Ah velvet. If it conjures up images of cinema seats, Halloween, curtains, or your mum's favourite set of cushions, scrap those thoughts quickly as the sumptuous, highly strokable material is making a major comeback as one of the biggest trends this winter. At the AW16 shows we saw velvet suits at Stella McCartney, Vetements oversized velvet blazers, velvet tailoring at Haider Ackermann and Chloé, vivid velvet gowns at Valentino and lots more elsewhere at Hillier Bartley, Wales Bonner and Gucci. Kate Moss has worn velvet tailoring on a number of occasions recently and Kendall Jenner is a fan of velveteen slip dresses.
The luxurious, textured fabric is the perfect choice for party dressing as the festive season fast approaches but can also be incorporated into your everyday wardrobe too, whether it's velvet flares, shoes or a jacket. If you're not ready to wear head-to-toe velvet (warning: do NOT get velvet wet – please avoid downpours) why not try a hint with a subtle shirt or colourful belt.
Here are our top picks to try out the velvet trend.
If a two-piece velvet suit is a step too far for you, try a more subtle nod to the trend with these electric blue midi-heels – the perfect way to dress up denim or a much-loved LBD for the party season.
Embrace the trend with both hands (or rather both legs) and get on board with embroidered velvet. Try these with ankle boots, a blouse and a bomber jacket.
If you're feeling flush try these ivy green, plush trousers instead. Don't worry you won't look like an elf – just avoid stripes and red.
Frame Denim velvet kick flare trousers, £325, available at Browns Fashion
Once upon a time quilted jackets were what you reluctantly zipped up when your mum insisted you had to wear a warm coat to school. Thankfully they've had something of a fashion renaissance courtesy of the standout Balenciaga and Marques' Almeida puffa jackets at the AW16 shows. Nail two trends in one in this velvet padded jacket.
Recently Victoria Beckham stepped out in a mint green velvet pleated skirt from her own SS17 collection. Get this Topshop version for a fraction of the price.
The prettiest way to cover up this winter.
Yes, this dress costs a small fortune but it's the stuff of punk princess dreams.
Alessandra Rich turtle-neck silk blend velvet dress, £1,845, available at Browns Fashion
As if that dress couldn't get any better, these are the perfect shoes (glitter sparkles AND pink velvet) to pair it with.
Sophia Webster Havisham magenta velvet sandals, £475, available at Harvey Nichols
These teal velvet block heels with a ribbon tie look far more expensive than their humble price tag reveals.
We're already putting together imaginary festive outfits. Imagine this shirt tucked into flared jeans with colourful platform heels... Now we just need some party invites.
Show your shoulders this winter in this chic polo neck. With velvet you'll never complain about being cold again.
Not one for shy, retiring types, this MSGM is a sophisticated show-stopper. Wear with killer heels and a low-key bag.
MSGM high-neck floral-print velvet dress, £790, available at Matches Fashion
We're going to say it. We're into socks and sandals. Well only when the sandals look this good.
Prada two-tone velvet sandals, £580, available at Net-a-Porter
We're loathe to slip back into black tights just yet but 40 denier tights would look delightful with this Ditsy dress.
For a chic and easy way to wear velvet, try these trousers from Whistles. They'll make you look like you have legs for days.
Gucci updates its signature GG Marmont bag in rich chevron-quilted velvet this season. We can't get enough of this colour.
Gucci GG Marmont chevron-velvet cross-body bag, £955, available at Matches Fashion
Off-White (one of our favourite labels) + two of the biggest trends i.e. velvet and bombers = this season's must-have jacket.
Off-White oversized printed velvet bomber jacket, £990, available at Net-a-Porter
We've had our eye on suede Stuart Weitzman boots for some time and then we discovered these velvet bad boys. To be honest, in an ideal world, we'd own both.
Looking to update a dress you've worn to death? Invest in an opulent, statement belt to give life to old outfits.
Prada embellished velvet waist belt, £225, available at Net-a-Porter
If you want to commit to velvet, these deep cranberry flares have your name all over them.
Vetements flared velvet trousers, £950, available at Matches Fashion
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