Don’t turn off just yet! You won’t look like a sofa, I promise. Today we are focusing on six ways to wear velvet that won’t make you feel like Scarlett O’Hara in her old curtains. Although I’ve always wanted the chance to wear a giant dress like that, to be honest. Don’t we all want to go to the opera wearing a red dress and diamonds? Call it the ‘Pretty Woman’ effect. Of course we don’t all want to have been a prostitute first but, you know, it was the 80s and it was a FILM: things were different back then.
I’ve said it before, but velvet is the fabric of the season; it is to night as corduroy is to day, to winter as silk is to summer. But you don’t have to wear it from head to toe and it doesn’t have to be just for evenings. In fact, we can incorporate a little bit of velvet into our look for any occasion…
TAKE A BOW
I love this cute little bow jacket from Boden. It would be the perfect pairing with your jeans for the dressed-up-but-not-really-dressed-up look this season. I would add a thermal vest underneath because I never want to be cold, but you could show a little bit of flesh in between those bows if you are braver.
- Boden bow trim velvet collarless jacket
- Mango velvet bow hair clip
- Abercrombie mid rise 90s straight leg jeans
- Maison M velvet pouch bag
- Uniqlo heattech thermal bra vest
- Boden snaffle trim leather ankle boots
THE CLASSIC VELVET DRESS WITH A TWIST
I do love a velvet dress, but these days I would steer clear of anything with TOO much fabric in it. There are lots of great dresses around right now, but I think my favourite of the velvet variety are these two. The Aligne with the asymmetric hem and the elasticated waist is flattering and comfortable (it’s a design they’ve done for a while now, and I have it in the gingham from the summer). And this ME + EM one has a 60s vibe to it, and would be perfect worn with some fancy flats.
- H&M beaded hair grips
- Aligne Lucca black velvet midi dress
- ME + EM velvet swing dress
- Kurt Geiger bow embellished velour cross body bag
- Charles & Keith tartan cross strap ballerinas
- Mango jewel heeled shoes
CUTE VELVET SHOES
I’m always recommending these little velvet Mary Janes from small brand MOI London. They do them in lots of colours now and they are still my go-to evening (or daytime, if no rain is forecast) shoes when I want an easy-to-wear pair that feel like slippers but don’t look like you’re off to bed.
- Mango gold button pocket tweed jacket
- Gucci horsebit 1955 mini bag
- Boden Westbourne red corduroy wide leg trousers
- & Other Stories puff sleeve velvet top
- Moi London velvet Mary Jane shoes
THE PARTY TWO PIECE
Ah, we do love a co-ord. Well, I do anyway. Two pieces means double the outfit potential, or even triple. You can wear the jacket with jeans, the bottoms with a basic jumper, or both together for a more show-stopping look. I love this skirt and matching jacket from Monsoon. I’m also a big fan of the NRBY velvet mix and match pieces. Like the slipper shoes previously mentioned, they are so cosy that they feel like an acceptable way to wear your pyjamas to a party.
- Chinti & Parker black wool/cashmere slouch jumper
- Alex Monroe gold plated feather stud earrings
- Monsoon Faye embellished velvet skirt
- Monsoon Faye embellished velvet blazer
- GH Bass Whitney easy leather loafers
- Loewe mini Flamenco leather clutch bag
THE EASY TO WEAR VELVET BLAZER
A daytime velvet blazer is perfect for this time of year. A little bit festive, but no sequins in sight. I’m not a sequin fan, myself. In fact, I don’t think I own a single item of sequinned clothing, so this look is one I would turn to instead. It’s smart, and the combination of red shoes, gold bag and velvet make it perfect for the party season, without making you feel like a middle-aged disco ball.
- ME + EM pleat blouse with removable velvet tie
- H&M single breasted velvet blazer
- Rag & Bone Maya crop wide leg jeans
- Monsoon oversized bow metallic bag
- Russell & Bromley Cleopatra 3 ring red leather loafers
VELVET GOLDMINE
More bows. After all, they don’t have to be just for little girls, grown-up girls can also wear them. This ribbon tie-back jumper is a case in point. Pair with your easy velvet trousers and some gold accessories for a laid-back bit of yuletide flair.
- Mint Velvet bow back wool blend jumper
- Oliver Bonas faux pearl gold loop drop earrings
- Arket loose fit velvet trousers
- Monsoon bird hand-embellished velvet bag
- & Other Stories black oversized blazer
- Jeffrey Campbell Faye gold ballet flats
I am going to try to work on a stocking fillers guide this week. Adults and teens only, though. If you have small children, you’re on your own. Surely a whoopee cushion and some chocolate coins are all you need…
K x
