Fur is fashionable this year in every color and in every piece of apparel possible. Stores, catalogs, and online retailers are selling fur jackets and vests, fur- collared denim, ponchos, trench coats, even scarves, hats and gloves. Permanent and removeable fur accents are being slapped on everything from shoes to sweaters and handbags.

Although fur was once reserved for the rich, in more recent years, fur has become fashion that infuriates, with many animal-rights activists crashing runway shows and storefronts.

Today, rabbit is the rage on the racks, and designers are flying in the face of the politically-correct era by offering it in the outrageous colors of Crayola. Faux and real fur fashion is available in magenta, timberwolf, cerulean, and purple mountain majesty from sizes petite to plus, but many ask if fur is the right fit for the office.

Nothing can beat walking in the winter in the warmth of fur. Even in the days of controversy, we could rationalize wearing mink, fox, and broadtail because they are the best ways to protect us from the elements. In the case of decorative fur we need to tread tastefully and discretely to avoid offending co-workers or bumping into a gaudy zone. Instead of a fire engine red rabbit jacket or vest, consider a soft pastel trim on a sweater or coat cuffs.

Have some fun with faux leopard, cheetah, zebra, or tiger in coats, jackets, and in printed knits and accessories. Save your finest for your social life and keep work attire unintimidating and understated. This season in the office you should enjoy the fashion trend of fur as the icing, rather than the cake! Now for this week’s letters.

Dear Jen:

More than once, a co-worker and I have worn nearly duplicate outfits on the same day. I want to be taken seriously but the “twin” look is getting me the wrong type of attention.

– Isabel, Secaucus, N.J.

Dear Isabel:

I think you are being too sensitive about it because this happens all the time. Dressing alike is mutual flattery, so feel complimented and not offended.

Dear Jen:

I appreciated your column on casual day and dressing for the office and not for a Saturday picnic. Unfortunately, my staff are wearing logo T-shirts and worn jeans, creating a laid-back attitude that could potentially interfere with deadlines. How do we get control of this and maintain a positive vibe?

– Caleb, Great Neck, N.Y.

Dear Caleb:

Clearly you need formal rules for casual day communicated by memo, email, or announced at a company-wide meeting.You should state that the goal is comfort without compromise. Give a list of approved apparel: jeans, khakis, trousers, button-down shirts, or any type of collared shirt. Also give a list of attire that is not allowed: T-shirts, sneakers, worn or cut-off jeans.

Dear Jen:

We work in modular cubicles and on either side I have a guy and a gal both wearing too much cologne. Because our work is inter-related I cannot be relocated. How should I handle this and keep the peace?

– Maggie, Brooklyn, N.Y.

Dear Maggie:

Hopefully, your co-workers have also noticed the excessive scent but are also wondering what to do, so they might be relieved by your intervention. Explain that their cologne mixing together is giving you a headache, so would they wear a little less to see if it makes a difference? Good luck.

Ms. Silano Foy is president of eFashion Solutions, LLC, on the Web atwww.efashionsolutions.com. She has been a consultant in the fashion industry for more than 10 years. Send workplace or corporate fashion questions tostyleforsuccess@aol.com.