A Midwest winter is no picnic. Keeping your nose and frozen toes toasty is tricky enough; however, this season’s fur trend alleviates at least one daunting fashion challenge — maintaining a warm temperature and a chic appearance.

Fur is a recognized controversy in the fashion industry. Condone real fur? Pro faux fur? Adamantly against fur, faux or not? Respectfully, to each his own; regardless, this season, fur is a hot trend.

Shaggy Furs:

Shaggy fur skirts and sleeves shout couture; check out pieces by Chloe or Missoni. Quality shaggy fur from the 1960s and 1970s can be found less expensively at antique stores or vintage boutiques.

Cossack Hats:

Both men and women can stylishly wear Cossack hats. Cossack hats are generally brimless, fur hats inspired by past Russian military uniforms. Because Cossack hats are bulky, wear a fitted, tailored coat to streamline your shape. If you’re thinking, “but my head looks like a fuzzy q-tip…” wrap your neck with a thick scarf. Its unique, variable shape will add another great organic element to your outfit.

Also, look for fun chapkas (“czapka,” is Polish for “cap”) or aviator bomber hats. Winter versions come cozy and fur-lined.

Stoles:

Look absolutely sophisticated and debonair wearing a fur stole. Stoles are a step up from shawls, and their simple, elegant shape is the perfect accompaniment to any sleek, chic party dress. Almost all stoles are backed with satin or silk and most finish crisply, simply hemmed.

Look for tote bags, coat-collars and gloves lined with fur. Small doses of fur are versatile and can be worn casually with jeans or dressy with holiday outfits and elegant winter apparel. The ability to adapt makes a fur luxurious, elegant, sexy and timeless.