Velvet ensembles are often associated with the closets of our grandmothers. Velvet has returned to the runways this Fall/Winter as a dominant fabric. Designers like Anna Sui and Alexander Wang have used velvet in their holiday collections. The question is how to style velvet to make it look modern and trendy, while avoiding comments from your grandmother.
Remember quality. Fabric should be silky, smooth and NOT stiff or coarse. The fabric will make you look cheap if it is cheap. It defeats the purpose of buying a velvet item. Remember: velveteen, or imitation velvet, is a material that looks like velvet. It’s usually made from silk and cotton and has a coarser texture and shorter pile. Coarser Velvet is not as comfortable to wear and will not drape well on the body. Buy something that looks and feels beautiful.
Jackets
Make sure your jacket is structured and linear. Combine with a blouse or top that has ruffles. Contrast fabrics. Remember that velvet is heavy and thick. Lighter fabrics underneath your blazer work well. You can pair a velvet top with a chiffon cover or jacket to create contrast.
Pants and Shorts
To ensure a fluid and beautiful garment, make sure that your velvet pants are of high-quality. Be careful to avoid napping in areas of high friction. The inner leg and other areas that are frequently rubbed together will show signs of wear and tear. For warmer climates, choose a pair of shorts with cuffed hems. Wear a white pearl strand with a tank top for a classic look.
Colors
If you are looking to buy a new item, THINK COLOR. Choose a piece in plum or pink tones, or even berry shades. Blueberry counts. Gray velvet is also a unique feature of this season. Choose a gray pencil skirt to pair with a black blouse in chiffon. Ideal for the office!
Accessorizing
Velvet is a long-standing symbol of royalty. Vintage accessories are a great choice. The plush fabric looks great with a strand of pearls or chunky jewels. Keep accessories simple. Velvet is an accessory in and of itself. It has a unique luster. Too many accessories can make you look overdone.
Are you afraid of velvet?
You can start with accessories if you’re unsure about buying a whole velvet piece. Velvet is often used on scarves and shoes. These winter accents are the perfect addition to any outfit!
