I have recently become obsessed with fur. Feline, fabulous, funky fur.

No doubt readers from the northern hemisphere will be amused to note my excitement but, for Sydney girls, fur is uncalled for in terms of a fashion staple, except for the occasional catwalk moment. (Of course I am talking of fur of the fake variety!)

Here are the looks I’ve been loving on Tokyo’s streets.

It’s cold in Tokyo — so we wear fur! We wear it on our parkas, coats and puffa jackets, usually trimming the hood but also on the cuffs and around the neck as a separate accessory. It’s also nice to incorporate fur into a cape or bolero, which looks gorgeous with your evening dress on a very cold January night (and adds a bit more zhoosh than a pashmina).

Large tote bags abound in either animal print or black fur, and gloves and berets also come trimmed with, or entirely furred. Occasionally I see fur-trimmed boots, either with elegant spiked heels or laced-up chunky ugg style.

Big chain stores here like Zara, Gap and Next are all carrying fake fur pieces and in the boutiques there are endless options including keychains, phone holders and coin purses.

My favourite item is a longer khaki colored parka-style knee-length coat with luxurious fake fur-trimmed hood. Parkas with heels and straight-leg jeans are a great look, but wide-leg pants also work well with this style of coat.

Interestingly I don’t see the gilet or vest piece here very often — fur-trimmed or otherwise. The overall preference for layering perhaps makes this item unnecessary.

All of this fur gives me the sensation I am on a film set in Moscow, but also makes me feel very warm! It adds a touch of luxe to cold weather basics and makes the whole winter experience a bit more fun (and I’m looking for fun because dressing three children who are accustomed to sundresses is often challenging!)

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