Photographer: Kevin Foord
Fashion editors: Jo Jones and Helen Seamons
Grooming: Juliana Sergot
Model: Dewi Rees at Select
Photographer’s assistant: Roger Ball
Shot on location at Snape Maltings, Near Aldeburgh, Suffolk IP17 1SR snapemaltings.co.uk 01728 688 303
Snape Maltings is home to a concert hall, a collective of shops, cafes and unique holiday apartments available to rent. Opening times until 31 August: 10am-6pm, closing at 5.30pm from 1 September-30 November Photograph: Kevin foord/Observer
A navy velvet blazer is a style classic – and frankly a wardrobe essential if you often find yourself in swanky establishments after dark.
Ben Sherman, bensherman.com Photograph: PR
Inspired by past Tom Ford collections, the bow tie has made a comeback – and the fashion industry has embraced it with open arms. Dip your toe in with this elegant berry tone from Lanvin – we suggest styling with a contrasting purple shirt and jacket – and make an impression at your Christmas party.
Lanvin, liberty.co.uk Photograph: PR
We'd style this dandyish velvet derby shoe with a velvet navy blazer and tux trousers for a look of pure suave swagger.
Dolce & Gabbana, mrporter.com Photograph: PR
Well, isn't this a bobby dazzler of a blazer. We say: enforce a cocktail dress code for your Christmas dinner. If you can't wear gold piping at Christmas, when can you?
Zara, zara.com Photograph: PR
If velvet blazers aren't your sartorial bag we suggest you opt for a navy trouser instead. It's a more discreet way of doing the velvet trend.
Next, next.co.uk Photograph: PR
Nothing says debauched fun more than a pair of smoking slippers. We like the witty pipe embroidery – but make this the one velvet piece in your look or risk looking like Peter Stringfellow…
Ted Baker, tedbaker.com Photograph: PR
There are plenty of rich colours to choose from this season. This velvet bottle-green jacket is a refreshing change from the classic black wool tuxedo jacket. Create a sharp look with a shirt or rollneck; finish the look with a patent loafer.
Reiss, reiss.com Photograph: PR
The must-have shoe for the party season is the velvet loafer. Kurt Geiger's berry tone works perfectly with black or navy and this season's purple trend.
Kurt Geiger, selfridges.com Photograph: PR
Team these green velvet trousers with a black rollneck and wool coat for a smart alternative to a wool trouser.
Etro, farfetch.com Photograph: PR
This season the velvet jacket is the male equivalent of the little black dress. Jazz up your eveningwear with this tactile number – it's a well-known fact that ladies love a soft fabric to snuggle up to.
Acne at mrporter.com Photograph: PR
