Why am I so obsessed with...Faux Fur?

Fur has always been a symbol of luxury. From your grandma’s mink coat from the 1970s to Fendi’s $400+ fur keychains, fur has always been in style and it is only gaining momentum in the luxury market. However, it’s 2016. Everyone knows that fur production involves animal cruelty and environmentally harmful processes. Despite attempts by some brands to improve transparency, consumers are smarter and less trusting of brand labeling than ever.

Vintage fur is often thrown into the mix as a more eco-conscious option. The argument there is that the coat has already been made, so you won’t contribute to the cycle of animal cruelty - why not wear that secondhand stole? Sure, it’s a nice middle-ground. But you still might shudder at the thought of wearing any sort of animal as a fashion statement.

What’s a fashionable yet cruelty-conscious person to do? The solution is clear: wear faux fur. There are so many synthetic options out there, meaning there’s not really a reason to choose cruelty over kindness.

The title of this article speaks for itself: I’m obsessed with faux fur. It might be dramatic, but throwing on my leopard print faux fur coat makes me feel like the HBIC. Paired with a black turtleneck, dark skinny jeans, and on-trend Chelsea boots, you can’t go wrong even in a print as bold as leopard. And, with winter just around the corner, now is the perfect time to get onboard with the faux fur trend (especially if you’ve been debating whether that coyote-lined Canada Goose is really worth it).

Get in on the obsession with these picks (guys, we included some stylish pieces for you, too!)

From left to right: Leopard Faux Fur Coat $129, Zara; Pimkie Faux Fur Cropped Coat $66, asos.com; Chevron-Pattern Faux Fur Coat $59.90, Forever 21

From left to right: Tahlia Faux Fur Jacket $159, Nordstrom; Faux Fur Vest $39.99, H&M; Long Faux Fur Coat $189, Zara

From left to right: ASOS Faux Fur Collar $29.02, asos.com; River Island Peacoat with Faux Fur $153.17, asos.com