Few fabrics exude opulence quite like velvet - hence why it is favoured by so many in the region of party dressing.
Luxuriant and plush, the timeless fabric trend is by no means an occasionwear exclusive - in fact, it can totally work as an all-rounder.
But there's no denying that its soft-touch, sumptuous finish lends itself perfectly to an evening look.
READ: 8 times the little black dress was worth its weight in style gold
Tailored suits and decadent evening dresses offer prime opportunity to incorporate velvet into your outfit repertoire this season. But even if you seek a more subtle approach, there are options - think bows or ballet flats.
How we chose:
- Style and fabric: When combing through the internet's top fashion sites for the best velvet pieces, we made sure that each of our outfit combinations are either trend-relevant or timeless for maximum wearability.
- Price: Whether you're planning on splashing out or bagging a bargain, we've got a velvet piece in your price range. We've selected this season's best, ranging from high-street brands to luxe designer labels.
MORE: The 8 best backless dresses for maximum glamour
READ: Black-tie dress code: The dos & don'ts
Hello! Fashion shares the best ways to wear velvet:
The Statement Jumpsuit
Saloni excels in covetable eveningwear, and its Camille jumpsuit is steeped in solar brilliance. The deep gold piece features elaborate beadwork, tying in tonally with Mango's knotted platform sandals. Stradivarius' cute double-bow clip is bang on trend, super easy to use (I find tying the perfect bow into my own hair actually quite fiddly) and would provide a playful finishing touch to a glossy blow dry.
Saloni Camille Cutout Embellished Velvet Jumpsuit, £795.00, Net-A-Porter; Metallic Heel Sandals, £59.99 £39.99, Mango; Double Sateen Bow, £7.99, Stradivarius
The Smoking Jacket
I love how a velvet finish gives the colour black such a pretty softness, this flared suit by Reiss is a great option if you're after a timeless two-piece which doesn't feel overly sharp or angular. I'm especially into the blazer's satin lapel accents for a textural contrast. Add some dazzle with a flash of silver - this sequin bag by H&M echoes the glamour of the label's limited-edition collaboration with Rabanne without the eye-watering price tag. Flares and platforms go hand in hand, but I actually think the sculptural elegance of Cult Gaia's Yara mules would work really well peeking out under the hem.
Opal Fitted Single Breasted Suit Blazer, £298.00 £178.00, Reiss; Opal Velvet Flared Suit Trousers, £198.00 £118.00, Reiss; Sequined Shoulder Bag, £21.99, H&M; Cult Gaia Yara Cracked-Leather Sandals, £455.00, Net-A-Porter
The Party Flats
16Arlington's slinky silhouettes hit the spot every single time, and its stretch-infused Solaris top poses no exception. The sequin-coated tulle feels dramatic and yet curiously never veers into try-hard territory. Silver trousers are one of the biggest partywear trends of the moment, and we're taking this disco energy into the new year with Amy Lynn's straight-leg pair. An example of a subtler velvet addition comes in the form of Stradivarius' wine-coloured flats, complete with embellished buckle detailing. Complete with a slick of unadulterated luxury via Chanel's refillable beauty heirloom.
Velvet Ballet Flats, £25.99, Stradivarius; Solaris Cutout Sequined Stretch-Tulle Top, £595.00, Net-A-Porter; Amy Lynn Lupe Straight-Leg High-Rise Faux Leather Trousers, £75.00 £60.00, Selfridges; 31 Le Rouge Satin Lipstick in 'Rouge 2.55', £140.00, Chanel
The Grecian Gown
Midnight navy, rich burgundy and the like are velvet colour classics, but you needn't always lean into darker shades. This saffron gown by Proenza Schouler looks elegant and fluid, and I love the quirkiness of the twisted back strap. For even more velvet content, consider Gianvito Rossi's Velluto sandals. The line of the shoe feels timeless, and I love the sparkly warmth of the square buckles. Crafted from metal and coloured resin rhinestone, these earrings by Zara would look beautiful with a messy updo.
Proenza Schouler Twisted Open-Back Velvet Gown, £1,445.00, Net-A-Porter; Gianvito Rossi Velluto 95 Crystal-Embellished Velvet Sandals, £930.00, Net-A-Porter; Irregular Resin Earrings, £17.99 £9.99, Zara
The Cool-Girl Bow
This embellished bow by Jennifer Behr is categorically luxe, featuring a shower of crystals. It's giving 60s glam - team with a bouffant half-up, half-down style and thick cat-esque liner. For the main event, I'd wear this super-cute denim bandeau by Pull & Bear which has been following me round the internet. (I'm ready to concede.) The denim detailing oozes cool-girl casual and the metallic finish gives it a certain seasonless appeal. Style with Zara's high-waisted midi skirt and Reiss' minimalist Emery heels for an elegant shoe silhouette.
Jennifer Behr Alva Crystal-Embellished Velvet Bow Hair Clip, £425.00, Net-A-Porter; Velvet Midi Skirt With Rhinestone Rings, £29.99 £9.99, Zara; Metallic Denim Corset Top, £22.99 £12.99, Pull & Bear; Emery Leather Double Strap Heels, £148.00 £68.00, Reiss
Why you should trust me:
Orin Carlin is Hello! Fashion’s SEO Content Writer. Promising to leave no stone unturned in the name of fashion and beauty journalism, she is the proud creator of our ‘Try The Trend’ series. With a particular interest in formula innovation, microtrends, royal and bridal beauty, perfume, rituals, treatments, fashion history and vintage icons, she can either be found interviewing major industry names (previous subjects include Georgia May Jagger, Mary Greenwell and Sam McKnight) or scouring the internet for must-have pieces. It's not just a job; it's a personal quest to unearth noteworthy pieces that resonate with style and beauty enthusiasts.
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