Velvet is the luxurious textile of the fall, whether it’s fashioned into a stylish and sophisticated cardigan or a funky pair of trousers. Multifaceted and versatile, velvet is seen in a variety of styles on the runway, from crushed to high pile. Let’s take a look at the velvets making their way down the runway this year.

Colorful Velvet

Velvet is so chic, but designers often give a fun twist to this sophisticated fabric. Both Brandon Maxwell and Dolce & Gabbana feature a bright yellow velvet, perfect for Fall and Spring. Daks sports a plum velvet suit for Menswear, while Haider Ackermann goes for a softer, lavender velvet blazer.

Styling Tips for Colorful Velvet

When it comes to styling colorful velvet, less is often more. A vibrant velvet piece—be it a skirt, blazer, or trousers—will already be the star of the show, so balance it out with neutral or monochrome pieces in your outfit. A jewel-toned velvet skirt can be paired with a simple white blouse or grey turtleneck to let the color truly shine. If you opt for a bright velvet blazer, consider wearing it with black slacks or dark jeans to create a look that’s both fun and sophisticated.

Wrap yourself in these luxurious velvets:

Crushed Velvet

Crushed velvet adds a lovely depth to an already textured fabric. Jourden’s crushed velvet blazer is adorable paired with white ruffles, while Audra’s black coat is sleek and stylish all on its own. Balenciaga creates a turtleneck blouse with gloves attached, and Ellery’s turtleneck features long, loose sleeves.

Styling Tips for Crushed Velvet

Crushed velvet brings a whimsical, retro texture that can add depth and interest to your look. This form of velvet works best when it’s not competing with other textures or intricate patterns. For example, a crushed velvet top pairs well with smooth fabrics like silk or satin for bottoms. Keep your accessories and other layers simple to let the crushed velvet stand out. A sleek leather jacket or tailored blazer can be the perfect complementary piece.

Fall in love with these crushed velvets:

Patterned Velvet

Patterns and prints give an extra pop to velvet. Chloe’s velvet suit is finished beautifully with a horse print, while Saint Laurent pulls from Paris for inspiration. Both Saloni and Warm feature a beautiful floral design that really flourishes on velvet.

Styling Tips for Patterned Velvet

Patterned velvet is a bold choice, and it’s one that demands attention. When styling this variation of velvet, aim for balance by pairing it with solid, understated pieces. A patterned velvet skirt or trousers can become a focal point when teamed with a monochrome top and simple accessories. To keep the look cohesive, try picking up a color from the pattern and using it as your accent color throughout the outfit.

Check out these fancy fabrics:

Velvet Suits

Velvet suits have been all the rage, combining couture and professionalism in a beautiful way. Brooks Brothers and Frame both feature maroon suits, although they show wildly different silhouettes. Whistles Fall suit is more of a leisure suit, while Antonio Berardi’s suit looks perfect for business and pleasure.

Styling Tips for Velvet Suits

A velvet suit is the epitome of luxe sophistication but styling it can be tricky. The key to pulling off this look is complementing the suit with simple, high-quality pieces. A crisp white button-down shirt and a pair of minimalist leather loafers or sleek heels can elevate the suit without overshadowing it. For added flair, consider a silk pocket square or a simple gold necklace.

Suit up with these velvets:

Year-Round Velvet

Velvet is known as a fall fabric, but good designers are known for pushing boundaries. This year, designers have decided velvet is a year-round textile. Fendi’s stunning velvet dress features pearl details, ideal for a vacation in Milan, while Vetements’ black dress seems perfect for a day of tackling some errands in the city. Norma Kamali’s loose jumper is ideal for breezy summer afternoons, and Gucci’s suit pairs beautifully with a pussy bow blouse.

Styling Tips for Year-Round Velvet

Velvet isn’t just for the colder months. While it’s typically a heavier fabric, lighter versions like crushed velvet or velvet blends can work year-round. To transition your velvet pieces through the seasons, focus on layering and pairing them with seasonal fabrics. A velvet camisole, for instance, can be worn under a cardigan or blazer during the colder months and stand-alone or with a light, flowing skirt in the warmer months. For fall, consider pairing a velvet top with leather pants for a transitional look that combines textures perfectly.

Rock these velvets all year round:

What to Avoid When Wearing Velvet

While velvet exudes a sense of opulence and elegance, there are some definite “don’ts” when it comes to styling this luxurious fabric.

Overloading on Velvet

One of the biggest mistakes people make is going overboard. Velvet has a rich, heavy appearance, so too much of it can feel overwhelming and lose its special allure. If you’re wearing a velvet dress, for example, you may want to skip the matching velvet shoes and handbag.

Clashing Textures

Be cautious when mixing velvet with other textured fabrics like sequins, heavy brocades, or chunky knits. The complexity of velvet often makes it a standalone star and other textured materials can compete rather than complement.

Wrinkles and Creases

Unlike some other fabrics, once velvet wrinkles, it’s often a permanent situation that’s hard to remedy. Be cautious about sitting for long periods, and always hang velvet items up immediately after wearing them. If you need to travel with velvet, use a garment bag and consider laying it flat instead of folding it.

Color Pitfalls

While velvet in dark, rich colors can look incredibly luxe, lighter colors can sometimes look cheap and be less forgiving when it comes to stains or spills. Choose your color wisely based on the occasion and your styling needs.

What’s your favorite way to wear velvet? Let me know in the comments!