You need a big hairy audacious jacket.
Phoebe Philo says so.
A really odd trend emerged at the Fall-Winter shows a few seasons back.
I documented it on my Instagram feed in a video about the 7 notable things you missed at Fashion Week (you can watch that here if you want the full recap.)
It’s a trend I dubbed “hair, hair, everywhere,” in response to so many of the major designers showing clothing and accessories made of synthetic hair.
Giant yeti coats at Marni. Neon green furry jackets at Off-White. Hair ties - literally, neck ties made of hair - at Valentino.
In October last year we saw Phoebe Philo debut her first collection under her eponymous line with a few staggeringly expensive shag items in the mix, like that humungous white jacket (with a much-discussed “POA” label).
I believe that might’ve been the beginning of this trend, because where Phoebe goes, others follow.
So what does it mean for us and for our wardrobes? Feathered pants, anyone?
Not exactly. I think the trickle down effect will extend mostly to outerwear, and we’re already seeing it in stores.
The last time I remember hairy jackets having a moment was back in the Kate Moss indie sleaze era, when everybody wore skinny leather pants and big vintage-inspired furs.
If you’re on the lookout for a new coat for winter, just keep in mind that bad faux fur can look really… well, bad. Sorry but I say it out of love! So if you’re not sure about the quality of the faux fur or it looks cheap to you, try a different texture like velvet, boucle or something woolly. The aim is to look expensive!
This black velvety coat from Zara saw me through winter in Chamonix last year and it’s one of the best things I’ve ever bought. It’s so snug and it goes with everything.
This year I grabbed a faux shearling coat from the sale rack at Myer because I wanted more of a statement jacket with a bit of texture.
Here are 4 current options I like that capture the effortless vibe of this look… without going full Bigfoot. All faux, of course!
Ena Pelly Marni Faux Fur Jacket
Forever New Hunter Cropped Faux Fur Coat
Stand Studio Camille Faux Fur Coat
Not into the hair thing?
The two other outerwear styles that will be big this season are the very oversized tailored coat (as seen at the Balenciaga Fall-Winter show, in comical proportions) and the belted boxy blazer.
Both of them have big jacket energy and going large is part of the look. You can always get sleeves and hemlines tailored, but I personally like having my lines run a little long.
Last year I invested in Blanca’s cult “Carmen” coat and I have absolutely no regrets. You literally cannot go wrong with a big black coat.
Remember - just because you’re petite doesn’t mean everything has to be fitted, and just because you’re tall doesn’t mean you can’t embrace long-line proportions and make yourself look even more lengthy.
Take a leaf out of Phoebe Philo’s book and throw the old rules out the window.
Txx