Two Takes on Holiday-Ready Velvet

Traditionally velvet is the kind of go-big-or-go-home festive fabric that’s reserved for evening—particularly around the holidays. And while a crushed velvet suit or dress is high-impact after hours, we’re endorsing velvet for the day, too: It looks sharp when mixed with other textures like leather, silk, and even denim—just don’t overthink it. Here, we break it down for you, whether you’re a bit texture-shy, or ready for a masterclass.

• A Little Opulent velvet accessories are the perfect companions to a pretty silk dress. Layer them on as you see fit—this wrap choker, rendered in a barely-there blush, could easily look like a part of the dress, while color-blocked pointy flats in an appealing combination of aubergine, bordeaux, and dark brown goes with pretty much anything.
• Photo courtesy of Tyler Joe.
• ROCHAS
  Open Back Dress M’oda ‘Operandi, $2,475
• FALLON
  Monarch Bardot
  Faux-Pearl Velvet
  Wrap Choker Saks Fifth Avenue, $160
• FRENCH GIRL
  Rose Lip Polish goop, $15
• LOREN STEWART
  Teardrop Cuff goop, $670
• GUCCI Marmont
  Crystal-Embellished
  Velvet Clutch Saks Fifth Avenue, $2,790
• ATTICO
  Manu Velvet Flats M’oda ‘Operandi, $795

• A Lot Think of velvet as silk’s lush, cold-weather-friendly cousin—a robe dress is the ultimate statement piece. (Plus, imagine how comfortable you’ll be.) The key to nailing it? A flash of skin in the form of a strappy sandal and the enduring simplicity of a single pearl stud.
• MICHAEL LO SORDO
  V-Neck Velvet Side Slit Dress Browns, $979
• STONE AND STRAND
  Pearl Spiral Earring Stone and Strand, $90
• BALMYARD BEAUTY
  Baby Love Balm
  Lip + Cheek Tint goop, $32
• STELLA MCCARTNEY
  Velvet Clutch goop, $895
• ALEXANDRE BIRMAN
  Clarita Velvet Sandal Heel Bergdorf Goodman, $695
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