25 Opulent Fashion Picks That Show Why Velvet Is Crushin’ It This Season
Forget about that’s behind the velvet rope; this season, it’s all about the rope itself — or, rather, the dense, luxurious, decadently soft fabric wrapped around it.
Velvet is arguably the fabric most closely associated with nobility — particularly within the context of French and British monarchs. It has long been tradition for British kings to don a now-iconic crimson velvet robe called the Robe of State during their coronation ceremonies. The Imperial State Crown of India, originally made for King George V for a trip to India to commemorate his coronation at the Delhi Durbar, is made of purple velvet embellished with precious gems and more than 6,000 diamonds. Even when being laid to rest, members of the regal family have historically been buried in lavish coffins covered with palls of black velvet.
Given its aristocratic associations, then, it’s makes perfect sense that the fabric would make a huge comeback this season, when Baroque-inspired opulence is again in vogue. The key is to don velvet in an unexpected way — whether it’s by slipping into a plush camisole that would typically be crafted using silk, twirling in a flirty skater dress that adds a lightness to the oft-heavy fabric, or by adding a tufted velvet cross-body bag to your white-turtleneck-and-jeans outfit.
Below, check out some pieces to help you look velvety and smooth.
Tabitha Simmons Huntington Printed Velvet Skate Sneaker, $625. Available at NeimanMarcus.com
Nanette Lepore Long-Sleeve Velvet Paisley Dress, $448. Available at BergdorfGoodman.com
Chanel Small Velvet Boy Chanel Flap Bag, $3500. Visit Chanel.com for stores.
Cushnie et Ochs Cutout Velvet Camisole, $695. Available at Net-a-Porter.com
Jimmy Choo Rosana Pump in Ballet Pink Velvet, $850. Available at Shop.Nordstrom.com
J. Crew Regent Velvet Blazer in Spruce, $198. Available at JCrew.com
Rebecca Minkoff Love Crossbody, $295. Available at RebeccaMinkoff.com
Zara Retro Velvet Dress, $39.90. Available at Zara.com
Topshop Linda Pinstud Velvet Platforms, $100. Available at Us.Topshop.com
Reiss 1971 Flora Velvet High-Neck Top in Claret, $170. Available at Reiss.com
Bebe Hepburn Crossbody Bag, $69. Available at Bebe.com
H&M Velvet Jacket, $50. Available at HM.com
Topshop Velvet Playsuit, $105. Available at US.Topshop.com
ASOS Velvet Floral Turban Hat, $22. Available at US.Asos.com
Dolce & Gabbana Mary Jane Pump in Burgundy Velvet, $795. Available at Shop.Nordstrom.com
J.W. Anderson Striped Devoré-Velvet Peplum Top, $2095. available at Net-a-Porter.com
Nasty Gal Day Tripper Mini Skirt, $68. Available at NastyGal.com
Ray-Ban Erika Sunglasses, $139.95. Available at SunglassHut.com
J. Brand 815 Velvet Super Skinny Jeans, $228. Available at JBrandJeans.com
Charlotte Olympia Abstract Velvet Kitty Flat, $625. Available at NeimanMarcus.com
Karen Millen Floral Max Dress £250.00. Available at KarenMillen.com
T.U.K. Red Velvet Creepers, $85. Available at TUKshoes.com
Herschel Supply Co. Dawson Backpack in Black Velvet, $120. Available at RevolveClothing.com
Simply Vera Vera Wang Velvet High-Low Dress, $78. Available at Kohls.com
Boden Velvet Coat in Atlas Blue, $198. Available at BodenUSA.com