Runway To Real Way: Crushing On Velvet For More Than Just The Holidays

The holidays are over and we’re about to settle into the long, dark stretch of winter doldrums. And despite the short days and painfully cold nights, now is the best time to dive headfirst into those sumptuous winter fabrics we’ve been saving for just this occasion. And if winter fabrics were a kingdom, then velvet would be queen. Sleek, sexy and yet warm and practical, we’ve become reacquainted with velvet since the resurgence of 90’s fashion in the past few seasons. Here, we’ve handpicked some of the most runway-worthy pieces to start wearing now.

Tom Ford created an iconic velvet blazer, making the fabric relevant again in menswear. But why should guys have all the fun? Several designers broke into the blazer mold in their Fall/Winter collections, with 3.1 Phillip Lim leading the charge. We fell hard for the slim, tailored fit and the lush coppery color, perfect to stand out against the winter grays. Tracking down a “suit”-able alternative was not hard at all once we came across Boden‘s one-button version, able to be paired with anything from jeans to topping off a slinky sheath.

Elegant and timeless are two words often used in Ralph Lauren‘s collections. The timelessness of his designs, juxtaposed with any trends du jour make each piece instantly more of an investment. His take on velvet was swathed in a one-shouldered cut-out maxi dress, and we couldn’t wait to jump on that wagon in a more everyday look. We found one, courtesy of Hale Bob, who’s boho-inspired, printed Evangeline maxi is a little more buttoned down (literally), making it more appropriate for any number of occasions outside of a winter gala.

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But who says all velvet skirts need to be long? Hearkening back to the 90’s goth look, the maxi length was typically the most popular choice. Velvet’s comeback is taking a shorter, sassier iteration with more and more printed minis showing up on the Fall/Winter runways. Fendi‘s floral ensemble is equal parts sophistication and whimsy and we needed a version in our closets stat. Our friends across the pond at Topshop came through with their simply stated Floral Velvet dress, perfect for a proper afternoon tea.

In a winter fashion round up, one doesn’t usually think of cropped pants. But velvet culottes, arguably the most modern pairing of these pieces, is just something that cannot be missed. Slim, slouchy, boxy or pleated, these pants are the newest must-have of the season. Go bold in an eye-popping hue, like the peachy pink pair from Monse, or be a true winter warrior and soldier on in a luscious, liquidy black. Throw in a cool collaboration from Rihanna x Puma and you’ve got yourself a pair of pants that you just may live in until the spring thaw.

Pictured above:

Velvet Blazer
Runway: 3.1 Phillip Lim
Real Way: Boden Velvet Emila Blazer, now $118.80

Velvet Maxi
Runway: Ralph Lauren
Real Way: Hale Bob – Evangeline Silk Burnout Maxi In Navy, now $428.40

Floral Velvet Mini Dress
Runway: Fendi
Real Way: Topshop Floral Velvet Dress, $75

Velvet Culottes
Runway: Monse
Real Way: Rihanna x Puma Black Velvet Culotte Pants, $275

–Alia Rajput

Runway Photos: Fashionisers.com

Image Layout: Fountain of 30

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