The 5 Key Velvet Pieces You Need To Wear This Month (From Someone Who Never Liked Velvet)

Okay; it’s not that I never liked velvet, but I didn’t have the confidence, or the know-how, to include it in my everyday wardrobe. While some might say I still don’t have the know-how, I do have the tools – like social media – to?help influence my shopping basket.

It was Stella Mc Cartney‘s AW16 collection that introduced velvet back onto the runways, and that momentum has been carried right through to AW17 with design houses like Prada, Miu Miu and Victoria Beckham following suit. And it’s easy to see why: this fabric is tactile, durable, warm, and very wearable, which is why I’m going to fully embrace it this month. Here are 5 key velvet essentials to try, and where to buy them.

The Top

A velvet top is a straightforward and easy solution to wearing velvet. I love this Erdem kimono (below, left) which is perfect for wearing as an outer layer or open with a cool T-shirt underneath. Similarly, this snug velvet bodysuit from Topshop (below, right) is perfect for layering underneath a denim shirt during the day or paired with a statement necklace for after work drinks.

Erdem ‘Zeta’ Velvet Floral Print Kimono Jacket, €1,477.82 at Brownsfashion.com; Reiss ‘Nia’ quilted sweatshirt in bronze,€135 at Reiss.com; velvet square neck body, €21.67 at Topshop.com

The Shoe

Velvet shoes can be tricky to tackle because, unfortunately, velvet was not made to be worn in puddles. But, nonetheless, we will prevail and we will watch the Six-One weather report and cross our fingers for sunshine. Adding a velvet shoe to your outfit is a simple yet effective way to incorporate the trend; without being too committed. Olivia Palermo’s velvet heel and leather trouser combo is the perfect way to approach velvet shoes – she keeps things simple up top. I love these Zara dark green ankle boots (below, left) which incorporate not one, but three key trends: the sock boot, velvet, and the brooch – all in one. That’s why this shoe is a real winner- and they’re budget friendly too.

👢👠Bootielous ! 👠👢💖 👖with a little cropped leather trouser ! 💃🏼 @Nordstrom #chelsea28oliviapalermo

A post shared by Olivia Palermo (@oliviapalermo) on Nov 10, 2016 at 9:45am PST

Flat velvet ankle boot with gem detail, €69.95 at Zara; kitten heel sling-backs,€44.41 at Topshop; electric blue velvet over-the-knee boots,€150 at Uterque.

The Dress

Velvet dresses are a flattering option whether you’re curvaceous or slight-of-build. The light tends to catch this tactile fabric in such a way that gives your body a subtle yet shapely appearance. I admire this cream plunge wrap dress from Topshop (below, centre): the tie allows for the perfect waist adjustment and with the addition of a polo neck or T-shirt underneath, this dress can be worn from office to dinner.

Velvet lace dress, €49.95 at Zara; velvet plunge wrap dress,€44.45 at Topshop; velour wrap dress, €27.99 at H&M

The Trouser

With comfort and style combined, velvet trousers will add personality to your wardrobe. These berry-hued Mango palazzo pants (below, left) are perfect for transitioning into cooler weather and will pair beautifully with a sharp blazer or a laid-back leather jacket.

Berry velvet trouser, €35.95 at Mango; Regina Pyo ‘Beatrice’ crushed-velvet wide-leg pants,€520 at net-a-porter.com; Ganni ‘Dina’ velvet tapered pants, €81.55 at theoutnet.com

The Bag

Smart accessories are a fun and creative way to embrace a new trend, without going full-on Paris Hilton circa 2007. This YSL monogrammed deep blue bag (below, centre) is the perfect mix of glamour and sophistication and will take any outfit from day to night.

Glamorous Mustard Velvet Cross Body Bag,€47.30, at Asos; YSL Small ‘Loulou’ Monogram Velvet Shoulder Bag,€1,450 at Brownsfashion.com; Carvela Dea’ velvet mini tote,€80 at Debenhams