Velvet’s Fashionable Return and 5 Tips for Wearing It

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:

1. 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.
2. Choose darker colors, such as midnight blue, dark green or plain black. Lighter colors do risk looking tacky.
3. Team it with florals for a seriously stunning feminine look. I love these two paired together.
4. Or the alternative, wear it with hard accessories, such as studs or Dr. Martens to offset the femininity & create some serious edge.
5. 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?