How to wear the velvet trend IRL and always look chic

Definitely not OTT

velvet trend
(Image credit: Shutterstock/Rex)

Definitely not OTT

Let's be honest, the velvet trend is not an easy one to pull off. It might look good on the catwalk at TIBI, Altazurra and Jason Wu, but when it comes to executing it in real life, it's an entirely different scenario altogether.

During Fashion Month, more was more, with models layering jewel-coloured velvet suit over embellished sheer blouses, teaming draped velvet gowns with velvet boots... you get the gist. Even on the street, fashion editors like Giovanna Battaglia went next level OTT (in a good way, don't get me wrong) with layer upon layer of velvet in bright colours and bold shapes, right down to the velvet Gucci bag.

But now back to real life. Rocking up to work in a pink co-ord isn't for everyone I get it, though it's a pretty jazzy option for the Christmas party. The key to ease into it, and more importantly not have an entire wardrobe that'll be outdated as soon as the trend is over, is to invest in one or two key pieces that'll blend in with your current wardrobe.

Personally, I'm a big fan of the smoking jacket, in classic black. I wear it with a pair of cropped mum jeans and sock boots at work, and if I want to dress it up a bit, over a silk slip dress with velvet mules. If you're feeling brave, try a colour like deep red or rusty orange, which you can mix in with more neutral shades.

Obviously it's party season, and velvet dresses are literally everywhere at the moment, so you might as well embrace them. Wraparound styles are flattering on almost every shape. Go for a khaki or navy option that'll be a tad chicer than the obvious red.

Then, of course, there's tonnes of gorgeous velvet accessories, starting with the aforementioned Gucci bag, which is a subtle nod to the trend that will really elevate your look. Or, if you're partial to a kitten heel like me, then Zara and M&S have some excellent slipper mule options.

Shop my edit of the best velvet buys below.

velvet trend

Shop now: ROBERTA VELVET JACKET for £162 from Boden

velvet trend

Shop now: GUCCI GG Marmont mini quilted-velvet cross-body bag for £1,080 from MatchesFashion.com

Shop now: Velvet pleated trousers for £59.99 from MANGO

velvet trend

Shop now: PLEATED VELVET COMBINED SKIRT for £29.99 from Zara

velvet trend

Shop now: PRADA Bow-embellished velvet mules for £510 from Net-A-Porter

velvet trend

Shop now: MAJE Velvet midi dress for £189 from Net-A-porter

velvet trend

Shop now: Bonded Velvet Blazer and Suit Trousers for £42 from Topshop

Shop now: BERTONI 1949 BERTONCINA VELVET TOP HANDLE BAG for £883 from LUISAVIAROMA

More importantly, remember to have a bit of fun with the trend, and embrace your inner 70s fan!

Penny Goldstone

Penny Goldstone is the Digital Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, covering everything from catwalk trends to royal fashion and the latest high street and Instagram must-haves.

Penny grew up in France and studied languages and law at the Sorbonne Nouvelle University in Paris before moving to the UK for her MA in multimedia journalism at Bournemouth University. She moved to the UK permanently and has never looked back (though she does go back regularly to stock up on cheese and wine).

Although she's always loved fashion - she used to create scrapbooks of her favourite trends and looks, including Sienna Miller and Kate Moss' boho phase - her first job was at MoneySavingExpert.com, sourcing the best deals for everything from restaurants to designer sales.

However she quit after two years to follow her true passion, fashion journalism, and after many years of internships and freelance stints at magazines including Red, Cosmopolitan, Stylist and Good Housekeeping, landed her dream job as the Digital Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK.

Her favourite part of the job is discovering new brands and meeting designers, and travelling the world to attend events and fashion shows. Seeing her first Chanel runway IRL at Paris Fashion Week was a true pinch-me moment.