After what felt like an endless summer, the autumn and winter fashion season is well underway. Velvet comes in and out of fashion each winter, but this year it is getting serious.

There are many reasons why you should be loving this classic winter fabric - it can be dressed up, styled down, looks great on accessories and is also perfect for the festive season.

Adding a splash of velvet to your look can instantly transform it and make it feel so much more romantic and glamorous without being too over the top.

For a more casual look, pair the velvet element with trainers, chunky, glamorous jewellery and statement bags.

The material is super cosy and warm, which is perfect for winter.

There are so many ways to style and shop velvet this season, from chic velvet sets to long robes.

Here are some simple ways you can wear the velvet trend this winter.

Rich Colours


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Velvet fashion is perhaps the most elegant and sophisticated when in rich jewel tones, but that isn’t to say that you shouldn’t find some lighter tones which are chic as well!

If you are ever in doubt when it comes to wearing velvet, stick to the deeper and darker shades. They are going to be your safest option if you don’t want to get it wrong.

Black velvet is a classic go-to, but don’t be afraid to play with the jewel tone department - think emerald greens, deep blues and bold reds.

Seek The Smooth Velvet


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It’s very easy to find pieces made from crushed velvet, but you should always be wary. It is easy for even the most expensive designs to look cheap if the velvet is crinkled and ruffled, so look for smooth velvet which speaks to you and your styles.

It is easy to differentiate when you are looking at different velvet designs as the right fabric will feel and look great. By pairing together the right jewel shades with smooth velvet pieces, you will create the perfect basis to start your search.

If you don’t want to add a velvet piece to the main bulk of your wardrobe, take a look at investing in some velvet shoes. They’re sure to add a splash of style to whatever you are wearing.

Add It To Your Professional Wardrobe

Suits or blazers made from plush fabric may sound a little strange, but it can make for a great look. If you opt for a velvet blazer paired with a silk top, then you’ll have two extremely luscious fabrics next to one another, giving a rich and luxurious style.

Velvet fashion is also wearable as other pieces of outerwear. Coats are a great piece to invest in if you don’t want to wear velvet throughout the day and it is one of the most luxurious and striking iterations of velvet you can add to your wardrobe. It’s easy to style, as you can wear it over pretty much any style of outfit without having to worry about it overpowering anything.

Wearing A Velvet Dress

You may find that a velvet dress is one thing you are missing from your wardrobe, especially during the winter.

Velvet dresses are seen at their most feminine when styled on the runway, as they can show just how versatile the fabric can be.

You can go playful and short with dresses which contain velvet ruffles or you can even go more luxurious with velvet making up the body of the dress. Either way, velvet adds so much to even the most standard of dresses which come in similar styles or designs.

If you do wear a velvet dress, let that be the main star of your look. You don’t need to worry too much about accessorising a velvet dress as the fabric speaks for itself. Simply add a pair of complementary shoes, a simple bag and maybe a piece of jewellery and you’re ready to go no matter the time of year.

Accessorise


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Whilst velvet chokers have been in style for a while now, this winter is the perfect time to add to your velvet accessory collection. Velvet scarfs look amazing with even the simplest of outfits, especially if you are looking for ways to stay warm and stylish this winter.

One of the best velvet accessories you will be able to find is a handbag. A lot of the top designers and fashion houses have recently focused a lot of work on velvet handbag designs and styles, so you’re sure to find your dream bag in no time if you have a browse around.

If you don’t want to go that bold, why not start off your velvet collection in the comfort of your own home? There are plenty of women's sleepwear sets that come with velvet styles, so you can see if you like the style and feel of the material before you invest in something a little more daring.

Plus, they’re warm to get cosy in over the winter!

It’s extremely easy to add velvet into your everyday looks, and you’ll find just how well even just a splash of velvet can completely transform your outfit from day to night.

Velvet is a winter trend which everyone should get behind.

Written by Natalie Wilson

Clothes designers can’t always be strong in every area of clothing that they design and right now, the area to shop, with the strongest fashion impact is in the accessories department.

At the moment, more is definitely more and that means that our wardrobes are in for a huge transformation with the purchase of just a few items.

If you want a fast-track to an updated wardrobe for winter, then check out some accessories with the highest impact that you can add to your collection.

Sculptural Earrings

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Big earrings are the new avocado on toast - big, fun earrings don’t need to cost a fortune.

It can be easy to get carried away with the size and colours, so try and choose something that you know you will be pleased to still see and use in a year or so.

Whilst small and dainty earrings had their time in 2017, 2018 has seen accessories go back to bold. 2019 is set to see earrings become much more minimalist and modern - think geometric and sculptural shapes in gold and silver.

Whether you pair with a black roll neck or a high-power work suit, a pair of earrings is sure to add to any outfit.

Diamanté Shoes

If you can’t help but enjoy something with a little bit of sparkle, then your wardrobe is sure to benefit from a dazzling pair of diamante shoes.

Crystals, gemstones and diamanté can all be found studded onto some of this seasons biggest shoe trends, from stiletto heels to encrusted diamanté thigh high boots. There’s no shortage of shoes that have been transformed with a few jewels.

A great way to add some style to a basic jeans and jumper combo, you need a pair of sparkly shoes in your wardrobe this winter.

Unusual Handbag


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Whilst a classic black tote is ideal for work, you don’t want to just have one style of handbag as you go from the weekdays to weekends or days to evenings.

Bag designers are currently having a lot of fun, from unusual fabrics, such as velvet and suede, to fun details like chain handles and sequins, there is no bag which is too 'out there'.

If you are having trouble finding a bag that is both weird and wonderful (and within your price range) then have a browse through your local charity or vintage stores - they’re sure to have plenty of budget-friendly options for you to choose from.

'Extra' Makeup


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Thanks to festivals and the resurgence of 80's and 90's fashion, makeup has had a complete transformation over the past few years. Trends were once simple and elegant, but now more is better.

Glitter makeup features heavily in most makeup looks, whether it’s across your eyelids, in your brows or used as a highlighter. Neon and gold are also really popular, with contrasting colours spread across your eyelids, cheekbones and lips.

'Snake' Into The New Year

Snake print is one of those things that doesn’t look different when expensive or affordable. When the pattern is in a neutral shade, you’re sure to find a pair of boots or a shirt which will last way beyond the initial trend.

If you’re looking for a pair of snakeskin print boots, then a 90's heels and toe shape is the perfect style and possibly the most sophisticated item of clothing you’ll find on the high street this winter.

Written By: Natalie Wilson