debate has emerged online regarding the eco-friendliness and ethics of choosing synthetic alternatives versus vintage fur options. Regardless of personal viewpoints, it's evident that this cold-weather accessory trend will remain a vital topic of discussion—and likely a staple in our wardrobes—into the foreseeable future. For those skeptical about the return of fur accessories, let us present evidence of why this "divisive" trend will be a favorite among stylish individuals this winter. Below, we’ve gathered instances of this trend both on the runway and in real life, along with a selection of the finest shearling, faux-fur, and pony-hair pieces to consider purchasing for the season. Trust us, these accessories may even evoke some fuzzy emotions in the staunchest anti-fur advocates.
On the Runway
Given the classic appeal of this winter fabric, it's no surprise to see fur outerwear featured prominently in fall collections. However, beyond coats, the most compelling evidence of this trend’s resurgence can be found in the abundance of fur accents—or simply put, all those extra embellishments that may not be timeless but still fun. It appeared that no garment was spared from the furry touch in the fall/winter collections: scarves, bags, shoes, hats, and bag charms, among others.
Yet, it wasn't merely the widespread inclusion of unconventional fur accessories that indicated the trend's revival, but rather the maximalist styling that boldly conveyed wealth. This ethos was notably embodied in several fall collections, especially at Miu Miu, where femininity was maximized through styling choices. The stiff lines of conventional tailoring were softened, as a structured coat was paired not only with silk garments underneath but was further enhanced by draping a furry stole over the arm.
At Fendi, fur scarves were styled with an emphasis on fashion over practicality. A model gracefully walked down the runway in a sheer lace top and coordinated pencil skirt, a fur scarf trailing behind her, inadvertently sending the message, "I'm affluent enough to wear almost nothing in winter." Beyond fur stoles, other fashion houses such as Chloé and Michael Kors showcased fur accessories as mere decorative elements, with a bohemian twist achieved through incorporating '70s-inspired floppy fur hats and foxtail bag charms. Fur bags were also ubiquitous in fall collections.
While it's tempting to associate the resurgence of this accessory trend with a nostalgic yearning for the '90s, to reduce fur handbags to a mere sign of collective immaturity would be inaccurate. Admittedly, we all appreciate handbag trends that bring forth child-like delight—just look at the rise of Labubus—but designers have effectively taken this "childish" trend and revamped it for a more mature context. This is particularly evident in Fendi's fall presentation, where the brand’s iconic structured Peekaboo and Spy bags were enveloped in sumptuous fur. The stark contrast between the collection's precise tailoring and the furry bags created a tension that could be described as sultry.
Moreover, brands like Ashlyn and N21 expertly emphasized their tailoring by pairing sculpted leather and cashmere tops with compact furry clutches. Likewise, Tod's, Gucci, and Michael Kors showcased structured silhouettes that felt more relaxed with the addition of slouchy hobo bags crafted from shaggy shearling. While these runway presentations aimed to demonstrate that this "frivolous" trend could be sophisticated, others embraced the concept of "fun fur" through footwear. There’s no better sign of designers wholeheartedly embracing this trend than incorporating fur into every aspect of their collections.
Although fur-trimmed shoes have previously appeared in fashion history—remember when every star was seen in fur-lined Ugg boots?—the initial signs that this trend would be more restrained than its predecessors could be noted in the fall and spring collections of Carven, Bottega Veneta, and Ferragamo. Classic shoe silhouettes were modernized with shaggy fur or feathers. However, what truly set this trend apart among fashion insiders was not simply the number of furry shoes but
Other articles
Not Pillbox Hats or Capes—this winter's accessory trend for those with style will be the "Rich" look.
Oh, greetings, Upper East Siders.
