Velvet’s Fashionable Return and 5 Tips for Wearing It

In: Fashion and Style | On: 2 Dec, 2009

Clockwise from left: Purple velvet dress – Dorothy Perkins, Marc by Marc Jacobs Velvet Bow Headband – Net-a-Porter, Glitter Velvet Bodysuit – Topshop, Tiered Velvet Trim Dress – Forever 21, Anna Sui Velvet Rose Corsage – Farfetch, Fownes Velvet Gloves – HSN.com, Velvet Jacket – John Lewis, Velvet Bodycon Skirt – Topshop, Maida Velvet Clutch – My-Wardrobe.com, Velvet Bodycon Dress – Topshop

Trends from the 80′s/90′s are continuing to re-surface in our wardrobes, and velvet is bang on cue. The returning styles are smarter and simpler, and I think they’re kind of gorgeous!

My favorite use of velvet is the short velvet dress, with a low cut back detail. Preferably in dark, rich colors (black and midnight blue). I’m on the lookout for this dress now (bear in mind, it’s summer here!) & hoping I don’t have to wait until fall before I find it…

American Apparel, Erin Wasson x RVCA

The dress on the right actually inspired this article, it’s alarmingly similar to a dress I had when I was 7 or 8 – which I discarded after deciding velvet was a horrible thing to wear. Velvet is definitely one of those trends that highlight the cyclical nature of fashion.

5 Tips for Wearing Velvet

Velvet does look gorgeous, but it can be a little tricky to pull off at times. However, I am still hoping it surfaces in New Zealand in a big way. I can’t wait to wear it, I already have a very clear idea of how to do it! Here are my recommendations:

Wear one piece of velvet at a time. That piece should pop. Velvet is a bold fabric, and velvet on velvet is not going to mesh together all that well.
Choose darker colors, such as midnight blue, dark green or plain black. Lighter colors do risk looking tacky.
Team it with florals for a seriously stunning feminine look. I love these two paired together.
Or the alternative, wear it with hard accessories, such as studs or Dr. Martens to offset the femininity & create some serious edge.
Incorporate velvet accessories if you’re not completely sure about wearing this fabric. Velvet detail does look cute. Head band bow’s are my absolute favorite, in velvet they make me think of absolute luxury.

If you’re lucky enough to be going into fall already, have you added any velvet to your wardrobe? How are you wearing it?

For the rest of you, would you wear velvet come autumn?

Joanne Faith

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Sherin, on December 2nd, 2009 at 12:20 pm Said:

Hmm, I’ve seen a lot the velvet trend recently and I quite like it. Those velvet dresses are really pretty. Great tips as well: Its true: only wear one piece at a time.

gemma, on December 3rd, 2009 at 12:06 am Said:

oh that outfit you put together is delish!!
and i love your tips god knows we all need them from time to time

and thank you for your comments!

fadetoblackny.blogspot.com

CC, on December 3rd, 2009 at 12:16 am Said:

Great post! Love the dresses.
Xx

PS – I have a great giveaway on my blog. Don’t forget to sign up!

Joanne Faith, on December 3rd, 2009 at 12:30 am Said:

@Sherin: Thank you, velvet dresses are amazing!

@gemma: Thanks! I would totally wear it, and you are very welcome.

@CC: I will check it out asap! x

sarah hannah, on December 3rd, 2009 at 4:15 am Said:

LOVE the low-back, long sleeve mini dress!! would totally wear it if i could go braless!

i found this fuhly long black velet goth skirt in an op shop that i cut up into a mini that i wore this winter. so 90s. love it.

Arushi Khosla from FabBlab, on December 3rd, 2009 at 8:11 am Said:

Omg, I heart that Erin Wasson for RVCA dress so much, I could die.

Cafe Fashionista cafefashionista , on December 3rd, 2009 at 9:26 am Said:

The AA piece is destined to be my look this year. I heart everything from AA!

bananas., on December 3rd, 2009 at 10:58 am Said:

hmmm…not sure if i’m ready to wear crushed velvet again. takes me way back to my elementary schools days. eek! but regular velvet yes. that’s classic. btw what brand are those shoes? I LOVE THEM!!!

Coco, on December 3rd, 2009 at 7:48 pm Said:

Velvet is so under-rated. Love.

Clare, on December 3rd, 2009 at 9:44 pm Said:

Oh wow, it is great to see such a lush fabric make a come back! What great style tips, too!

Carrie, on December 4th, 2009 at 3:02 pm Said:

Great selection of velvet pieces. I really like the purple headband and leopard print gloves.

Lexy, on December 4th, 2009 at 7:27 pm Said:

Oh yes! I love the idea of velvet. It has a luxury to it. Except for I think that I would probably be petting it all day, if I wore it ! Haha. But, I love all your pieces of advice. I never would have thought of florals and velvet, but it definitely works!

Fantastic post!

Thanks so much for stopping by!
quirkyexplosion.blogspot.com

x Corrine/Frock & Roll x, on December 5th, 2009 at 9:57 pm Said:

Velvet can be so luxurious. I have a blazer in velvet that I haven’t worn in years, but L-O-V-E!

Wrecked Stellar, on December 5th, 2009 at 10:02 pm Said:

My sister ordered that navy Topshop bodycon dress and I got these teal velvet hotpants that I can’t wait to wear with oversized sweaters or flannel shirts! xo, Mel

Limespark - Please Feed the Bears., on December 6th, 2009 at 2:34 pm Said:

Oh, I love dresses with low backs, it’s so sexy without being overdone.