Just a few years back, whenever faux fur was seen on the catwalks, it was always in natural hues or neat animal prints that mimicked the real thing.

But fast forward a few seasons and the fluffy stuff has undergone a technicolour transformation, with short-haired coats making way for shaggy, textured fabrics in every colour of the rainbow.

And now, the high street is in the throes of a fur-natical obsession - all faux, of course - with the trend extending far beyond outerwear.

Suddenly fashion's fuzzy logic makes so much sense...

DREAM COATS

Last winter saw a parade of pastel-hued coats, but right now it's about how many different shades you can fit on your outerwear, with sumptuous patchworked jackets and gilets inspired by the Fendi AW15 catwalk.

If you're feeling the season's Seventies vibe, a textured Mongolian style pelt will be a better match for your flares and boho blouses than a slinky short fur.

:: Grace & Oliver Amber Coat, £450 (www.graceandoliver.london)

:: Derhy Nautile Noir Coat, £100 (www.zalando.co.uk)

:: Ruby + Ed Midnight Nomad Gilet, £245 (www.rubyanded.co.uk)

WRAP STARS

Not so keen on going the whole Honey Monster hog in a fluff-tastic jacket? Give your favourite wool coat a new lease of life, instead, with a bright faux fur stole.

Luxuriously soft and silky, a jewel toned scarf paired with a black or grey crombie coat will chase the winter blues away.

:: Kitty Joseph Azure Blue And Oxblood Stole, £190 (kittyjosephshop.com)

:: Florence Bridge Pick + Mix Scarf, £169 (www.florencebridge.com)

:: Urbancode Vesta Patchwork Scarf, £55 (urbancode.co.uk)

SHAGGY SHOES

The coolest alternative to sparkly shoes this party season? That'll be the seductive fur-tinged heels that channel more than a hint of boudoir allure.

Court shoes with pom-pom embellishments are sweetly seductive, while ankle-strap stilettos, reminiscent of furry handcuffs, leave little to the imagination.

:: River Island Light Pink Faux Fur Ankle Strap Heels, £70 (www.riverisland.com)

:: New Look Dark Red Pom Pom Pointed Heels, £22.99 (www.newlook.com)

BAGS OF CHARM

Ever since Fendi introduced its £400 funny-faced bag charms three years ago, the world has gone mad for super-sized bobbles to hang on their handbags.

Thankfully, the high street has cottoned on, and now there are hordes of cute, colourful key rings to choose from (at far more appealing price points), plus cosy clutch bags that are a joy to hold.

:: Kitty Joseph Tricolour Pompom Keyring, £60 (kittyjosephshop.com)

:: Romy LDN Inka Clutch, £90; Hand Cuff Key Clip, £40 (www.romyldn.com)

:: Jerry Cat Ear Pom Pom Key Ring, £19 (www.dunelondon.com)

GET THE LOOK

Jennifer Lawrence has been treating us to a whole heap of party dress inspiration on the promo tour for the final Hunger Games movie, hitting a style bullseye at the Berlin premiere in a plunging plum gown. Make like Jen in Dynasty's Paris Dress, £329 (www.dynastyuk.co.uk).

BUY IT NOW

Idris Elba regularly crops up on best-dressed lists, so it's no surprise the stylish star has been chosen by Superdry for their latest fashion collaboration. Highlights of the streetwear-influenced 22-piece range include dark double-breasted coats and a pair of bomber jackets infused with the London-born actor's inimitable swagger.

:: Idris Elba + Superdry Monogram Reversible Bomber, £250 (available November 26; www.superdry.com)

FASHION FLASH

:: SEE BEFORE YOU SHOP

If shopping online for Christmas presents is off-putting because you're more of a 'try before you buy' gal, listen up. From December 4-7, Etsy Made Local events will be happening in 13 locations in the UK, from Glasgow to Brighton, allowing you to meet sellers from the site that specialises in handmade jewellery, clothes and homeware. For details, visit www.etsy.com

:: WALK TALL THIS WINTER

Campaign group Labour Behind The Label has launched an app calling for change in the global shoe industry. The Change Your Shoes app sets our their aims in terms of fair pay and protection for workers, and lets consumers show support by recording their steps as part of a virtual march to Brussels (labourbehindthelabel.net).

:: STYLE STEAL

Fur - even when it's faux - doesn't come cheap, but you can find bargains out there if you know where to look. F&F at Tesco has a handful of cosy but cost-effective coats, like this on-trend Faux Fur Patchwork Jacket, £39 (www.clothingattesco.com).