Velvet. No longer the material relegated to the 90s and Sunday best dresses – velvet is the key material to invest in for Autumn/Winter 2016. This luxurious material has made the transition from eveningwear to daywear and is everywhere at the moment. The fabric was key in the fashion shows and is taking the high street by storm. It is all about adding a touch of elegance to an outfit whilst still keeping it casual. From suits to jewellery to boots, there are an infinite number of ways to incorporate a little velvet in your life.
Whilst the idea of a velvet blazer or trousers may be a little daunting, the easiest way to wear a little velvet is through accessories. One way is through the popular 90s throwback: the velvet choker. These necklaces are quite literally everywhere at the moment and are everyone’s favourite; River Island sell a beautiful burgundy one which is perfect to throw on. It will instantly look as if you put more effort in – perfect for us lazy girls out there! Alternatively, it is easy to make your own with a length of velvet ribbon and any added metal accessories. Another easy accessory to help you incorporate the trend is a velvet scrunchie, which you can find anywhere, including Primark, making it a little lighter on the bank.
Or if you are feeling a little bolder, some floral velvet boots from Topshop will definitely add a little gothic glam to any outfit. Simply team with some black jeans and you are good to go! A staple for this year’s Autumn wardrobe is a velvet dress. Perfect for day with a pair of boots, equally as perfect for the evening with a pair of heels. The velvet dress will instantly make you feel glamourous, despite the cold and gloomy weather outside. ASOS sell a midnight blue velvet flippy dress which would cheer up anyone’s winter mood. A velvet jacket can have the same effect, with a blazer being the perfect finishing touch to any outfit. Have a play around with textures and try it with a silk camisole and some ripped jeans. The jacket is a perfect accompaniment for any evening outfit, with the added bonus of keeping you super cosy.
Velvet tops are a piece that can be worn with anything at any time. Long sleeved, short sleeved or even another 90s throwback, the crop top, à la Kendall Jenner: all and any are a non-fuss option for adding a little glamour to your everyday outfit. Topshop’s pink, twist front crop top shows that velvet does not just have to be autumnal colours. That is the great thing about velvet: it has the ability to make any outfit, or yourself, feel a million dollars.
Now for those who are extra brave, head to H&M to find velvet trousers. This look can be as subtle or as flamboyant as you wish, but the thing to remember is to wear them with confidence. Or if you want to be a little more relaxed, try a velvet skirt. Like a dress, these are great day and night, and have the effect of looking dressed up, even when paired with boots and a roll neck jumper. A burgundy velvet textured skirt from New Look has the perfect balance of casual and dressed-up.
So, it is time to get ready for winter with our new fashion best friend: velvet. This luxurious fabric will be your go-to item for every occasion, in whichever form you choose. These velvet pieces are just some of the items available on the high street and show how the 90s are making the biggest comeback. With the huge amount of variety on sale, there is something for every style and shape. Velvet: the cosy, luxurious, versatile fabric is here for this season, and hopefully much longer.
Image: blog.garageclothing.com
