Velvet Dreams

If you are one of those strange people that has an inexplicable aversion to the feel of velvet (a bit like those who can’t touch cotton wool – apparently it’s a thing!) then stop reading now because unfortunately this week does not hold any goodies for you. And on the note of goodies, now that we are well into November, it is perfectly legitimate to be thinking and even talking about Christmas.

So with this in mind, it is time to have a foray into what to wear for the party season and number one on the list has to be velvet. If you are being a fashion purist about it then really we should be talking velvet suits worn not in an evening context but in the daytime instead of an actual trouser suit. Hmmmmm…. not so sure about that for heading to Sainsburys but if you have the lifestyle then why not?

I think the last item of velvet I owned – apart from a velvet scrunchie way back when – was a blazer, an ill fitting one at that which is why it is no longer in my wardrobe but I am very tempted by this season’s options.

If you want to do a literal lookie-likie Alberta Ferretti, then M&S has this Velvet Long Sleeve Jacket £79. Judging by the amount of magazines it has been in, it has clearly struck a cord with the fashpack but it looks on the wrong side of dressing gown here. Not convinced. They do also do the matching trousers for the complete catwalk look. Well an M&S version of the catwalk…

A more palatable version would be this Soft Velvet Jacket and Trousers £69 and £39.50 . Wear with trainers (not velvet!) during the day for an off duty and contemporary look. If you aren’t of the dress wearing inclination and have a ‘do’ to go to this season, then a velvet suit could be the answer.

Alternatively Boden has its Emilia Blazer £96.75 (25% off til Wednesday) and this comes in black, burgundy and navy along with its Richmond Velvet Trousers £79.50 in matching colours. Who would’ve thought that something as Ron Burgundy-esque (Anchor Man in case you’re wondering) would look so good?!

Rather than go the whole hog, you could opt for a nod to the trend with this Vonka Stretch Crepe Jacket from Maje £315. Very nice.

For a stand-alone pair of trousers, these Eden Wide Leg Velvet Trousers £150 from Whistles look extremely elegant and perfect with the off the shoulder cami. Plus they have free next day delivery for the next couple of days.

Don’t think of velvet as just for the hours of darkness, it is definitely a daytime fabric too and this is a jacket I do very much like: Long Sleeve Velvet Jacket £35. Have slightly surprised myself here as am generally not all that keen on bombers, but think I may be a convert. You could easily wear this during the day with denim or dress up with heels or a dress for the evening. A little chuck on jacket for some effortless style – perfect.

This year’s update to the LBD surely has to be velvet and if you want a classic style then Boden’s Martha Dress £139 is a good bet.

Another option is this Dakota Velvet Dress £250 from Whistles which is beautiful if you want a style with some more detailing.

For a top, Reiss has this Brodie Velvet T-Shirt £60 with a very nice and subtley sexy back detail.

If all this feels a bit too reminiscent of the 80’s then go for a velvet in accessory form. Whistles has this lovely little Velvet Wristlet £65 . Super sophisticated – yes please. It also comes in a burgundy colour.

Another option is footwear and Mango has this Velvet Heel Ankle Boot £49.99 which would add just the right splash of evening-ness to an ensemble. Doesn’t have to be with jeans, these would work as nicely with a mini or midi skirt or some culottes.

Dune has these Helliee Jewelled Flats £80 which would add a nice bit of sparkle to a simple pair of trousers or jeans. They come in this gorgeous dark navy and black.

It doesn’t have to be an evening option on the shoe front either, you could just as successfully go for a velvet trainer like this one £29.50 from M&S.

Or these Velvet Slip on Trainers £55 from Warehouse which come in dark grey and black.

Boden also has these Slip on Trainers £59.50 in burgundy and navy if you are looking beyond black.

So whether you dip your toe in, or full immerse yourself, make this winter a velvet winter.