If you're guilty of investing in sumptuous velvet pieces for the holiday season with no intention of wearing them past December 31st, you needn't beat yourself up. There are actually plenty of ways to wear velvet beyond the holidays and New Years, since the luxe fabric lends itself perfectly to winter dressing. And while fabrics like tweed and houndstooth are equally cozy, there's something less predictable, yet equally versatile, about velvet.
Trading lightweight fabrics like cotton and crepe for heftier velvet styles is a no brainer in cooler temperatures, but the thicker fabric is also virtually foolproof atop layered ensembles. Where other fabrics would show bunching or seams that lie beneath, velvet is plush enough to conceal them.
The key is to mix velvet with non-festive fabrics, like denim, wool, and poplin and to avoid embellishments like shimmering earrings and shoes that conjure up a distinctly holiday vibe. Here, a few easy-to-recreate outfits using a velvet blazer, trousers, and a dress.
Velvet Blazer
If you jumped on the velvet suit bandwagon for the holidays, use the pieces individually for January and beyond. Try teaming your velvet blazer with a turtleneck, midi-length skirt and combat boots. Or layer it over a poplin button down with vintage denim.
A vibrant, striped sweater will add a whimsical counterpoint to the blazer.
This midi skirt provides a clean, sleek line and makes for a great simple canvas to pair with a bright upper half.
Hefty, lace-up boots will balance the femininity of the midi skirt.
Another option to pair with a velvet blazer is an oversized white poplin shirt. Pick a style with a minimal collar so as not to compete with the lapels.
Temper the festivity of the jacket with light-wash denim in a current, straight-leg silhouette.
Velvet Trousers
Dress down a velvet trouser with menswear pieces. Try an oversized knit and a peacoat teamed with ankle boots for a less precious take. Incorporate print by layering a tartan dress over the pants and topping the ensemble with a duster coat.
Tone down the opulence of the blue velvet trousers with an oversized, oatmeal knit.
A classic peacoat adds to the menswear charm.
Add a pop of color with your boots, or opt for a neutral version in navy or black.
Alternatively, you can layer a printed dress in a similar color family over the wide-leg trousers to create a fresh silhouette.
Finish the look with a long duster coat.
Velvet Dress
Layer a dress over a turtleneck and boots and top with a slouchy blazer for a work-appropriate ensemble. Or wear it under a roomy cardigan and chunky scarf with riding boots for the weekend.
Choose a slim-fitting turtleneck that will layer seamlessly under the v-neck dress.
A boxy, oversize blazer can be worn open over the dress for a casual spin on workwear.
Finish with tall boots in optic white.
For a more casual take, layer a long cardigan over the dress.
Add a luxe scarf in a neutral shade.
Finish with buttery riding boots.
