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 New Year's Eve plans involving partying into the early hours.
- The velvet mini dress: M&S Velvet Mini Skater Dress, £26 / $50.99
- The black velvet dress: Reiss Kass Velvet Sheer-Panel Midi Dress, £180 / $186
- The pink velvet dress: Boden Kate Velvet Shirt Dress, £77 / $119
- The blue velvet dress: Monsoon Celeste Velvet Midi Dress, £105 / $203
- The green velvet dress: Finery Velvet V-Neck Midi Tea Dress, £69
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.
Most recently, Kate debuted an emerald green velvet gown at the 2025 Royal Variety Performance. The glamourous piece was by German designer Talbot Runhof and featured a flattering fitted bodice, off-the-shoulder neckline and subtle fishtail cut.
© WireImageIts silhouette and fabric were reminiscent of the evening dress worn by Princess Diana, and Kate accessorised with equally dazzling jewellery - her Greville Diamond Chandelier Earrings and the Queen Mary Diamond Choker Bracelet.
The best velvet dresses to shop this season
Hobbs Marissa Velvet Dress
Editor's Note:
With its maxi length, waist detail and semi-sheer sleeves, this velvet dress by Hobbs strikes the perfect balance between sultry and sophistication, and the black hue makes it perfect New Year's Eve attire.
Style with: Dazzling jewellery, stilettos or platform heels and a bouncy blow dry or slicked back up-do.
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 chic 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.
M&S Velvet Mini Skater Dress
Editor's Note:
A chic velvet mini dress for £26? This is the ultimate affordable party-season staple you can wear on repeat, 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.
Boden Kate Velvet Shirt Dress
Editor's Note:
Boden's velvet midi dress is party season perfection - and it's now on sale. 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.
Rixo Macie Velvet Mini Dress
Editor's Note:
Looking for the perfect winter LBD? Enter Rixo's Macie dress. A bestseller thanks to its figure-skimming cut with the brand's signature underbust seam, the velvet piece also features touches of luxurious silk and lace trims.
Style with: Sling-back heels, knee-high boots or ballet flats, and gold statement earrings.
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 sparkling 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
Finery Velvet V-Neck Midi Tea Dress
Editor's Note:
If you want to emulate Princess Kate's Royal Variety look, Finery has dropped a velvet dress in the same gorgeous emerald green colour. It has a much more forgiving cut than her fitted style and reviews say it's "flattering", "beautiful" and "regal".
& Other Stories V-Neck Velvet Mini Dress
Editor's Note:
& Other Stories' mini dress is made from the softest velvet and has a sleeveless A-line silhouette. I love how the brand has styled it alone with knee-high boots, but I'd also layer it with a blouse for a completely different look.
Style with: Alone or over an embroidered blouse with sling-back heels or knee-high boots.
Mint Velvet Black Velvet Bow Midi Dress
Editor's Note:
I'm obsessed with 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.
