It’s Official: Shearling Coats Are Fall’s It Outerwear

Call it a run-of-the-mill heat wave or an unmistakable sign of global warming, as temps recently surged rather than plummeted in many parts of the U.S., you’re probably still living in your Supreme T-shirt and denim shorts. But since the calendar now officially reads fall, it’s time to start thinking about stocking up for the colder seasons. And the first thing on your list should be a winter coat — and make it shearling.

Shearling is skin from a recently sheared sheep or lamb that has been tanned and dressed with the wool left on. The fluffy, luxe material is often favored as a lining or accent for moto jackets, parkas and even denim jackets. It can also be utilized as the main ingredient with the plush fabric being showcased on the outside of the coat. Prepare to drain your bank account, though, since the real thing will set you back hundreds (even thousands) of dollars. Thankfully, just like fur, there are tons of faux varieties, often referred to as sherpa.

Marc Jacobs Fall 2017, Balmain Fall 2017, Alexander McQueen Fall 2017; Images: Imaxtree

Plenty of models strutting their stuff on the Fall 2017 runways looked cool in cozy shearling jackets and coats. Marc Jacobs presented classic incarnations, some fashioned out of corduroy, topped off by towering caps. Olivier Rousteing took the long and lean route with a duster plump with furry padding. Sarah Burton kept things cropped with the shearling extended all the way to the cuffs.

Coach 1941 Fall 2017, Chloe Fall 2017, Etro Fall 2017; Images: Imaxtree

On the Coach 1941 catwalk, models were bundled up in layers with shearling jackets and vests serving as the final defense against winter’s bitter chill. Chloe left the shearling exposed in the form of a streamlined bomber. And Etro took things to maximalist levels by placing a colorful pattern-heavy jacket over a graphic dress and patchwork boots. Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, J.W.Anderson, Proenza Schouler, Sacai and many more also showed shearling some love.

The many ways to wear shearling on the streets; Images: Georgie Hunter/Contributor/Getty Images, Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images, Imaxtree

Since street style pros have an uncanny knack for predicting the latest trends, Fall 2017 showgoers were already outfitting themselves in shearling jackets. A cropped leather jacket styled with a Victorian blouse and tailored sweatpants equals elevated athleisure vibes. While a collarless car coat served as a neutral to rein in an eye-catching sweater, camel trousers and patterned pumps. Patchwork denim can be hard to top, especially in maxi skirt form, so a shearling-lined black moto jacket and boots are winter musts.

In case you don’t have a shearling jacket already hanging in your closet (or you want to spring for the latest styles), we went ahead and did the shopping for you. Whether you’re into the classic suede topper, a plush denim piece or a more colorful coat, we’ve got you covered via the slideshow below.