Fashion 101: The shearling jacket

AP

LUXE LOOK: A shearling jacket from Burberry Prorsum's autumn/winter 2010 collection at London Fashion Week.

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Humans have been wearing skins for their warmth and durability since the dawn of time. Though the methods of procurement have been questionable in the past, skins now come to us in more humane ways (check the label).

Why you need it now

Though leather is often the winter staple, shearling makes for a nice style change. It's also bang on trend, as seen looking incredibly luxe on the winter runways of Burberry, especially when fused with leather.

What to look for

Warning: shearling does have its roots in bogan style, so be sure you go for a fashion-forward creation - Burberry did it best with tight-cropped leather and shearling jackets that had fashionistas fantasising about their own Top Gun moment.

Karen Walker and Harry Who also worked the trend with serious style.

Shapes are slimline, cuts are cropped and shearling appears on oversized collars and trims on black, brown, tan and neutral textured jackets. Toughen the look with leather pants or stiletto boots.

Style to suit you

Petite shapes should beware of getting swallowed up and go with fitted shearling. Super cute with this season's maxi skirt.

Athletic shapes can handle the bulk of loads of leather straps and buckles on an aviator-style jacket. Add a feminine dress and anchor it with some long leather boots.

Pear shapes can take a fitted jacket cropped between the waist and hip in any texture. High collars work for you. Keep the bottom half simple to avoid looking boxy.

Busty shapes can go all out with shearling jackets atop slinky dresses in a nod to the elegance of New York society dames.

Larger frames cosy up to natural-looking fur in a longer line. Look to hems that finish at the thigh or lower and pair with tailored pants to sashay down the street in style.

Where to shop

Burberry for the ultimate shearling jacket, Karen Walker for a ladylike version, Harry Who for long and Samvara for an urban feel. Keep an eye on high-street stores as shearling is bound to make an appearance there soon.

Five more ways to wear

Weekender = SJ with simple tee, cargoes and biker boots.

Urban flair = SJ belted over fine tee, A-line skirt and military heels.

Ladylike = SJ with long skirt, silk tee and heels.

Workwear = SJ with ladylike blouse, wide-leg pants and soft scarf.

Evening glam = SJ with bold mini dress, opaque tights and skinny boots.

- © Fairfax NZ News