Unlike this season’s minimalist skirt or dress, buying a fur requires a bit more thought. If you’ve been considering purchasing a furry accessory for your winter wedding, this season is probably one of the best to do it. “With more than 400 designers including fur in their collections, it’s safe to say that just about every store will be carrying some form of fur for the season,” says Kathy Rezny, co-owner of York Furrier (yorkfur.com). Whether you’re looking for a petite wrap to accompany your wedding gown, or something a bit bolder you’ll reach for again and again, Fashionablebride.com is here to help. Read on for our fab fur-finding tips.

Types of Fur

Every pelt you come across has its own attributes and unique appeal. While there are more options than ever these days, from featherweight chinchilla to nouveau nutria, here are a few of the more popular fur types to look out for: 

Mink | One of the most popular and durable fur types, mink has a soft texture featuring a silky guard (top) hair and a dense, soft underfur. You’ll see mink in a black or ‘ranch’ hue most often, but you can also find it in a range of browns, golds, grays and, of course, every color of the rainbow when dyed.

Lamb | Another versatile and common fur type, lamb has a distinctive pattern and is often seen in black, brown, gold or gray tones. Not all little lambs are created equal though. Broadtail lamb has a supple, thin pelt with a shiny appearance and a flat moiré pattern perfect for a bolero or vest. Mongolian lamb is characterized by its silky curls and thick texture. Shearling features the fur on the inside and the pelt on the outside, with a leather or suede finish (as seen on the sumptuous coats at Burberry; burberry.com).   

Fox | Feathery fox fur is long and typically has a distinctive ruddy color. It’s often found as a trim or in accessories likes hoods and stoles. It might be best known for its reddish-gold shade, but fox can also be found in silvery white or black.

Beaver | Beaver is commonly sheared, leaving a soft, velvety texture that feels decadent to the touch. Unlike other more delicate pelts, beaver is durable, making it easy for designers to incorporate it into different styles and trims. You’ll typically find beaver in taupe, brown and almost black.

Sable | When it comes to luxury, über-expensive sable is the way to go. A very lightweight, durable fur with a long, luxurious guard hair and dense underfur, sable is most often gold-toned or brown with taupe highlights. Sable typically hails from the far north, think Russia and Siberia, which contributes to its sometimes-shocking price tag.

Where to Shop

You can find fur garments anywhere from your local department store to specialty boutiques. “For small fur-trimmed accessories or boots with fluffy fur, don’t hesitate to shop the department stores,” says Rezny. “However, when you’re ready to find a beautiful fur coat to enjoy for years to come, look to a professional.” Whether you’re shopping with an established furrier or a high-end label with fur on offer, it’s important to ask questions. An esteemed furrier will also offer a full range of on-premise services including storage, cleaning and repair.

Finding the Right Style

Before you choose your piece, Rezny suggests figuring out how the garment will fit into your lifestyle or wedding day. Do you want something that will transition easily from the big day to your average workweek, or will your fur be solely for formal affairs? “Versatile styling and cuts have transformed furs into something more than just special occasion wear,” says Rezny. For those wanting a casual look, opt for jackets, vests, fur-trimmed parkas and, of course, accessories. For the evening, you’ll want something more dramatic like an outsize bolero or decadent cape. We particularly like Matthew Williamson’s lilac swing jacket for a bride who’s looking to add a bit of color to her wintry look (matthewwilliamson.com).

Caring for Your Fur

Don’t even think about tossing this in a corner. Unlike your T-shirts and jeans, furs require real care if they’re going to last. In the winter, be sure to hang your fur in a coat closet that is not exposed to light or heat. Also make sure it has room to breathe and isn’t being crushed by other garments. Ask your furrier to supply you with a sturdy hanger for your garment to help retain its shape. Fur thrives on air circulation, so no need to cover it with a garment bag. And if your fur gets wet, don’t worry—it can take a little rain and snow. But if the garment is soaked through and the leather lining is wet, take it to your furrier immediately.

During the warmer months, store your fur in a temperature and humidity controlled vault. Many department stores, such as Neiman Marcus (neimanmarcus.com), have certified cold storage vaults, but furriers are also a sure bet for great care. Finally, you should have your fur cleaned yearly to remove any dust or environmental impurities and to condition the pelt.