Faux fur toppers are trending very strongly at the moment. They are everywhere, and in great variety. Short, long, solid, patterned, neutral and in the odd colour. Does the fact that they are so on-trend now mean that they’ll look dated next season or a few years after that? 

To my eye, a splendidly fitting faux fur jacket or coat is a classic and always in style. That might sound confusing because the item is, by coincidence, very fashionable right now. But there is something gloriously retro about the item that makes it stand the test of time. It’s one of those magical pieces that’s chic, elegant and lady like, yet fun and edgy. 

Some of my clients have been wearing faux fur jackets and coats for years, whereas others are only getting into the vibe this season. Either way, I’ve reassured them that the look won’t date. Of course, tiring of the look is another story. If that happens, hold off on wearing it for a while. But don’t retire a faux fur topper if it’s in great condition. Allow it to hibernate in your closet until the mood once again strikes you in that way. You’ll be glad you kept the item!

My heart is going pitter patter as I write this because I’m worried that I won’t do justice to this incomparable lady. Karen, who has just retired from her job as a book keeper, turns 71 in January. She’s a supportive wife, a spectacular Mum, a loving Granny, and a fabulous friend. When we first met I was immediately captivated by her stunning, glass green eyes, porcelain skin, warm smile, and the hip grey streak in her hair. Karen is no doubt a natural beauty, but it’s her quiet elegance, effortless grace and tactful wisdom that are the most powerful things about her. 

When Karen first asked me to be her fashion stylist I said, “Karen! You are so very stylish. Why do you need my help?” She chuckled and explained that she needed help dressing down her style, and paring down the large amount of black in her wardrobe. Semi-retired life meant no more formal corporate wear, and because Karen has never really worn jeans, dressing for a more relaxed life in Seattle was tough. She desperately wanted to add a casual vibe to her style, but staying dressy, polished and fashionable was also of utmost importance.

We have many style preferences in common, so Karen and I swiftly saw eye to eye on the next leg of her style journey. Although introverted and shy, she is a very strong person with a wicked sense of humour. On the one hand, she loves neutral, crisp, classic clothing, but on the other hand she is often excited by a bold item or new trend. Outfits that are clean and structured, but with an element of surprise, work best for her persona. Karen also prefers to have fewer better-end quality items, so we mix up her outfits with both high and low end pieces.

Marrying the lady-like and glam dimensions of Karen’s fashion persona with denim and a touch of drama is a look that is close to my heart. One of the first items she introduced into her wardrobe when we started working together was a pair of dark wash premium denim jeans. After wearing her David Kahns with dressy tops, jackets and ankle boots for precisely one month she was hooked. Smart Casual dressing became Karen’s new daily uniform. The right pair of jeans made her feel youthful and casually appropriate for almost any occasion. It wasn’t long before Karen had a super assortment of premium denim.

Age appropriate dressing frequently comes into our conversations. Karen wants to continue having fun with fashion and shopping, without worrying that she’s too old to wear a look. I appreciate her concern and we thrash out the topic with a lot of passion! My guideline is always the same: pick the right trendy item and ground the outfit with a no-nonsense classic integrity. 

This guideline struck a chord with Karen and she successfully integrates solid classics with the latest trends. For example, we chose a very tailored moto jacket in a merlot instead of black and kept the hardware to a minimum. Karen likes to wear her moto jacket with classic bootcut jeans and a sweater. A scarf adds extra chic and softens the look.

Karen found the sassy black leather dress above on deep discount. She had it altered for perfect fit, and enjoys wearing it with soft knits and silks. The fashion forward frock is completely grounded by luscious classic pieces like the silky scarf, boyfriend cardigan and suede black pumps. To top things off, Karen sometimes adds her classic black DKNY trench coat.

My 70 year old client in a leather dress. I LOVE it.

Ralph Lauren designs pull at Karen’s heartstrings. Years ago we bought the black velvet Lauren jacket below. This item is going to stand the test of time. She wears it with her formal skirts, AND with jeans and low heels. We especially love the jacket when matched with her late Mum’s 6-strand pearl necklace — an exquisite vintage piece that will stay in the family.

When Karen asked me whether she could wear tapered straight leg jeans at her age (then 69), my reply was, “Of course!”. Karen took to her new straight leg jeans like a duck to water. Matching them with an animal print blouse and wool blazer is one of her favourite combinations. She finishes off the outfit with ankle boots (the Paul Green numbers from this year’s Nordstrom Anniversary sale) or black ballet flats.  On colder days Karen tucks her straight legs into flat riding boots, which is a great practical look for wet Seattle. No soggy bootcut hems.

Being on the tall side, Karen is perfect for the midi skirt trend. When we took these photos she had just bought the red animal printed skirt and was really excited about it. So at the last minute we popped it into the photo shoot with a retro cardigan, complete with faux fur trim and wide waist cinching belt. We added her slim fitting black Stuart Weitzman boots for extra elegance. These boots always bring a smile to my face. Karen bought them four years ago and was only prepared to make the investment if she could also wear them after 70. I rest my case. 

Dear Karen, you are an inspiration to me, oozing style inside and out, from head to toe. I treasure our moments together because we have a ball, and because you teach me so much. You rock my style world with your love for fashion and the conviction with which you wear your killer outfits. Thank you so much for doing this fashion shoot and for braving the windy day. You are a beautiful person and I adore you.

The infamous knee-high boot by Aerosoles, which is also available in wide toe box widths, has a good chance of fitting ladies with wide calves. They are super soft, cushioning, very comfortable, and attractive. They can be dressed up and down, looking equally good with both dresses and skirts, or over leggings and jeans.

The given measurements of the shaft and circumference of this style are confusing. Boots with a 13-inch circumference, as it states online, are for ladies with narrow calves. Yet these boots fit my client with calves four to five inches wider than that. These boots have a genius two zipper opening, allowing the boot to widen as necessary. The long zipper goes all the way down, while the shorter zipper expands the width of the boot around the calf area. 

These boots will not work on petite gals because the shafts are too high. Yes, the boots given shaft measurement is 13.5 inches, which should work on shorter ladies, but they are longer than that.

Lastly, the boots are made of faux leather and currently retailing for $79.99. Sweet deal and vegan friendly.

As with the previous outfit I built around UGG Australia’s new collection, relaxed and texture rich is my starting point for this ensemble. I enjoy creating interesting combinations by matching rigid fabrications like tweed, denim and leather with softer fabrications like jersey, silks, suede, knits and woven polyesters. But this time I’m going for an on-trend ’70s vibe by using either flared jeans or a midi skirt. The look is pretty easy to pull together and you might already have some of the components in your wardrobe. 

A tweed topper, like the Willow & Clay’s Plaid Riding Jacket, is integral to this vibe. It might give you “old college professor” flashbacks, but equestrian tweed jackets are fun to wear with feminine touches. I like an equestrian look complete with elbow patches as long as there is a softness in the ensemble. 

The softness is achieved by adding a soft layer under the jacket like a jersey tee, sweater or silky blouse. Gap’s Chiffon-trim long-sleeve T’s make super layering items and are available in an assortment of colours. Alternatively, add a flowing blouse like you see on the model wearing the jacket. Personally, I would add a sleek sweater like INC’s long sleeved ribbed turtle neck, tucking it into my jeans and finishing off the look with a distressed brown belt. 

Next, add quintessential ’70s wide leg jeans. I’m not a wide leg jeans gal, but love my Gap Long & Leans because they are wider than bootcuts and more streamlined than wide legs. That way I can achieve a ’70s integrity without feeling like I’m drowning in my bottoms. 

UGG Australia’s Lynnea Ankle Boot works perfectly under more flared jeans when you fold up the top. The photo shows the bootie with the top folded down revealing the shearling inner. When worn in this way, the boots look adorable over tapered jeans and leggings, but we’re using wide legs here so folded up is the way to go. My fussy feet like the cozy comfort of this ankle boot, which is surprisingly lightweight.

If you’d prefer to wear a skirt with the top portion of this outfit, retain the ’70s integrity with a flared midi skirt. Swap out the jeans for a soft number like Top Shop’s Animal Print Midi Skirt and wear it with UGG Australia’s Savanna Boot. Mixing animal print with tweed creates a fabulous effect, so be daring! Also, a longer skirt with taller boots is a combination that I find particularly elegant. The Savanna is not a boot for gals with narrow calves, but it’s cozy, soft and warm. 

Finish off the outfit with a bag. Alternative Apparel’s Canyon Rock Satchel is casual in a divinely urban and arty way. It lies flat across the body and fits a large amount of stash. If crossbody bags are not your thing, wear it as a shoulder bag, or remove the strap and carry it by the top handle. 

I’ve left out the jewelry, but add it in as you see fit. Small hoop earrings could be fab, or a dainty necklace and cocktail ring. An oversized wrist watch on its own might do the trick. 

I’ve planted the seeds for this outfit combination. The next step is to personalize the details and make it about your style.