7 lush looks to inspire you to wear velvet this season

Velvet evokes luxury, from its plush feel and rich tones to the fact that it was once largely reserved for Tudor royalty. So while it's cosy enough for cold weather, it still feels special occasion-fancy. No wonder velvet is a winter-style staple, reworked each season by designers with a fresh eye. The past few years have seen the fabric used in everything from outerwear to accessories, in bright jewel tones and dramatic black alike. If there are velvet pieces in your closet, read on for holiday-dressing inspiration straight from the runway. 'Tis the season for sumptuous style.

With velvet being so versatile, you can give your everyday coat a break with a more formal jacket. This quilted violet showstopper from Elie Saab has some of the military-inspired details of a trench coat — belted cuffs, double-breasted buttons — in a surprising cropped length. Tom Ford dreamed up a jewel-toned velvet hoodie for his fall collection — a casual staple elevated by its material. You might not have an exact match for these designer picks, but if you have a boldly coloured topper, this is your cue to let it shine.

A range of textured velvet appeared on the runway, from the quilted coat above to burnout designs, ruching and more. This turquoise suit by Marco de Vincenzo at Etro echoes the crushed-velvet trend of the 1990s. And the flared leg and loose jacket create movement and a more voluminous silhouette, while the ribbing gives the ensemble a glam sheen. Call it rock 'n' roll loungewear — it's matching separates as a power move.

At the fall/winter shows, designers showed velvet accessories, from bags (Isabel Marant, Saint Laurent) to boots, like these golden beauties by Roberto Cavalli. Now, over-the-knee velvet boots may seem high drama, and they are, but take inspiration from two things: the material and the colour. Pair a velvet boot in a bright, bold shade with jeans, cropped pants, maxi skirts, or even formal dresses, for a flash of colour and style that will stand out.

Dark velvet can channel goth glam, Old Hollywood and everything in between. It never goes out of style, but it's having a moment, from Wednesday Addams chic to the all-black looks seen at Christian Siriano, Chanel, Armani Privé and more. So if you already own a LBD in black velvet, it will feel new again. This pearl-trimmed haute couture gown by Alexis Mabille would be slinky and elegant in any decade — and serves as a reminder that pearls are the perfect accessory to black velvet.

Sturdier velvet can handle intricate sewing like the incredible work seen at Tom Ford. Search vintage stores for velvet gilded with metallic thread, bright, contrasting colours and moody florals. Or consider having pieces enhanced by a pro. Think trousers embellished with crystals, a smocked bodice or a bejewelled bomber jacket — the options for velvet party wear are endless.

You might think a velvet handbag is only for an evening out, but why not break it out for all of your holiday needs? This graphic tote from Isabel Marant is large enough for daytime use. Chanel recently released a line of handbags in velvet, including a tiny coin-purse clutch and their iconic flap bag. Whether dainty or oversized, donning any velvet handbag is in vogue right now.

Two top trends in one — pleated pants and the pussy bow — get the plush treatment here. This Emporio Armani ensemble is from a few seasons past, but still looks fresh today. Pleated pants in a looser silhouette are popular after years of slim, tapered styles. And the pussy-bow blouse in velvet, a fun twist on workwear, is positively festive.

Alicia Cox Thomson is a lifestyle journalist who has written about design, books, pop culture, style and diversity for Chatelaine, Maclean's, Best Health and more.

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