'A love letter to the hardest working item in my winter wardrobe.'

I remember scoffing at the price tag.

$250? For a faux fur jacket from Zara?

I had to do some hardcore justifying. I was like a whiny toddler in the toy aisle at Woolies.

I wanted it so bad. I'd play with it all the time. It was so warm and fluffyyy. I didn't want to let it go!

And I'm so glad I didn't.

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It's been three years since I purchased the best thing in my closet, and that jacket has been validating its own existence ever since.

It's like a hybrid between a puffer jacket and a fabulous faux fur coat. It leans both ways, and can be dressed up or down accordingly.

The fit is oversized, with an elastic cord at the waist that you can cinch in to create more shape. It sits below my bum, which is something I always look for in outerwear (because I have so many stretchy pants that frankly require the coverage).

When I could only pack one coat in my suitcase to take to the French Alps while I was pregnant, I packed my black faux fur.

When I had a newborn and just wanted something snuggly to chuck over my sweats, I'd reach for my black faux fur.

When I need a jacket to team with activewear, out comes the black faux fur.

And for a chilly weekend away, it's the only coat I'll make room for in my overnight bag.

To say I'm obsessed is an understatement. Images: Supplied.

If it seems like faux fur would be kind of counter-intuitive in these situations, I thought so too. What place does a fluffy jacket have with my Lululemons and sneakers?

But it just works. With everything.

It's also one of those 'talking point' pieces that has the ability to upgrade any outfit - whether it's a tee and jeans or a maxidress. And whenever I wear it, someone inevitably asks where it's from.

I knew I loved the jacket when I tried it on, but I never thought it'd become the hardest working piece in my wardrobe.

We're seeing a massive trend for faux fur on the runways and street style scenes at the moment, which is being reflected at retail this season. There are hairy handbags, shoes and textured coats everywhere.

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And while a fluffy heel is fun, it definitely veers towards the impractical. A faux fur coat is surprisingly utilitarian — but you could also opt for a padded jacket with textured accents to keep it on the casual side.

Here are 7 finds that will fill the gap in your closet, including a near exact match for mine.

Zara Faux Fur Coat, $209.

Image: Supplied.

Sportsgirl Angie Faux Fur Jacket, $129.95.

Image: Supplied.

Ena Pelly Marni Faux Fur Jacket, $299.

Image: Supplied.

NEXT Yours Curve Black Faux Fur Coat, $104.

Image: Supplied.

H&M Fluffy Coat, $100.

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Tussah Brigitte Faux Fur Coat, $199.95.

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NA-KD Padded Faux Fur Hood Detail Jacket, $125.97.

Image: Supplied.

Feature image: Supplied.

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