When the temperature sinks to a level that is incomprehensible (and worthy of a weather-app-screenshot text to your friends in warmer locales), dazzling strangers on the street with your impressive style chops no longer feels like a top priority. However, shearling coats, the warmest breakout winter trend, can provide the heat you need and the fashion you crave during winter’s bitter-cold days.
We first got a hint that shearling might be having a moment this season when we saw shaggy coats of all colors and sizes sweep the Fall/Winter 2024 runways. Both Jil Sander and Proenza Schouler sent down icy white styles—a wide-lapel topcoat and a hooded version, respectively.
Jil Sander Fall/Winter 2024
Proenza Schouler Fall/Winter 2024
Michael Kors and Erdem also presented tufted outerwear, with styling that suggested a myriad of ways these coats could be used to enhance your go-to accessories—layering shearling over a knit balaclava doubles the warmth and the chicness—or replace them altogether. Who needs to put up with an itchy wool scarf when you could be enveloped in luxuriously soft texture?
As temperatures reach freezing levels across the country, the most important layers this season are going to be the ones that keep you from shivering to your core; cue the skin-hugging base layers, heavy knits, and voluminous puffer jackets. But while the latter ones excel in function, many are slipped on solely for that purpose and immediately discarded once you’re indoors. Winter is long, though; wouldn’t it be nice to actually enjoy the one piece of clothing you’ll be wearing the most?
Below, we’ve shopped out the best shearling styles (including faux options), from full-length coats to cropped jackets, with shag varying from just going on the trim to the maximum. We’ve also included styling tips that prove this trend is worth the investment and has lasting staying power.
Full-Length
If you consider yourself high on the fashion boldness meter or are simply seeking impenetrable warmth, a full-length shearling coat will make sure you tick off both boxes with flying colors. From snow white to tawny brown and classic black, these coats are a fashionable force that will keep winter chills in their place. The key to wearing calf-grazing, shaggy outerwear and not letting it wear you is playing with texture. An easy way to do that is to choose the right accessories. Cinch it with a skinny leather belt à la Michael Kors for instant definition or pair it with a statement boot, from a sleek stiletto style to a chunkier silhouette in rich, eye-catching hues of chocolate brown, burgundy, and jet black.
Nour Hammour Evita Shearling Coat
Yves Salomon Shearling Coat
Ralph Lauren Faux Shearling Coat
Now 31% Off
The Cropped Effect
For days when you need a little less wind buffering, a cropped shearling jacket will make sure you’re still warm, but with the bonus of enhanced mobility. With more room to play below the waist, why not pair it with a tailored denim skirt or slick leather trousers? From cutesy button-and-toggle closures to zip-up styles that can be sported on a morning coffee run or a hot-yoga evening session, these waist-defining jackets will serve you well this season.
Acne Studios Freya Faux Shearling Knit Jacket
Isabel Marant Avalia Faux-Fur Coat
Varley Myla High Pile Fleece Jacket
Just the Trimmings
Into the shearling look but not ready to fully commit? There are plenty of cold-weather styles to choose from, each featuring woolly lining, trim, or both. These styles are best suited for transitioning into the spring since they include less heat-packing fur, but don’t let that dissuade you from their effectiveness this winter. Style them now with a deceptively warm tissue-thin turtleneck crafted from merino wool and cashmere, plus a thick cotton sweater. These styles also prove to be the most versatile and can be worn on weekend errands or date night, easily pairing with jeans for a more casual look or a silky cocktail slip for those extra special occasions.
Zara Double Sided Short Jacket
Acne Studios Distressed Shearling Jacket
Moncler Gaillands Shearling-Trimmed Leather Down Jacket
Stand Studio Dorothy Faux-Shearling Down Jacket
Now 45% Off
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