I Never Expected to Be on Board with the 2 Accessories Every European Woman Is Wearing This Winter – PureWow

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My best friend invited me on a last-minute trip to Budapest a few days before New Years. Normally, a less than 24-hour’s notice would be a hard pass, but traveling to any European country from a hub like London Heathrow is rather easy. So, I surprised myself and texted back, “Just bought my ticket.” A few hours later, I was walking through the Jewish Quarter in Pest, already regretting not packing thermal underwear to keep me warm. In fact, as I looked around at the Eastern European women, I realized I wasn’t just a little underprepared—I had completely missed the mark when it came to dressing like a local. I didn’t have the two most important Hungarian winter accessories that almost every woman, from 20-somethings to women over 40, was rocking: a faux-fur coat and either a faux-fur headband or pillbox hat.
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While this Californian once viewed them as fun pieces for playing dress-up, I’ve since learned that these items are a seasonal fashion staple in any European winter capsule wardrobe—and essential for staying warm in freezing temperatures. And Hungarians aren’t the only ones who think so. Many European women opt for faux-fur come winter, as seen on the streets of Copenhagen, Paris and Milan. I used to give my mom a hard time about her collection of fur coats and hats—thinking they looked nothing short of ridiculous—but now that I’ve learned a thing or two about fashion, I can only hope she passes these treasures along to me one day.
A faxu-fur coat may not be understated, but it can be incredibly refined, and looks stunning with almost any outfit. I’ve seen friends pair theirs with jeans, a sweater and Adidas sneakers, and I’ve also spotted stylish women wearing faux-fur headbands and hats with elegant knit dresses and boots. Before my trip to Budapest, I would have hesitated to pair these two winter accessories together, but now I’m convinced they’re like two peas in a fuzzy pod. Best of all, if I’ve learned anything from Hungarian women, it’s that you don’t have to reserve them for après ski.
So, consider this your sign to take inspiration from the European women who’ve mastered the look and try it out for yourself. Here are the best faux-fur coats, pillbox hats and headbands for you to shop.
1. Gap Recycled Faux-Fur Coat
This coat isn’t just fashionable, people, it’s functional, too. Look at that long length that’ll keep out the gusts of wind and make you feel like you’re wearing a blanket all day.
2. Adrienne Landau The Pill Box Hat
This faux-fur pillbox hat is perfect for anyone concerned about really trapping the warmth in and keeping the top of your head toasty. (And that goji berry color is *chef’s kiss.*)
3. Superdown Kennedy Faux-Fur Coat
Luxe and heavyweight, this faux-fur coat is the epitome of winter chic, and there’s an invisible front hook closure that won’t get in the way of the sleek finish.
4. Surell Faux-Fur Headband
Hair acting up? Slip this on over your head and voilà, problem solved.
5. Lena Faux-Fur Crop Jacket
This plush piece is designed with a relaxed, boxy fit that’ll ensure there’s room for all those necessary layers underneath.
6. Apparis Eleni Faux-Fur Headband
If voluminous headpieces are a little too much for you, then you’ll adore this faux-fur headband from Apparis. It has an elasticated back band that’ll stretch to comfortably fit your head, too.
7. Apparis Laila Mink Vest
Don’t let this vest fool you, it’s made from a faux-fur fabric that really does look like the real deal.
8. Marcus Adler Faux-Fur Headband
If you love animal print, then you’re going to go crazy over this textured headband.
9. Silence + Noise Gail Faux-Fur Overcoat
An oversized coat that takes inspiration from vintage furs is a coat that I want in my closet ASAP. Psst, the longline style is machine washable, too.
10. Fabulous Furs Faux-Fur Halo Headband
This timeless black headband looks almost identical to the piece my mom owns that I previously mentioned. In other words, it’s a timeless pick that’ll see you through many winter seasons.
11. Adrienne Landau Faux-Fur Long Coat
Reviewers can’t get enough of this faux-fur coat, saying how expensive-looking and soft it is. And that dark green colorway is such a rich and unique touch.
12. Alo Yoga Faux-Fur Wintersun Headband
Not only does this wide headband look chic, but it also boasts a fleece interior that won’t irritate your forehead.
13. BlankNYC Crop Faux-Fur Jacket
Perfectly cropped to hit just at the hips, this jacket is destined for the trendsetter.
14. Susanna Chow Harper Fur Hat
I left Budapest with a fur hat that looks almost identical to this fluffy piece made from genuine alpaca fur.
15. Zara Faux-Fur Long Coat Limited Edition
Big, bold and beyond gorgeous. It’s limited edition, so snag yours while it’s still in stock. Just note: This Zara coat runs large, so you may want to consider sizing down.
16. Kith Jacquard Fur Headband
I’m a big fan of the fun checkered pattern and colored faux-fur fabric on this headband.
17. Steve Madden Juniper Faux-Fur Coat
Ahh, a faux-fur coat that’s made for my fellow neutral lovers.
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