Velvet is usually considered a fabric fit for the holidays. That's why you see so many velvet party dresses between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. But you don't have to ditch the fabric come January 2. It is possible to rock velvet all winter long if you know what you're doing.
The first rule? No ruby red or emerald green. (Strategic pops combined with other hues are acceptable, however.) Instead, look for black, brown, rusty orange, blue, olive, ivory and even purple. Pattens are also appropriate. Think leopard, winter florals and more abstract prints.
Now you might be expecting us to caution against crushing from head to toe. Not going to happen. If you want to flaunt more than one item at a time, go right ahead. There are several plush sets that look better together, including one super suit. Want to be a rebel? Try mixing and matching. Cap off the looks with velvet footwear and even tights.
When it comes to prices, you really don't have to spend a small fortune. Sure, there are plenty of designer finds to be had. From Alaïa's elegant hooded top to Jil Sander's minidress and midi skirt pairing to Proenza Schouler's ombre shirtdress, the fashion house selections are definitely worth the investment. You don't have to drop four or even triple digits to rock the look, though. Mango's pleated pants are loungewear at its finest. Zara's relaxed jeans will replace your classic blue jeans. And COS even offers a chic midi dress with a perfectly positioned cut-out in the back.
Obviously, you won't be sporting these picks come late spring and summer. So now is the time to embrace the closely woven fabric. Keep reading to see which pieces are seasonal must-haves.
Mango Pleated Velvet Pants in Blue, $45.99 at Mango
Alaïa Hooded Stretch-Velvet Top, $1,650 at Net-a-Porter
Raey Long-Sleeve Leopard Velvet T-Shirt ($480) and Uniform Leopard Cotton-Velvet Wide-Leg Trousers ($690) at Matches Fashion
TOTEME Velvet-Trimmed Leather Ankle Boots, $602 at Mytheresa
Zara Velvet Midi Skirt, $25.99 at Zara
Proenza Schouler White Label Stretch Velvet Turtleneck Top in Military, $295 at The Frankie Shop
COS Open-Back Velvet Midi Dress in Black, $54 at COS
Wolford Velvet de Luxe 50 Denier Tights, $37.16 at Net-a-Porter
Jil Sander Velvet Devoré Minidress ($768) and Jacquard Midi Skirt ($534) at Mytheresa
Dries Van Noten Heyser Floral-Print Crushed-Velvet Turtleneck Top, $429 at Net-a-Porter
Mango Velvet Suit Blazer ($149.99) and Velvet Suit Trousers ($99.99) at Mango
Pilcro Relaxed Velvet Buttondown Shirt in Sapphire, $128 at Anthropologie
Balenciaga Knife Velvet Sock Boots, $774 at Mytheresa
Proenza Schouler Ombré Cotton-Blend Velvet Shirt Dress, $1,074 at Net-a-Porter
Mango Animal-Print Velvet T-Shirt, $25.99 at Mango
Zara Mid Waist Relaxed Velvet Jeans ZW Collection, $109 at Zara
Reformation Layla Velvet Skirt Es in Portabella, $198 at Reformation
Dries Van Noten Printed Velvet Coat, $1,377 at Mytheresa
Loewe High-Rise Cotton Velvet Straight-Leg Pants, $990 at Net-a-Porter
