As turmoil continues on the financial front consumers are being far more careful about how they spend their money and “throw-away” fashions are last season’s news. There is simply no room for purchasing frivolous pieces that will only be worn once. Fur, on the other hand, is one of the most important fashion investments you can make this year. The versatility of today’s fur fashions make them wearable across a broad range of dayparts and looks. Perfect for upping the fashion quotient of jeans on a Saturday afternoon, fur can also been worn as an elegant evening complement or a warm alternative to carry you to the office. Classically elegant yet new and exciting, fur is the fashion must-have for the smart fashion shopper.

Casual sophistication plays a big part this season in styles so easy and so wearable that you don’t have to feel guilty about buying one, or even two. Royal Chie’s grey mink hoodie jacket is a prime example of this season’s casual yet sophisticated look as is the reversible dyed black Spanish Rabbit coat by Orlando New York and the taupe super sheared reversible suede mink coat by Petrou. The gold-washed fox vest by Badgley Mischka is perfect over a turtle neck with jeans or even a tweed skirt and sweater.

No matter the fashion, classic mink coats are always in style. Mink is one of the warmest types of fur, as well as the most durable, which makes any mink coat an asset for the fall/winter season. From long-haired to sheared to micro-sheared, you can get almost any type of look from this versatile fur. Zandra Rhodes for Pologeorgis delivers several compelling twists on the classic mink this year including a knee-length blue iris mink coat and a luxurious Lunaraine mink belted coat. Designers bring a new edge this season by using a bold technique known as ombre on many traditional furs. This color shading method was seen in Peter Som’s plum ombre mink mantle and Cassin’s Windsor passion purple ombre mink coat.

Another investment opportunity this season are fur fashions that can be worn as casual sportswear during the day as well as with elegant evening wear. Feraud’s pearl mink cape and Adrienne Landau’s brown mink bolero jacket exhibit adaptability while still managing to ooze luxury. These pieces are ideal for the woman who needs to transform her look from daytime sporty chic to nighttime sophistication in a matter of minutes.

As durable as it is warm, your fur will be at the height of fashion for seasons to come and, if you choose, it can be updated easily to reflect future trends. And, as fur is a renewable and sustainable resource, your investment in fur is also an investment in the environment.

From casual to elegant to every look in between, fur is smart investment for the fashion savvy this season.