News feed
Velvet’s been slowly infiltrating our wardrobes for the past few season following its return to runway and red carpet glory. Initially, it was in the easily-wearable guise of handbags, then as equally flattering coloured ankle boots – the brighter the better.
Credit: Annabelle Fleur for The Viva Luxury blog
Next came the dresses – a little trickier to wear for mere mortals off the runway, but still doable. In fact, the gold ruched velvet gown worn by Alanna Arrington on Thornton Bregazzi’s Preen runway, was one of the most talked-about directional pieces from the Autumn/Winter 2016 shows.
See the full Preen by Thornton Bregazzi AW16 runway show here.
Preen by Thornton Bregazzi AW16 (London Fashion Week)
Credit: NOWFASHION
But a coloured velvet two-piece cropped suit? Surely only a supermodel could carry that one off without looking ridiculous, right? Well, surprisingly – no.
When Diane Kruger stepped out in rich dark green velvet suit by FRAME to watch acclaimed Broadway musical Hamilton on April 1, it was with far from foolish fashion intentions, and now we’re dreaming of tailored velvet pieces to carry us through the cooler months. Investing now will be the wisest style decision you’ve made so far all year.
Diane Kruger in New York
Credit: Getty Images
4 rules for wearing tailored velvet
1. Coloured is best At one end of the spectrum is dark green, burgundy and aubergine. At the other are the bright blues, pinks and even gold. As with the velvet bag and shoe trends, this trend works best with colour.
Lanvin, Velvet Blazer Jacket in Aubergine, $965. SHOP NOW
2. FIT it right A tailored tux cut that’s fitted without being stretched tight is key. Baggy pants and/or square jackets scream ‘old sofa threds’, not ‘young street creds’. Think cigarette pants and a nipped in waist.
BARBARA BUI, VELVET BLAZER IN CORNFLOWER BLUE, $1032. SHOP NOW
3. Keep Things simple Classic black or navy are ideal for more subdued occasions or even the workplace. Just jazz up with jeans or the matching velvet top or bottom out of hours. Rely on hardware like stamped buttons or a strong collar to add some jazz.
Witchery, Db Velvet blazer in black, $300. SHOP NOW or IN STORE at Westfield Burwood
Witchery, Velvet pants in black, $180. SHOP NOW or IN STORE at Westfield Burwood
3. Crop your pant Velvet is a heavy-looking velvet at the best of times. The best way to balance is with pops of bare skin: a deep V neck, a rolled up sleeve, a flash of ankle, or ideally all three at once. Cropped pants are a universally flattering length and guarantee statement shoes get the attention they deserve.
SHOP KRUGER’S LOOK: Frame, Velvet Mod Blazer in Navy, $760. SHOP NOW
SHOP KRUGER’S LOOK: Frame, Velvet Pant in Navy, $495. SHOP NOW
