Velvet is a classic fabric that instantly gives off an air of elegance and can dress up even the simplest of outfits.
However, velvet has also received a bad rap being that it is one of the trickiest fabrics to wear. It is often associated with little girls’ holiday dresses or stuffy older women, but in fact, college girls can rock velvet too!
Need some ideas and advice for looking stylish while wearing velvet? Here’s our ultimate guide to how to wear velvet, with tips and tricks, outfits and more:
Table of Contents
Four Simple Tips & Tricks for Wearing Velvet
- Although velvet is usually synonymous with special occasions, think beyond formal wear. Try and wear velvet in an everyday look to add a glam touch to any outfit.
- That being said, velvet also works well with classic wardrobe staples. The best way to wear something you’re unfamiliar with is to pair it with non-trendy, classic pieces like opaque tights, denim and basic cotton shirts – try wearing these pieces with velvet items if you’re hesitant.
- While classic black velvet pieces are always a safe bet, don’t be afraid to try bold colors. There are tons of velvet pieces out there in beautiful jewel tones like emerald green and royal blue that can make such a stylish impact.
- Since velvet is a visually heavy fabric, pair it with more delicate fabrics for balance. I especially love how velvet looks with satin, silk and lace.
Also Read: How To Wear Velvet in the Spring?
Three Ways to Wear Velvet
If you’re still stumped on how to incorporate this material into an everyday look, I created three outfits using different velvet pieces:
How to Wear a Velvet Blazer:
Products: Blazer – Asos, Bodysuit – Asos, Jeans – Nordstrom, Heels – QVC
For this outfit, I chose a velvet blazer with a stylish belt and created an outfit that would be appropriate for class or an outing.
Pair the blazer with a clean, crisp white bodysuit and some classic black jeans. Next, add a pop of height with this small backless heel.
How to Wear a Velvet Dress:
Products: Dress – Urban Outfitters, Tights – Urban Outfitters, Boots – DSW, Clutch – Revolve
This is a fun way to wear velvet for a night out. Start off with a pretty velvet dress in a gorgeous pinkish hue and pair it with some jeweled fishnet tights.
Add short heeled booties and a starlit clutch; these details will keep the ensemble interesting.
How to Wear a Velvet Skirt:
Products: Skirt – Pretty Little Thing, Top – Urban Outfitters, Shoe – Asos, Bag- Asos
I absolutely love this skirt — it’s a classic, perfect for any occasion, especially with holidays around the corner.
Pair the skirt with a nice sparkled crop top.
These strappy low heels give the look a nice touch. Finally, accessorize with this ’90s-inspired bag to complete the ensemble.
Other Stylish Velvet Items
Products: Sweatshirt – Revolve, Headband – Urban Outfitters, Top – Urban Outfitters, Jumpsuit – Urban Outfitters, Pants – Urban Outfitters, Mini Skirt Set – Revolve
Of course, there are tons of other great velvet options out there, so here are some other fabulous velvet pieces I found online:
If you’re still iffy about rocking this fabric, try a velvet accessory such as a handbag, scarf or headband.
Another way to ease into velvet is with velvet tops or pants alone. I love patterned velvet items for an extra pop. Or go bold with something extra unexpected, like this mini skirt set. This is a fun way to incorporate velvet into your look, without covering yourself in the material.
Finally, velvet jumpsuits are an easy way to dress up or down for any occasion.
What do you think?
Would you wear velvet? Do you already own some velvet pieces? How would you wear velvet? Be sure to leave a comment and let me know your thoughts!
I have a spaghetti strap tight fitting burgandy velvet one piece pants-jumpsuit. I haven’t worn it yet (even though I absolutely adore it) because I dont feel totally confident wearing it by itself and I haven’t been able to figure out a way to properly style it. I was thinking maybe a tight fitting white or black small vest on top and a jean jacket over everything. After reading this post, I feel a bit more confident in my idea, but I’m still not 100% sure. It said to pair the velvet with lace or silk or cotton so that makes sense but now I’m thinking maybe I should wear a Lacey or silky vest with the jean jacket or even a cotton vest with little lace embellishments on it. I’m just so unsure about my choices.
Does anyone have any ideas or comments about how to style my adorable burgandy jumpsuit?
Also, I was thinking maybe a jean skirt instead of a jean jacket. I just don’t know what to do, I’m 34 and a bit out of the “fashion loop”, to be honest. Any help is much appreciated!!!
I absolutely love velvet. It’s been my favourite fabric ever since I discovered it as a child 😁 I have no problems with wearing a velvet jacket or trousers, but I also have velvet dresses and I’m tempted to wear them for work because I don’t really have many other occasions to wear them, and also they’re the most comfortable (but beautiful) alternative to track suit bottoms to which I got used to during lockdowns… They’re in rich colours too, so I wonder if they’re ok for office.
I think you should totally go for it and wear your velvet dresses to work! I love them and think they are so cute and classy yet still fun and most importantly– comfortable! As long as you feel good in it and it’s not too short or revealing then I dont see why you cant wear velvet in the office!
Pretty! This has been an extremely wonderful post.
Many thanks for providing these details.
got a pair super soft and perfect velvet pants (from Banana Republic) just before Christmas but haven’t figured out what/how to wear them, love this post will definitely try it out soon. I love velvet.
I planned to pick up a velvet minidress this year, but with spring around the corner, I think I’ll wait until next season to try the trend. However, I did manage to get a pair of purple velvet flats that I absolutely adore! I think it’s a fun trend and I love the outfits you’ve put together!