JOIN USWhen fashion bigwigs like Gucci, Prada Dolce&Gabbana and Valentino send their models down the runway in the season’s plushest fabric (read velvet), there’s no doubt that high-street labels will be stocking up on winter’s favourite fabric of choice. Long known for it’s unabashed opulence and jewel tones, this season velvet has conveniently moved away from the bonds of evening wear and entered the domains of everyday streetwear.
Here are five ways you can incorporate velvet in your everyday wardrobe. Brownie points if they come in shades of dusty pink, heathered grey and shimmery taupe.
Shoes
Velvet shoes are the best way to create some interest in your mundane casual outfits. Pair yours with cropped jeans and a parka jacket for the day and switch it up with a feminine lace midi-dress for the night. Velvet boots in ankle-length and block-heel renditions are presently making their way into every fashion lover’s wardrobe. If you favour minimalistic fashion, head for a pair of mules.If you’re the type who likes making a statement, then don’t look beyond a pair of embellished thigh-high boots.
Slip dress
Move over satin slip, cooler days call for a more reliable fabric to keep you both warm and trendy at the same time. Make your slip dress daywear appropriate by wearing it over a T-shirt or with combat boots and a bagpack. Choker optional.
Pant-suit set
Let’s admit it, the thought of pant-suits give us serious popstar Prince vibes. However, we’re ditching the fitted tailored ones in favour of athleisure-inspired pieces. Think relaxed tailoring and slouchy silhouettes. Wear it with a plain T-shirt and trainers for the full effect. Alternatively, you can also wear them as separates! To customise your set, pick up velvet jogger pants and a bomber jacket in the same colour, wear them together if you may.
Jumpsuit
There’s something undeniably charming about an all-velvet jumpsuit for a date night or an ultra-glamorous event. The range is vast — take your pick from flared leg jumpsuits to culottes or even bell-sleeved lace-trimmed playsuits.
To add to the exuberance of the outfit, bring out your statement metallic baubles to take the look a couple of notches up. Deep colours like marsala and emerald green further add to the richness of the look.
Accessories
If velvet is too OTT (over-the- top) for you, make its presence felt via more practical add-on accessories. The present season favours embroidered velvet chokers, embellished headbands, velvet socks, bagpacks, clutches and of course, belts! Gucci’s jewel-toned velvet bag with the iconic double Gs is only testimony to the allure of this lush fabric. A fabric as versatile and luxurious as velvet calls for a lot of playing around with textures and moods. Contrasting and complimenting textures like denim, lace, embellishments and leather build interest and character. Get on the style radar by investing in a piece or two this winter.
The trick is to break down the opulence of the fabric with sober elements. Play it up or play it down, but make it completely your own.
(Contributed by Farah Magi)