How to Wear Velvet (Without Looking Over the Top)

I love the luxe texture and look of velvet, I do. But it just seems so fussy when you put it on, ya know? I have this gorge navy Ralph Lauren velvet blazer that I’m obsessed with and these black velvet Theory pants, and I never wear either, because every time I put them on, I feel overdressed. But the plush fabric always comes back in for fall and especially around the holidays, so now’s the time to wear it. (I mean, otherwise, I should just Poshmark them, because I’m sick of taking them out of summer storage every year, thinking how much I love them, and then never wearing them. Ever do that? Sigh.)

To dress velvet down and make it work for every day, here are some of my favorite ways to wear velvet. The trick to wearing velvet in a more modern way is to pair it with unexpected pieces like snakeskin loafers, a button down shirt, or even jeans.. Here are a bunch of ideas for how to wear velvet right now.