by Erika Dykstra
There are few guarantees in this wild and crazy world. But as long as the sun rises over the Atlantic, and sets over the Pacific, it's a fail-safe that velvet will return each and every fall as our go-to fabric for party frocks, elegant suits and the smartest of dress coats. But this fall, in addition to special-occasion garb, velvet is breaking out of its up-scale mold and launching into your everyday wardrobe.
Soft, smooth and oh-so plush, there's something so soothing about running your open palm across the face of velvet. And there's something about wearing velvet that'll make you feel oh-so elegant.
If you're ready to dive head-first into the velvet trend, you'll have your pick of options. From full, street-skimming skirts for daytime, to ultra-tight corsets for nighttime, designers have left no garment un-velvetized. Among our favorite staples now in velvet: Victorian-Era blazers, complete with puff sleeves, fitted bodice and looped button closures; and sexy, form-fitting tanks trimmed with lace. Pair either with denim trousers, wool gauchos or a jersey skirt and boots for an easy, any-day look.
Not ready for the full-on velvet leap? Try accenting with velvet instead. Toss an oversized, embroidered velvet hobo bag over your shoulder. Or slide your feet into a pair of velvet ballerina flats or a pair of velvet peep-toe pumps - Marc Jacobs has added both styles to his most recent collection.
But if you're just looking to dabble in the soft stuff, try donning a blouse, skirt or pants trimmed with velvet. Choose a sheer, chiffon blouse with velvet around the neckline, placket and cuffs, a knee-length tweed skirt with sewn-on velvet floral appliqués, or a pair of cotton trousers with velvet strips running down the outside seam. |
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