Like shearling, over-knee boots and burgundy anything, velvet outside winter is a strangely uncomfortable style phenomenon. To don it in warm weather would just feel plain hot (as in mercury hot, not Gigi fire), right? Actually, with a little thanks to the likes of Saint Laurent, Gucci and Stella McCartney this season, we beg to differ. 

Velvet fabric was without doubt a key trend on the Autumn/Winter 2016 runways, which is all well and good for folks living in Europe and North America, but what about those of us living in sunnier climes right now? 

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Image: credit Annabelle Fleur for The Viva Luxury blog

The answer (as with so many of life’s style dilemmas) comes in the form of accessories  and thankfully, trans-seasonal velvet handbags, clutches and shoes are in plentiful supply this season. Lanvin, Prada, Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent and Dolce & Gabbana all sent velvet bags in an array of rich, opulent hues down their AW16 runways. Jimmy Choo, Stella McCartney, The Row and Charlotte Olympia all have luxe velvet clutches in their arsenals at present.

See by Chloe has several bucket bag options right now and Miuccia Prada has even blended two of the biggest accessory trends in the form of a quirky mini burgundy velvet backpack that hangs as a shoulder bag. All of the above are less practical than leather perhaps and generally not water or sand-proof, but far more of a statement both day and night throughout summer. Alessando Michele would be impressed.

SHOP 10 of the best velvet bags right now

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Saint Laurent, Classic Medium Kate Monogram Embellished Velvet Shoulder Bag, $2556. SHOP NOW

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Gucci, GG Marmont Chevron Velvet Cross Body Bag, $1870. SHOP NOW
 

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Miu Miu, Mattelasse Velvet Shoulder Bag, $690.  SHOP NOW

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Stella McCartney, Falabella Leopard Print Shoulder Bag, $979. SHOP NOW
 

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Free People, Night Fever Velvet Backpack in Wine, $88. SHOP NOW

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Charlotte Olympia, Feline Purse Velvet Shoulder Bag, $1206. SHOP NOW

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Bottega Veneta, Olimpia Watersnake-Trimmed Quilted Velvet Shoulder Bag, $2385. SHOP NOW

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Miu Miu, Check Velvet Leather Shoulder Bag, $3190.  SHOP NOW 

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Free People, Luella Beaded Crossbody Bag, $88.40.  SHOP NOW

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See by Chloe, Velvet Vicki Mini Bucket Bag, $428. SHOP NOW

Cover image: credit Annabelle Fleur for The Viva Luxury blog