The Complete Velvet Guide
A velvet dress is one of those pieces that you can easily wear for all occasions. Pair it with heels for a night out on the town, or with boots and a knit during the day. Discover the Velvet Edit here.
Velvet has a softness and quality that simply adds to the allure of any outfit. This is why velvet clothes for women come back every autumn and winter. In this buying guide, discover what this fabric is all about, how to style it for all occasions, the best colours to go for and how to care for your dress.
Shop: Ophelia Black Velvet Maxi Dress
What Is Velvet?
Velvet is a woven fabric with a short, dense pile that gives it a soft touch and a gentle sheen. It catches the light as you move, which is why it feels so special to wear.
At Finery London, we see velvet as something to wear, not save for one night a year. Think modern shapes with movement, in rich colours that work as well with boots and a knit as they do with heels.
Velvet comes in a few finishes. Classic velvet has a smooth pile and soft sheen, stretch velvet adds a little give for comfort, and crushed velvet has a textured, shimmering look. Velvet is often mistaken for velour, a knitted fabric that is less refined and more casual in appearance.
Shop: Mela Black Velvet Midi Tea Dress
How to dress up velvet?
To dress up a velvet dress keep everything else sleek to let the fabric play the lead role. Velvet is inherently fabulous, so it hardly cries for any help.
But if you go to a party or Christmas celebration, you may try to combine your velvet dress with strappy heels or peep-toe slingbacks and a mini metallic bag. Besides, sheer black tights will complete the look for a chilly evening.
As for weddings, opt for jewel tones in your velvet dress. Emerald, sapphire, or burgundy will suit the occasion perfectly. Moreover, add block heels to dance in and avoid white, ivory, or cream so not clash with the bride. And for a dinner in the evening, pick gold or pearl jewelry, go for a tailored coat, and choose a wrap or midi dress silhouette.
Finally, make sure that your make-up and hairdo match the elegance of a velvet dress. Go for a sleek bun or wavy hair with a bright lip.
Shop: Louise Bottle Green Velvet Dress
How to dress velvet down?
To dress velvet down for a more casual look, team it with simple, textured layers to temper the richness of the fabric. The goal is to make it feel less special, more lived in.
- With knitwear: Layer a chunky knit or fine knit cardigan over a slip- or tea-length velvet dress.
- With boots: Ankle boots or knee-high boots lend immediate edge to a velvet outfit, and Chelsea boots or flat riding boots are good for dressing down.
- With denim: A top made of velvet or a blazer in the fabric looks effortlessly cool with straight-leg jeans.
- For the office: Choose deeper shades of velvet, like navy, chocolate or forest green and team with a tailored blazer and loafers for a less severe look.
Shop: Anna Burgundy Velvet Jumpsuit
What makes velvet special?
Velvet is best for autumn and winter, when its weight and warmth are most desired. The pile of this fabric warms and holds heat, making it warmer than most of the dress fabrics. It is a natural choice for the party season, from office parties to New Year’s Eve. It is also good for winter weddings, visits to the theatre and festive family gatherings.
Shop: Rae Black Velvet Short Dress
How to care for velvet?
Always follow the care label as a guide, as velvet care depends on the fiber it is made from, many require dry cleaning, whereas some stretch and polyester velvets can be hand washed.
- How to remove creases: steam the velvet (inside out) making sure to keep the steamer away from the velvet, never iron as this will flatten the pile
- Restoring the pile: brushing velvet with a soft clothes brush in the direction of the pile
- Storing: always store on a padded hanger with room to breathe, never fold as this can leave permanently creased marks.
- Spills and accidents: blot out as much liquid as possible, take care not to rub, then take to a dry cleaner.
Shop our full collection of velvet clothing today or check out our new in.
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