I have a confession to make. A fashion confession.
A few years ago I swore I would never wear a faux fur vest. Never. Ever.
Boy am I eating those hastily uttered words now.
I cannot get enough of them and have decreed faux fur vests to be THE most covetable fashion item this winter and (hopefully) for winters to come.
The Bohemian Traders black faux fur vest has been one of the most popular items in the Styling You Shop – as of last night there was only one left (a size XS – that would suit up to a size 12 – as I’m loving wearing the M and am normally a size 16).
Here are some of the ways I’ve been wearing mine …
Bohemian Traders faux fur vest | Sacha Drake shirt | Sacha Drake pants | Louenhide bag | Zoe Kratzmann wedges
Bohemian Traders vest | Bohemian Traders blouse | Blue Illusion pants (they’re back in stock!) | Sussan clutch | Nine West heels
The other vest I bought this season is the Firefly Brooke Gilet in cream (Shop at Birdsnest here or direct from Firefly here).
Here are some of the ways I’ve been wearing mine …
Blue Illusion shirt | Firefly vest | NYDJ jeans (Kadyn – 2014) | Frankie4 Footwear JAMiE boots
Blue Illusion shirt | Firefly vest | Country Road pants (similar here) | Frankie4 Footwear JAMiE boots
But I’m not the only person who has been embracing the vest so far this season. Far from it.
My blogging friend, Rachel from Redcliffe Style, has even declared every Thursday #fursday, and the real women of #everydaystyle have been trotting out their faux fur looks each week.
Here are just a few …
If you’re still sitting on the fence re faux fur vests, here are my tips on how to wear a faux fur vest. They might just help you get over the line.
Tips for wearing a faux fur vest
1. Your vest is the show pony piece in any outfit. Let it shine. Don’t try and add too many statements in the one look.
2. Contrast the texture of the vest with an opposite texture in the layer underneath. Think silk, a fine knit, a crisp shirt, leather or plether pants. This contrast adds interest and will make the outfit pop.
3. Use the vest to dress up an otherwise casual outfit. This is another way contrast can add interest to an outfit. Think vest with jeans and leather sneakers; or vest with fancy trackies and flat ankle boots.
4. Use the vest to take an already dressy outfit up a notch. This isn’t so much about the contrast, more about the added element to the outfit. Add a red lippie and you’re set for anywhere fancy while still keeping warm.
5. Don’t just save your vest for long pants or jeans – wear with a boho-style dress. The vest will not only add a winter texture to a lighter style dress but it will also add shape to a more flowy style. Wear with boots for a timeless boho look.
6. The faux fur vest is the ideal way to add a luxe winter element to an outfit when it doesn’t feel like winter. I touched on this in this post written back in March after my first winter purchases of the season. I’ve been wearing my vests in Queensland on mild days or nights with a light layer underneath. It gives me my fix of winter style without a sweat fest going on underneath.
7. Do look for a vest that fits you well and doesn’t overwhelm the bust and shoulders area. The bigger the bust and shoulders, the more important it is to have a vest that opens and drapes to reveal what you’re wearing underneath. Think of it the same as if you were wearing a cardi. The sides of the cardi fall open to create an illusion of a thinner “column” underneath.
8. Belt it. If you’re a belt kind of girl then whip them out and belt around the waist for even more shape. Check out @melissasdressupbox’s photo above.
Shopping suggestions
Run, don’t walk, if you’re still umming and ahhing about adding this style of piece to your winter wardrobe. They won’t be in store for much longer. Winter may be coming but in fashion land in a month or so it will all be over.
(All available at Birdsnest) 1. Zaket and Plover vest $69.95 (on sale) | 2. Cooper St vest $139.95 | 3. Fate vest $84.95 (on sale) | 4. Firefly vest $129.95 | 5. Living Doll vest $49.95 (on sale) | 6. Wish vest $149.95
So tell me, would I find a faux fur vest in your wardrobe? What’s your favourite way to wear your vest? Do you stroke it frequently while wearing? Please say that’s not just me.
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Comments 67
I love fur vests so much and your post just reminded me that I have two that I can dig out and start wearing again! Oh and I just bought your book today at BIG W, I just thought I would tell you that I have only read a little but I love it so far! So inspiring.
Absolutely love the second look – can I ask if the blouse and pants run true to size as they are exactly what I am looking for, for an upcoming, extremely rare night out. Love your work Nikki x
Hi Cindy – by the second look do you mean the all black with faux fur vest? Then my top is XL and I’m 14-16 in tops; the pants are L and I’m an XL in pants.
Thanks so much Nikki x
Thanks so much Nikki x
I am a fan of “vintage” fur – I have both faux and real from my mother, they remind me of her when I wear them which makes me feel good. Because I feel good, I think I look good. I will continue to wear them whether or not they are in fashion!
That’s so beautiful Inese!
Perfect timing reading this post as I recently bought one from forever new. Took me a while to get used to the bulkiness of it but now I love it and want to wear it with everything! My huz doesn’t get it though… calls it ‘the chinchilla’. Xx
I LOVE my faux fur vest and often wear a wide belt with it which makes it look less bulky & gives some definition. I made mine and will have a tutorial for it on my blog soon: http://www.thetallmamastyle.blogspot.com
I have been after one for a few years and every year they’ve either sold out of my size by the time I’ve decided, or I can’t find one that I like the look and feel of. But finally, this year I stalked a cream one in French connection & got it on sale in DJs last week! Success. Wore it today and loved it.
I’ve always loved faux fur vests and this season it’s so exciting to see so many different types!
You do rock them my love – I tried to find you wearing one in an #everydaystyle photo but couldn’t otherwise you’d be in this line up!
I’ve always loved faux fur vests and this season it’s so exciting to see so many different types!
The good thing is that you recognise that for yourself Sonal … confidence is the aim at the end of the day. And if you don’t “feel” ok in a garment then it will never work. And that’s ok! We’re all individuals.
The good thing is that you recognise that for yourself Sonal … confidence is the aim at the end of the day. And if you don’t “feel” ok in a garment then it will never work. And that’s ok! We’re all individuals.
Okay you may just have convinced me to try…must confess though, like you I said NEVER, because I was so worried my boobs would look humongous. I’ll keep you posted! xx
It’s about the drape and the cut – you know what to look for – happy hunting!
LOVE a faux fur vest and mean to buy one every winter. This. Is. The. Year! x K
Oh do it Kate … you would so rock it!
I have had that Firefly gilet on my mind for quite a few weeks since I saw it on you!! Better get my skates on!! Great tips on how to wear them. I’ll be joining the club soon. I swore I wouldn’t wear drop crotch pants about three months ago…now I own two pairs. Classic xox
Oh it would work so well on you Wendy … and I think I also said no to drop crotch pants but now have them in my wardrobe. OOPS!
Oh it would work so well on you Wendy … and I think I also said no to drop crotch pants but now have them in my wardrobe. OOPS!
Thanks so much for including me Nikki – great tips too! I once swore I would never wear leopard print. Bahaha! I love the Bohemian Traders vest on you. x
Oh the things we say! I’ve given up swearing off fashion things … except bootleg jeans. Will never go back to them.
Oh goodness! Me neither – so unflattering on short little me – yikes!
Miss 8 is about to get her ‘third winter’ wear out of her faux fur vest. I jumped on the band wagon last winter but only ever get to wear mine around the house as I can’t get her out of hers and we look too matchy matchy out together!
LOL … that’s too funny. You might have to ban her for a day!
LOL … that’s too funny. You might have to ban her for a day!
I don’t own a single vest, let alone a fur covered one. I love them on other people just yet to take the plunge myself. I will have to try one on next time I am atthe mall, not sure if it will be a winner but I will try.
Have a try Jess but don’t force anything that doesn’t feel right for you – that’s the key – as confidence is the end result you’re aiming for in any outfit. It’s ok not to feel confident in every trend or garment.
Thank you so much for including me! I love Faux Fur vests so much, I have to force myself not to wear them. I have a few different lengths and colours and they are the best Winter pieces. I’m eyeing off the Bohemian Traders and a Guess one to add to my collection
Oh please just have a week of them! Fur Week for the start of winter? x
I have two already and love and wear them both. Warmth without too much bulk.
Yes to that Amanda!
I have 2 in my wardrobe-a black and a cream! Love them so much, wear them with everything here in Melbourne!!! My boys love to touch them, as do!!
I’m glad I’m not alone on that Shauna!! x
I have 2 in my wardrobe-a black and a cream! Love them so much, wear them with everything here in Melbourne!!! My boys love to touch them, as do!!
If I had one, I’d be touching it all the time too! I’m not sure I’ll buy one, I think I’d prefer a boxy little fur coat (faux of course!). I like the fur vest on you in the whole black ensemble – I think you were in Sydney?
There is a coat version of the Bohemian Traders black vest I’m wearing and yes it was in Sydney last week!
There is a coat version of the Bohemian Traders black vest I’m wearing and yes it was in Sydney last week!
I have a slight addiction to faux fur vests too! I have a ‘collection’ of them now 😉
I LOVE your BT one.
Cx
A collection is always a good idea!
I only just brought one a week ago :). My partner laughed at me, of course I have him a wack for doing that. I then started to feel like something out of Conan the barbarian lol. I was wearing jeans but I will as you have suggested nikki I will invest get some good looking black legging, boots and a cashmere knit and work with the vest a little better. I love good style Nikki 🙂
My husband thinks I look like John Snow from Game of Thrones when I wear my black one! What would they know?!! x
I have one in cream and beige tones but the last time I wore it I was asked how many animals I killed!! Which of course was none because it isn’t even real fur,it was a freezing cold winter night and I wore mine over a thin cashmere knit and jeans and long boots.
I love all these looks Nikki I must get mine out again and give it another try and thank you for all the suggestions Xx
Love that classic winter look Lisa – cashmere knit and long boots and a faux fur vest!
I love this look on others, but unfortunately they seem to make me look like a block of flats. I either need something slimline and/or drapey to work on my shape, so will keep an eye out as I think if I purchase it will need to be in a store.
You know what works Johanne, so love that you’ve thought it through – the #4 (which I have in cream) has a very good line without the bulk.
always good tips thanks nikki!
especially love your black version in Sydney! ;x
unsure but could consider!
enjoy while you can! love m:)X
I will be enjoying as much as possible M … 3 weeks of my “winter” will be in European summer so even shorter season this year.
Like you I said ‘never’ and now I can’t stop wearing a recently purchased one (similar to your no3), I’ve even got my eye on a shearling vest…who am I? 🙂
I don’t know who I am either Jenni!!
I love faux fur and shearling vests and have had 3 on almost constant rotation for the last couple of years. They are the perfect clothing accessory to jazz up almost any non-summer clothing combination
. I am now thinking that I really need a black one as well!
Yes yes yes. I declared I would never buy any vest until I saw the snuggly Gordon Smith one this year and now I want to wear it everyday. Warm, cuddly and fun it’s my number 1 fashion piece for this season.
You would find three in my wardrobe. My 10 month old granddaughter has her first one and wore it yesterday. The black on black look is excellent.
Oh I love that it’s been passed on to the new generation! Gorgeous.
I love a faux fur vest. I have one I bought a few years ago from Forever New. How glam is the black one, especially with the black tonal look you are wearing in the second photo. Love it all. V x
Thanks V … and they just lift an outfit. Good buying all those years ago when I was still scared of them!
Love this look. Especially the second photo of you, very glam Nikki. Not so sure for me, being a teapot lol, maybe I will buy one for my granddaughter – I can satisfy the need to buy one then! Kathryn 🙂
LOL Kathryn … you’re not a teapot. You’re a lovely woman. A style like #1 or #4 has less bulk to it if that’s what you’re concerned about.
Aww thankyou, but you know…short and stout-ish haha! I would love one though! x
I don’t have one yet but maybe you’ve convinced me!
The vest you were wearing yesterday is a great/similar alternative Bec!
Ive actually been wearing one from Target for the last 2 winters! This winter I also bought a grey one from Sussan. Love to wear them with dresses and tunics and leggings. Keeps you warm as you only need one layer under them because if your torso is warm then so are you.
Great purchases Kellie!
I’m really liking this look, but I’m still a little cautious due to plus size boobs…I like the idea of the drape open you suggested in point 7, but might have to do a bit more hunting around online to find a style that will suit me!
I totally get that Rebecca … I’m a 16D … the #4 which I have in the cream (pictured above) opens up beautifully. It’s even buttoned back a little so works on my bust I think.