The Detachable Fur Collar: A Trendy New Accessory for Winter 2012
When I was traveling in Japan this fall, I noticed that detachable fur collars had replaced scarves as the go-to neck warming accessory for winter outfits. Before this point, I had only come across fur collars at antique fairs and vintage clothing shops, so this development struck me as highly interesting!
After trying on a couple collars I found in stores, I was hooked. They're so warm, plus they're also smaller and more simple than most scarves (which, while fun, often dangle inconveniently and get caught).
I'm also surprised by the effect that fur collars have on dresses and coats. Because they look like collars and not scarves, one could easily think that they're a part of a garment and not an accessory, so getting a couple of cool collars could be an interesting way to add versatility and extra warmth to existing coats, jackets, and dresses without going out and buying entirely new clothes.
Concernes About Fur
One reason why I didn't buy any fur collars while in Tokyo is that most of the collars I came across were made with real fur, and I'm a bit hesitant to go out and buy real fur (especially at the current dollar-yen exchange rate). That said, there are a ton of faux fur collars to be found online, so if you're a vegetarian, a money-saver, or just trying to avoid real fur in your wardrobe, these make for a good option.
If you like the feel of real fur but don't want to go out and buy a new one, vintage is a happy medium to go with. After all, someone already bought the collar, so you're not exactly supporting the fur industry with your purchase. Concience: clear!
Accessorizing Tips
The best garments to wear fur collars with are:
- Jackets
- Coats
- Dresses
I did, however, see detachable fur collars paired with a couple sweaters when I was out strolling the streets of Tokyo. If you do pair a fur collar with a dress, blouse, or sweater, I recommend going with a lighter color and a thinner design.
Thicker brown collars tend to look better when paired with bulkier, sturdy coats and jackets. Many jackets actually come with detachable fur collars (case in point with the jackets showcased to the right), so if you don't feel like buying these accessories a la carte, you can always use detachable collars that come with jackets as accessories for other coats and dresses.
Do you have a detachable fur collar?
Do you wear detachable collars?
My grandmother had a bunch of detachable fur collars, which makes me wonder how many of us already have these accessories on hand and can just take them out for a spin in their renewed fashionable glory!
Do you own a couple vintage (or new) fur collars? Do you wear them? Have you been getting more compliments on them lately, or do you think their renewed popularity will be limited to Japan? Share your thoughts in the comments!
