Velvet pumps, jackets, and dresses, oh my! Velvet is back with a vengeance in the form of beautifully cut garments and rich jewel tones, creating a luxurious look for this winter. This is a fantastic fabric to incorporate into your looks both night and day, and in this article we’ll show you how!
Day Looks
Single breasted velvet jackets are the must-have piece of the season, and it’s no surprise why. These blazer style jackets look stunning when worn over your favorite top and dark denim jeans, creating an ideal look for fall.
In contrast, you can easily revamp your work wardrobe this fall by pairing a blouse and knee length skirt with a tailored velvet jacket. Velvet jackets also look fantastic when worn with trousers that have a wide leg or boot cut.
For a clean silhouette, select a velvet jacket that has a fitted cut. The darts and seaming of a fitted cut will allow the jacket to skim the body line for universally flattering fit.
To enhance your waist or to create the illusion of a defined waist, look for velvet jackets that have a nipped waist. Nipped waist jackets curve in at the waist and out at the hemline, creating an hourglass silhouette.
Evening Looks
This season velvet has reintroduced itself in the form of sleek cocktail dresses, and beautiful full length gowns that are as rich in style as the women that wear them. The frumpy silhouettes of yesteryear have been replaced with backless gowns, halter necklines, and strapless cocktail frocks.
Tips for selecting your statement velvet dress:
Velvet is a statement fabric, so be sure to select a color that will radiate against your skin. Rich jewel tones such as sapphire, ruby, and deep purples are a flattering alternative to the classic black velvet.
When selecting a velvet dress, it’s important to consider visual balance. Velvet is a heavier fabric that can appear to weigh the body down when worn head to toe. By selecting the appropriate amount of skin to show you will visually balance the weight of the fabric.
For example, if you opt for a full length velvet dress, select a style with an open neckline such as a halter, v-neck, or strapless. If your favor long sleeves, opt for a dress that hits just below or above the knee for a balanced look.
Photo Credit: Giorgio Armani F’09 RTW, courtesy of Style.com
About the Author:
Lakeysha-Marie is a fashion stylist, a women’s fit technologist, author and columnist for women’s lifestyle and fashion magazine Pink Diva Café. To learn more, visit Lakeysha-Marie’s fashion blog and personal style website http://www.beautybodystyle.com/. **WomenOf readers will receive a free “Body Type Basics Guideapostrophe to identify your body type when you subscribe.