Velvet is the undisputed fabric of the festive season. Rich, tactile, and quietly opulent, a velvet dress carries an understated glamour, adding something special to your regular partywear pieces without being as in your face as a full sequin ensemble. Luxurious without being ostentatious, sumptuous yet supremely wearable, it's no wonder it reigns supreme for occasionwear in the autumn and winter months. Plush and super soft, velvet not only looks expensive, but it's also comfortable, which is a must for any plans involving partying into the early hours.
- The velvet mini dress: M&S Velvet Mini Skater Dress, £26 / $57.99
- The black velvet dress: Reiss Kass Velvet Sheer-Panel Midi Dress, £180 / $310
- The pink velvet dress: Boden Kate Velvet Shirt Dress, £129 / $139
- The blue velvet dress: Monsoon Celeste Velvet Midi Dress, £150 / $203
- The red velvet dress: Rixo Devina Silk-Velvet Gown, £425 / $655
Royals wearing velvet dresses
![[L-R Meghan Markle, Princess Kate, Princess Diana]](https://images.hellomagazine.com/horizon/original_aspect_ratio/3ca0b75fee26-royals-wearing-velvet2.jpg)
© @GettyElegant and sophisticated, velvet has long been a royal favourite, gracing countless wardrobes and proving its enduring appeal. From the strapless black velvet gown the Princess of Wales wore at the Sun Military Awards in 2011 - a look that cemented Kate Middleton’s status as a modern style icon - to Princess Diana’s iconic midnight blue velvet gown by Victor Edelstein, famously worn while dancing with John Travolta at the White House in 1985, velvet has defined some of the most memorable royal fashion moments.
Meghan Markle brought a contemporary sense of glamour to the tradition in 2018, when she appeared at the British Fashion Awards in a sleek, one-shoulder Givenchy velvet gown while pregnant with Prince Archie.
Editor's pick
The high street always turns its attention to velvet pieces in autumn/winter so I headed to & Other Stories on London's Oxford Street and instantly fell for this velvet shift dress.
© @holliebrothertonIt feels and looks high quality, and it's so versatile. It's designed to be slightly oversized but it does run quite big (I'm usually a UK 8 and I'm pictured here wearing a 6). This means you can choose to wear it on its own or comfortably layer tops and blouses underneath. I'd finish the look with a pair of sling-back heels.
The best velvet dresses to shop this season
& Other Stories V-Neck Velvet Mini Dress
Editor's Note:
& Other Stories' mini dress is made from the softest velvet with a sleeveless A-line silhouette. It features a V-neckline and even has pockets. I love it how the brand has styled it alone with knee-high boots, for an alternative to layering that offers a completely different look.
Style with: Alone or over an embroidered blouse with sling-back heels or knee-high boots.
Boden Kate Velvet Shirt Dress
Editor's Note:
Boden just dropped this velvet midi dress and it's both chic and party-ready. With its fit-and-flare cut and waist-cinching belt it's super flattering, and it even has pockets. It also comes in a stunning sapphire blue or black if you want to go slightly more subtle.
Style with: A black longline wool coat and matching platform heels.
M&S Velvet Mini Skater Dress
Editor's Note:
A chic velvet mini dress for £26? This hasn't landed in stores yet and I predict it will sell out quickly. The ultimate party-season staple, just add knee-high boots or stilettos and you’ve got an effortlessly glam look in seconds.
Style with: Dazzling earrings and stiletto heels or leather knee-high boots.
Reiss Kass Velvet Sheer-Panel Cut-Out Midi Dress
Editor's Note:
Royal favourite Reiss has dropped the Kass dress for autumn/winter 2025 and its sexy and sophisticated with its fitted cut and sheer panels. Made from plush velvet, it features long sleeves and gentle pleating at the shoulder, which creates a gentle drape effect.
Style with: Statement gold earrings, bracelets and a black faux fur coat.
Rixo Devina Silk-Velvet Gown
Editor's Note:
Channel timeless Hollywood glamour this party season in Rixo’s red velvet dress. With its high neckline, low back, and subtle side slit, it strikes the perfect balance between sultry and sophistication, and the sumptuous red hue makes it perfect for festivities.
Style with: Rixo is all about vintage accessories, add 70s style platform heels and a neck scarf.
Monsoon Celeste Velvet Midi Dress
Editor's Note:
Monsoon's Celeste dress is already adored by customers who have called it "beautiful" and "flattering". The midi comes in the most gorgeous shade of blue and features dazzling embellishments around the neckline and bodice, framed with puff sleeves.
Style it with: Silver accessories to match the diamanté - think delicate jewellery and strappy stilettos
Mango Velvet Fitted Dress
Editor's Note:
Mango just dropped the most chic velvet mini dress. It features a boat neck with wide straps, and a fitted bodice falling to a fuller skirt. The luxurious texture and high neck make it ideal for evening elegance.
Style with: Sling-back heels, gold jewellery and a slick up-do.
Mint Velvet Black Velvet Bow Midi Dress
Editor's Note:
I'm obsessed the sparkling embellished bow detail of this Mint Velvet midi. It has a figure-skimming silhouette and short puff sleeves with a zip fastening through the back.
Style with: Black stiletto heels and a statement rhinestone bag.
