Clockwise: Zac Posen Fall 2010, Ralph Lauren Fall 2010, Roberto Cavalli Fall 2010, Nanette Lepore Fall 2010
The last time I wore velvet I was around 8 years old. We were just about to leave Hong Kong and move to India and my mom’s friend’s daughter was making me a dress as a goodbye present, which was in velvet. I managed to catch a glimpse of the dress while she was making it and instantly fell in love with it, and insisted thereafter that I would only wear that dress to the New Year’s party we were having. My mom tried to convince me otherwise, but eventually gave up and called the poor girl asking her to speed up her dress-making process. I got my way (as I always do! ;)) and wore that dress to the party. It got me lots of attention because everyone wanted to see “the dress” that caused such a ruckus, and I, of course, was happy to flaunt it! 😛
That was then, and this year, incidentally around the same time of the year, I’m thinking of giving velvet a try again. Although velvet has a tendency to go horribly wrong a lot of times (like here, and more recently here) adding a few accents here and there can really make your outfit look rich and festive. Pair velvet with this or sheer fabrics, as shown on the runway at Roberto Cavalli Fall 2010, and you’re ready to party; but I also like the fact that velvet is versatile and can easily be dressed down with cozy knits, some tights, and tough leather boots. Check out some of my favorite finds in velvet below.
- In Numerical Order: ASOS Rich Velvet Shorts, Bebe Crushed Velvet Dress, Free People Floral Crushed Velvet Dress, Oasis Velvet Dress, Paprika Top Frill Shoulder Floral Velvet Body, Miss Selfridge Black Velvet Playsuit, Free People Velvet Victorian Jacket
Like anything? I love the deep reds, midnight blues, and forest greens in the dresses above; they are the perfect way to add some color to your winter wardrobe without going OTT. Another great buy is a blazer or a coat in black; it’s the safest and most versatile way to wear velvet. You can easily throw it over your formal/casual dresses and skirts, as well as jeans and tailored pants.
My favorite part about wearing velvet? It makes a statement on its own so you can go easy on makeup and accessories. All you need is an edgy belt, boots, and some natural makeup —perfect for lazy dressing days. The downside of velvet, on the other hand, is that it’s really “trendy”; so even though it’s “in” this season, it can easily be sooo “out” the next. Finding something that can truly be called a classic can be sort of difficult.
Having said that, I think I’ll still invest in a pretty dress for the upcoming Christmas/New Year’s parties! What about you? Are you giving velvet a shot this season, or are you going to skip? Comments, as usual, are much appreciated! 😉
Stay stylish,
SK
I love velvet too – really find it very glam. Love the free people floral dress..
i never liked velvet bt after seeing this all these stunning dresses… I think velvet is the the fabric of the season… heheheh really nice work
I haven’t worn velvet since the 90s! It’s perfect for weddings and parties during winters. I think it looks elegant in red and black. No. 4 is pretty.
I am afraid I do not think I can rock this. I shall wait for it to pass me by again!
I’m going to look for a velvet top for myself too 🙂 looks rich, like the styles you’ve uploaded on the top, especially the 2nd one