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We all know that holiday trends are kind of the worst — they force their way into our wardrobes in all their glitzy, sequinned glory, only to make one or two brief appearances before they settle into their new home in the dusty, dark and untouched corners of our closets.
Velvet, however, is one fabric associated with festive dressing that can actually work post-December 31st. That's because it's rare to find a trend that can take so many forms: whether it's a hand-held clutch completing a going-out look, or a bold-hued dress that serves as a statement-making focal point. Plus, the fact that the fabric is so versatile means it's not just another fad you won't get proper wear out of.
To decide which route to take in introducing this seasonally appropriate texture into your wardrobe, we've rounded up our favourite pieces across categories that prove just how many options there are to choose from. Ahead, you'll find 30 unique ways to get away with wearing velvet for every occasion this season (and beyond).
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The Shoes
The easiest way to add velvet into your wardrobe is by dipping your toes into the trend — literally. There's a velvet shoe for everyone, from sock-boot fanatics to the flats-only kind of girl. Plus, you can keep things casual by wearing a velvet sneaker, or dress up a blazer and trousers with a lace-up pump or menswear-inspired brogue. Either way, it's an easy (and fun) outfit-maker.
Senso Sonia II Velvet Stretch Heeled Ankle Boots, £101, available at ASOS.
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Not your typical joggers.
Rene Caovilla Crystal Velvet Lace-up Sneaker, £1068, available at Neiman Marcus.
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For boyfriend jeans and miniskirts alike.
Topshop GOLD Round Toe Ghillie Shoes, £68, available at Topshop.
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Cool kicks for the real-life Barbie girl.
ASOS Daysleeper Flatform Sneakers, £13, available at ASOS.
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Don't these babies look museum-ready?
Stella McCartney Brocade Bootie, £628, available at Stella McCartney.
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An upgrade on your average smoking slipper.
Toga Pulla Velvet Buckle Shoes, $152 (£103), available at Opening Ceremony.
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The Dresses
Turtleneck, V-neck, shift, trapeze — regardless of your dress shape of choice, it's easy to get your hands on a velvet frock this winter. Meet the parents in a yellow long-sleeve number, hit the bars in one that shows off your shoulders, or tackle two trends (and occasions) in one with a patchwork piece that can be dressed up or down.
Aritzia Trompette Dress, $125 (£84), available at Aritzia.
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Sunshine in the form of a perfect dress.
Preen by Thornton Bregazzi Amber Long-sleeved Velvet Dress, £1,180, available at MatchesFashion.
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Channel your inner Posh Spice.
Mango Halter Velvet Dress, £24.99, available at Mango.
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Quilt fanatics, rejoice.
Zara Patchwork Dress, £29.99, available at Zara.
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What Cher Horowitz would wear to the Valley party in 2015.
Maje Velvet Bubble Dress with V-neck, £143.40, available at Maje.
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Wear for work or play.
Front Row Shop Pleated Velvet Dress, £46.80, available at Front Row Shop.
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The Tops
Most of the time, the top is the anchor of an outfit — the piece that really ties everything together. So, when you've got a pair of pants you want to wear but don't know how to style them, look no further than a velvet blouse that's equally festive and fashionable. Swap your regular turtleneck for a golden velvet one, or opt for an option that shows a little bit of skin. Off-the-shoulder, one-shoulder, or totally sleeveless — the choices are practically endless.
Rosie Assoulin Pane Velvet Cropped Turtleneck, $1,195 (£808), available at Moda Operandi.
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Because that off-the-shoulder trend isn't fading...
Aritzia Yardley T-shirt, $24.99(£16.89), available at Aritzia.
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Tackle the skinny scarf trend, too, with this two-in-one top.
Topshop Velvet Tie-Neck Plunge Cami Top, £15, available at Topshop.
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An out-of-the-box texture can do wonders.
Ganni Huxtable Rollneck Top, £90, available at Ganni
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A shirt that screams, "Let's party!"
Mango Asymetric Velvet Top, £24.99, available at Mango.
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Just festive enough to pass for the holidays — and be worn a million times after.
H&M Velvet Tank Top, £7.99, available at H&M.
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The Outerwear
Want to feel instantly more polished using only one item? Enter: the velvet topper. It's elegant, statement-making, and totally effortless to throw on (yes, seriously). For evening, wear a velvet puffer or bomber jacket to offset a more feminine dress — and stay warm while doing it; for daytime, a pink blazer over a tee and some vintage jeans will have you feeling street styled, even if you're just on your way to brunch.
DAGMAR Velvet Jacket, £359, available at Farfetch.
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That innerwear-as-outerwear trend that's been popping up everywhere.
H&M Long Velvet Jacket, £59.99, available at H&M.
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Don't discredit the puffer just yet.
Front Row Shop Velvet Down Jacket, £72.80, available at Front Row Shop.
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Sporty vibes. We'll take it.
Sandro Paris Ventura Jacket, £232, available at Sandro Paris
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A boxy number that's surprisingly versatile.
Rejina Pyo Navy Velvet Short Yara Jacket, £278, available at Avenue32.
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Do your best Jackie O.
MSGM Velvet Blazer, £250.32, available at Farfetch
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The Bags
If you associate velvet with "girliness," these bags will convince you otherwise. Sure, you can still find your classic clutch for holiday parties and nights on the town, but you can also change things up: Tackle athleisure the velvet way with a silver backpack, or keep things practical with a buckled-shut crossbody you can wear on the daily. Yup — it's time to give your leather one a rest.
Nasty Gal Margot Velvet Mini Backpack, £39.19, available at Nasty Gal.
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Small enough to carry around all night, but it still fits all the essentials.
ASOS Co-ord End It On This Mini Box Cross Body Bag, £15, available at ASOS.
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Don't you wish you had this brown bag update in middle school?
Opening Ceremony Crushed Velvet Lunchbag, $89 (£60), available at Opening Ceremony.
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A puffy little pouch.
Charlotte Olympia Round Cushion Pouch, £345, available at MyTheresa.
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Go ahead and tell people it's vintage. We won't share your secret.
Simone Rocha Velvet Bag, $629 (£425), available at SVMOSCOW.
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A dainty change purse for busy evenings out.
ModCloth Had A Fab Day Bag, $44.99 (£30), available at ModCloth
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