The term “velvet” is usually used to mean “soft, delicate.” That's why we say “velvet taste” or “velvet season”. Naturally, the fabric called velvet is distinguished by its softness and beautiful appearance. Its characteristic feature is the ability to shimmer in the light. Therefore, a velvet dress looks extremely impressive. Most often, this fabric is used for sewing elegant clothes, but sometimes velvet is used for making business dresses.
Who does a velvet dress suit?
Velvet is a capricious and peculiar fabric. It has its own characteristics, so you need to choose it carefully, knowing its main characteristics.
- Firstly, the material has fibers, which means it creates additional volume. For curvy girls, such an outfit can be harmful, so plumpness and velvet clothing are incompatible.
- Secondly, a tight velvet dress that fits tightly to the body can show all the figure flaws in a bad light. The material is docile, i.e. it cannot be given the desired shape, so only slender girls without significant flaws and problem areas can afford to wear a tight velvet outfit.
- Thirdly, in the past, only sophisticated ladies from high society, usually middle-aged, could afford velvet dresses. On young girls they may look ridiculous, but older women will suit them: they will emphasize sophistication, stature and wisdom.
Color palette
The most important criterion for a trend is not only the length of the dress and its style, but also the color. Since this season, velvet has sparkled with new trendy colors. The usual classic black, blue and wine are complemented by shimmering pastel shades, sky blue, pink and jewel colors: emerald green, scarlet and violet:
- blue color is multifaceted, this season it is represented by Riverside, the color of the deep sea, intense blue with a slight touch of haze;
- Aurora Red velvet is a combination of scarlet and burgundy shades, warm and sensual, slightly muted, but incredibly sexy;
- Warm Taupe: noble and very unusual deep brown-gray;
- Dusty Cedar: another unusual shade of gray created by nature itself, it is called the color of shark skin; the intense gray in it has a faint, almost imperceptible shade of violet;
- Airy Blue: airy and cool blue; light and fresh, slightly dusty;
- Dusty Cedar: pink-brown, it is called the color of dry cedar;
- Lush Meado: refers to green shades, but, in addition to the main green color, contains muted emerald tones;
- Spicy Mustard: A very pleasing yellowish mustard called "spicy mustard", the color is very fresh and zesty.
The most important criterion for a trend is not only the length of the dress and its style, but also the color
This season, velvet has sparkled with new trendy colors
The usual classic black, blue and wine are complemented by shimmering pastel shades, sky blue, pink and jewel colors: emerald green, scarlet and violet
Advice! A combination of two contrasting colors or a bright bottom and a muted, calm top is becoming relevant in “velvet” fashion. The effect is simply stunning.
Fashionable colors
The color palette of velvet clothing in the new season works exclusively to emphasize the luxury of the chic fabric. These include classic shades, monochrome tones, fashionable colors of the year and shades of precious stones and metals. Emerald and ruby, silver and gold. Learn more about each color of the velvet dress.
Red velvet dress
Luxurious shades of red - ruby and garnet, grenadine and coral - look perfect in dresses made of velvet fabric. Both evening dresses and oversized sports dresses with white or gold stripes and a hood look stylish.
Gray and silver dress
A velvet evening or casual dress in metallic, dark or bleached shades of gray looks great as an everyday option, cocktail or evening wear.
Black velvet dress
The fashionable experiments of famous couturiers with velvet this season are so diverse that even those fashionistas who just last year considered a black velvet dress worthy of keeping in their great-grandmother’s chest, today use it to the fullest in everyday life, combining it with sports shoes.
And black formal evening dresses look perfect as always.
Burgundy
Warmer than moire and lace, not as bright and inviting as a red, burgundy velvet dress is a luxurious option for the images of romantic girls.
Blue
In the new season, the dark blue shade of navy is very popular in women's clothing, a dress made of this tone is no exception, it combines two main trends at once. You can wear a luxurious outfit with shoes in precious shades of metal - silver and gold. Dark blue velvet dresses can also replace the usual black office dress.
Green
A fabulous dress made of velvet in emerald green or a natural shade of olive, or maybe harsh khaki? Which one will you choose to shine day and evening in the new year?
Purple
Shades of purple, plum and eggplant look stunning in velvet evening and cocktail dresses.
Pink
If you want to follow the fashion trend and wear a velvet dress, but at the same time you are embarrassed by some weight and excessive status of the chic material, choose a pink outfit.
In what cases is such an outfit appropriate?
You can’t wear a velvet dress with the first thing you come across to go for a walk. Velvet is always chic, luxury, pathos, so in everyday life you need to be careful with this material. There must be a special occasion for such an elegant women's dress.
REFERENCE! A velvet dress is inappropriate in an office dress code.
An outfit made of soft dense fabric will definitely attract attention, even if it is a laconic black closed dress with long sleeves. It should be worn to an important informal event: a date, a party, a gala evening, a dinner party and an official event (corporate party, presentation, business lunch).
In summer, a velvet dress has its place, but here the question is, rather, not one of appropriateness, but one of convenience. Velvet creates additional warmth because the fabric is very dense and heavy: in summer, clothes made from this material will be hot.
Decorations
A dress made of velvet fabric is a completely self-sufficient element of the wardrobe, so it’s worth giving up the abundance of accessories. Depending on the style and decorative features of the dress, you can choose a thin leather strap to match it. Bulk and ornate women's bags are inappropriate with a velvet dress. Give preference to laconic elegance and complement your velvet dress with a small envelope clutch or purse clutch.
Moderation should also be shown in jewelry. Velvet harmonizes with gold jewelry, pearls, silver and small diamonds. At the same time, it is better not to combine more than two jewelry in one look, so as not to overload it. Jewelry doesn't always have to be subtle and sophisticated.
The combination of velvet and pearls deserves special attention, from which both materials benefit. Pearl jewelry emphasizes the luxury of velvet and gives a woman’s look a special charm and tenderness.
Tips for fat people
By the way, many ladies with curvy figures torment themselves with the question: “Will a velvet dress suit them, won’t it be a little pretentious?” Will not be! The main thing is to choose the right style. For girls of size +, a floor-length dress with a belt at the waist, neckline or a slit in the skirt is perfect. Shoes, of course, should have heels. A neat little handbag or clutch won't hurt. And, of course, sparkling jewelry.
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Length
To the floor
A maxi-length velvet dress is an ideal option for a formal or social event, be it a wedding banquet, a corporate event for a serious company, or any premiere. It doesn’t matter what color it is, as long as it has unique details. A floor-length velvet dress can have the simplest, minimalist cut. In any case, it will give you stature, aristocracy, due to the abundance of magnificent fabric, making any color richer and deeper.
Pictured: Victoria Guerra Pictured: Teresa Palmer
Short and midi length
A short dress made of velvet or midi length is suitable for a party or cocktail, as well as for everyday wear. In the latter case, be prepared to experiment. For example, pairing a midi dress with Birkenstocks or a short velvet dress with rough boots. It is important to use original and fashionable accessories (unusually shaped bags, necklaces or pendants, hats), which will elevate the owner of the image to a fashion pedestal.
Pictured: Olivia Culpo
Pictured: Natalie Morales Pictured: Florence Welch
Which dress should I choose?
When choosing a velvet outfit, it is worth considering a lot of details, because such a luxurious outfit definitely needs an occasion, which means that the model must correspond to the event for which it is intended.
The style of the dress can be different, and this is what should be taken into account first. Elegant long dresses with a flared or full skirt, fishnet style, and narrow maxis are suitable for special occasions: balls, presentations, theme parties.
IMPORTANT! For any occasion, such a dress should correspond to its characteristics. A narrow model suggests a leisurely gait, a glass of champagne in your hand and a gentleman in a formal suit nearby, so at a wedding where you need to participate in competitions and dance, it will look ridiculous. But for a party in the style of “The Great Gatsby,” for example, such a style will be very beneficial to distinguish the girl from other representatives of the fair sex.
A velvet sheath dress is the only acceptable style for appetizing middle-aged ladies. This look would be inappropriate in the office, but at a business buffet it may well be appropriate. In no case should you choose a dress that goes above the knee: it should cover it, otherwise the expensive fabric will turn into cheap, vulgar clothing.
When choosing the shade of an outfit, you should remember: the dress will be stylish and expressive only in deep dark colors. Black, emerald, dark blue, burgundy, and chocolate colors look great. These shades of velvet fabric look rich, expensive, elegant and chic, so bright models are unlikely to be found even in stores.
REFERENCE! A red velvet dress will attract looks from the outside. Only self-confident, brave young ladies can afford this shade, but you should not complement your outfit with accessories. Any jewelry, especially costume jewelry, will instantly cheapen the look and make a woman look like a market trader.
Light shades of velvet dresses can be safely considered bad manners.
The decor and trim of the dress must be modest or absent altogether. Miniature feminine brooches, inserts made of guipure, chiffon and silk, lace, and small stones are acceptable. Velvet will not look harmonious with heavy, dense fabrics, such as tweed and wool.
You should also pay attention to the size of the outfit: it should match your figure. It is better to let the dress be a little loose rather than too tight on the body.
Styles and details
And of the thousands of options for velvet dresses that boutiques, showrooms, and mass-market brands now offer, what is worth paying attention to?
With a slit
Firstly, on a model with a spectacular cut , gracefully and not without eroticism, exposing the leg. This element can be present both on an evening dress and on a casual one, which, by the way, try wearing with sneakers.
In the photo: Angelina Jolie
Pictured: Kristin Scott
In the photo: Caroline Weinberg
Pictured: Elizabeth Debicki
In the photo: Kate Middleton
Asymmetrical
Secondly, take asymmetrical velvet dresses . These are two powerful ongoing trends that will not soon go to the margins of the fashion industry. Therefore, calmly add one-shoulder dresses, with slanting slits and collars to your list of business cards.
Pictured: Emma Watson
With a full skirt or open back
Then there are two more incomparable evening options - a velvet dress with a full skirt in the spirit of Christian Dior of the 1950s and an open back , the erotic appeal of which was first demonstrated back in the 1920s. Such outfits are not easy to find ready-made in typical stores. But you can always order custom tailoring.
In the photo: Fan Bingbing
With lace
Lace details will help make a velvet dress slightly reckless, less heavy, and more feminine . Lace can frame the hem or cover the top of the dress. Where can you go in this outfit?
Wherever you want. Throw on a denim jacket or bomber jacket and go to a noisy party in the company of crazy friends. Insert dangling earrings with sparkling stones into your ears and take out high-heeled sandals from the box. In this look you will look appropriate in the theater or at a gala reception.
Pictured: Julianne Moore
Pictured: Alexa Chung
With sleeves
Velvet sundresses, strapless dresses - it's all quite cute and stylish. But in my subjective opinion, the most advantageous interpretation of a velvet dress in any situation is a model with long narrow sleeves (the length of the dress does not matter). Such dresses can be combined with shoes with or without heels.
Makeup and hairstyle
To avoid looking like the heroine of some thriller, choose light and delicate makeup. Pink, red and beige shades on the lips are suitable, just keep in mind that with red lipstick the image will be bright, and perhaps even flashy. Brown, green or gray shadows look great with an outfit, and black eyeliner will also work well. The main thing is that the image becomes harmonious and does not cause unnecessary associations. Select one thing - eyes or lips. The face should not be too pale; it is better to highlight the cheekbones with blush.
Choose a hairstyle depending on the event. Luxurious curls, voluminous curls and complex styling are suitable for weddings and social events. For a casual or business occasion, opt for a bun or ponytail.
What to wear with a velvet dress?
To make the look complete, you need to responsibly choose additions to the dress. Velvet does not tolerate cheapness, low-quality materials and accessories, pretentiousness and excessive contrasts.
Shoes
A velvet dress, unfortunately or fortunately, is combined with only one type of shoe - classic closed pumps with thick heels or stiletto heels. Ankle boots, boots, sandals and even over the knee boots, styled like velvet, do not go well with this chic outfit.
A prerequisite is closed toe and heel.
Accessories
Large plastic jewelry, bulky bags and tacky little things will instantly turn a chic lady into a tastelessly dressed lady. Velvet is a noble fabric, so only a few types of accessories can be combined with it:
- a plain clutch matched to match the dress or shoes;
- miniature jewelry made of gold, pearls, diamonds;
- thin leather strap without buckle.
REFERENCE! No more than two pieces of jewelry are allowed, and they should be very discreet: a thin chain with a small drop pendant, stud earrings, a thin string of pearls.
Rhinestones, stones and plastic bracelets of impressive size will be inappropriate, so it is better to leave them for another occasion.
Choosing a fashionable and beautiful velvet dress is not difficult, as is creating a stylish, elegant look based on it. The outfit is noble, chic and luxurious, so it does not require any additional accessories or presentation. Moderation is the main characteristic of the image of a girl in a velvet dress.
Pearl
Street style
Velvet is different from velvet, but if you manage to find velvet items in pastel shades, then pearls will become the most noble accompaniment. Nowadays, large pearl jewelry is in fashion: for rings, then in several rows, and for earrings, then long.
SL ring in silver with pearls and cubic zirconia; SL earrings in silver with pearls; SL bracelet made of silver with pearls (order)
A little history
The British call velvet corduroy, and the French call it velor. This fabric has an ancient history, it is one of the oldest materials that are still used today.
Velvet was produced by the ancient Egyptians. In those days and in many subsequent years, this material was available only to the nobility, rich people, and the privileged class. Fortunately, this is no longer the case - and any woman can wear beautiful velvet dresses with pride.
In the old days, this fabric was made in a very labor-intensive way from silk, which greatly increased its final cost. But today velvet is made mainly from cotton or even synthetics. This greatly reduced the price of products and made velvet affordable.
Velvet dress models
Small, tight-fitting velvet dresses have become most common among young, slender girls. They perfectly follow the contours of the figure and look discreet but stylish. In this outfit, any girl will feel like a queen.
Velvet dresses of more interesting styles are more dangerous, since the abundance of details, additions and inserts can make the outfit vulgar. Models with an open back, lace inserts, deep neckline and open shoulders require a very responsible approach to the selection of jewelry and accessories and the harmony of the entire look.
REFERENCE! Interesting styles of velvet dresses can only be worn with expensive, high-quality shoes and expensive jewelry.
Velvet dresses that have a too simple and cheeky silhouette deserve special attention. For example, dresses with flounces, thin straps or a wrap, with an incorrectly composed bow, will look like a robe, while with a beautiful hairstyle, shoes made of natural suede and a fur cape, they will pass for a royal robe.
Such dresses can only be worn by ladies with an ideal figure, an incredible sense of taste and the ability to correctly create successful outfits. Simplifying a dress with cheap beads or everyday make-up is a mistake, which in the case of velvet is unforgivable.
A-line dresses, which in the case of any fabric act as a disguise for imperfections in the hips and waist, will play a cruel joke when made in velvet. On the contrary, they will give the lower body additional volume. This effect will benefit thin people with an inverted triangle figure, but those whose hips already look round and feminine should avoid this style.
Dresses with open shoulders or one of them should be chosen by girls who are confident in the elegance, sophistication and attractiveness of this part of the body. No matter how rude it may sound, full arms, tattoos, moles and acne on the shoulders and collarbones are simply unacceptable.
Strapless bandeau dresses are a great option for a social event with aperitifs, oysters, jazz music and ballroom dancing. If the party reaches this level, you can choose this outfit and become the queen of the evening.
A closed, fitted dress of medium length is a good option for a corporate event. It, despite the simplicity of cut and color scheme, always looks better than many cocktail and elegant dresses with stones, furs and lace. Pumps, professional makeup and careless curls will allow the lady to attract the attention of the entire male half of the invited guests to herself.
For a New Year's party, corporate event or romantic date, you can choose a mid-length dress with a peplum. It, like other velvet dresses, suits slender girls with a thin waist and beautiful legs.
IMPORTANT! In order to look luxurious in a velvet dress, you need to take care not only of the harmony of the image, but also of your gait, posture, smile and confidence in every gesture.
Finally, exciting maxi with a deep slit, transparent inserts, in the “fish” version - models for self-confident and self-worth ladies with a slim figure and tall stature. They are suitable for girls and women of all ages, but you either fall in love with such an outfit at first sight, or it is immediately not yours.
Office velvet
The “Velvet” revolution even penetrated reputable institutions. Despite the fact that models for the office look quite restrained, there can be no talk of any boredom or monotony here.
The “Velvet” revolution even made its way into reputable institutions
Naturally, office models should be closed. But no one is suggesting you turn into a nun?
A big mistake would be choosing shoes of a similar texture.
Naturally, office models should be closed. But no one is suggesting you turn into a nun? Black, dark gray shark, smoky blue or mustard colors can be diversified with neat ruffles, frills and small prints. Complete the look with a practical and neat handbag, a cropped jacket and elegant shoes.
It is better to combine velvet with matte leather shoes
Advice! A big mistake would be choosing shoes of a similar texture. It is better to combine velvet with matte leather shoes. They can have the same, but more subdued shade or be contrasting. For an evening out, you can choose shoes made of golden or silver leather.
What can I do to prevent my dress from sticking to my tights?
Knitted dresses and skirts especially often stick to tights, negating the entire effect of a beautiful outfit. To resolve this issue, use one of the following recommendations:
- Before putting on tights, lubricate your legs with a moisturizer, which will significantly reduce friction. The main thing is not to overdo it, otherwise greasy marks will appear on the dress.
- Also, fabrics will be less electrified if you treat your feet with baby powder or scented talcum powder for the skin.
- The easiest and fastest way is to wet your hands a little with water and run them along the inside surface of the clothing. The main disadvantage of this method is its fragility. After the moisture evaporates, things will begin to become electrified again.
- Adding table salt to the water (1 tsp per 250 ml) will help prolong the effect of the previous recipe.
- For greater convenience, water or saline solution is poured into a spray bottle and sprayed onto the fabric.
- Some girls successfully replace the aerosol antistatic agent with hairspray. But such a product must first be applied to a small, inconspicuous area of tissue to see how it reacts to a foreign substance.
- In addition, hand sanitizer in the form of a spray or antibacterial wet wipes can come to the rescue. Since they contain alcohols, they will temporarily reduce the sticking of synthetics.
- You can also use a dry bar of soap. They need to treat the inner surface of the hem or tights. Just test it first: run a piece of soap over an inconspicuous area of the outfit. Some chemicals contained in soaps can discolor the fabric and form whitish spots on it.
- It is also acceptable to run your hands soaked in fabric softener over the clothes. You just need to wet them just a little, otherwise the product will leave stains on the fabric. Please read the instructions for the product first. They indicate the types of fabrics for which it is intended. It is permissible to replace the laundry detergent with a hair conditioner. The rules are the same: caution and moderation.
- The previous recipe can be improved. To do this, dissolve a couple of spoons of conditioner in a glass of water, pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray it on your clothes.
- Another simple way is to wipe the fabric with an antistatic cloth, which collects all the electrical charge.
- If you combine synthetic items with natural materials, they will be much less electrified. For example, stockings with a cotton lace corset are a good alternative to tights.
Video: how to replace antistatic agent?
Many tips can be used even “in the field” if you are already visiting, at work, in a restaurant, etc. But it is much more effective to take care of processing your outfit in advance, even at the washing stage.
Features of working with velvet
It is not recommended to store the cuts folded to prevent creases from forming. It is better to use hangers with clothespins.
When working with velvet, you should use only proven patterns. If you are in doubt about the cut, it is advisable to cut the product from waste fabric and baste it. Try it on and make adjustments. And only then start cutting the velvet. The fact is that you cannot redo the seam on this material; traces of the previous stitch will always remain.
As with all other pile fabrics on velvet, you need to take into account the direction of the pile. The color of the fabric along and against the pile is rich in saturation.
After cutting, it is advisable to immediately process the cuts with an overlocker, since the fabric frays very much.
To prevent the fibers from getting wrinkled when ironing, you need to pass the iron along the wrong side, and place a terry towel under the front side. This fabric should only be ironed with steam at low temperature.
If, after all, the lint “lays down”, you can try to correct the situation by holding the cloth over a boiling kettle and then combing the lint with a toothbrush.
You need to work with velvet with thin needles and thin threads.
When performing machine stitching, in order to avoid displacement of the layers of fabric, it is advisable to make basting stitches on both sides of the stitching. After completing the stitching, the basting is immediately removed so as not to crush the fibers.
Why is it necessary to have an antistatic agent?
An antistatic agent is a liquid under pressure in an aerosol can. It prevents electrification of the fabric and thus fights sticking. Most antistatic agents contain ethanol, glycerin, propane, butane and fragrances. All products of this type are divided into 2 large groups: alcohol and water. Alcohol-based antistatic agents usually last longer but are more likely to cause respiratory irritation. Water-based products are safer for health, but sometimes you have to treat clothes with them even several times a day.
It is enough to spray an antistatic aerosol on the desired area, and the clothes will take on a normal appearance and will flow freely in waves. It all sounds very simple, but there are a few nuances to consider:
- Shake the can thoroughly before use to mix the liquid.
- You need to keep the cylinder no closer than 20 cm from your clothes, strictly vertically.
- Do not spray the product too liberally - this will cause unsightly white spots to form on the fabric after it dries.
- Spray the liquid only on the hem itself, and not on the tights, otherwise they will still stick.
- Use the aerosol only in a room that can be ventilated. Antistatic particles strongly irritate the bronchi and often provoke an allergic reaction.
This tool is convenient to use. If necessary, a small cylinder can be placed in your purse and used on the spot.
