The Fashion Memo

Trending Now: Velvet

Sophisticated and sensuous, velvet brought drama, romance and tactility to the fall/winter ’26 runways. Here’s how to wear it now…

Words Colleen RossFashion editor Amelia McCormack
Fashion
Velvet instantly elevates a leisurely daytime or workwear look

Velvet is one of those enduring fabrics that never goes out of style and really comes into its own in the fall. On the runways, every brand from Balenciaga and Alaïa to Ralph Lauren Collection and Khaite indulged in the soft and sensual texture – not just in black, but ocher, emerald-green and navy, too. Tastemakers have also started to lean into the look a little more either via tactile shirts, coats and accessories during the day (see Jennifer Lawrence, who recently stepped out in New York wearing a velvet scarf with a sweater and jeans) or dresses and co-ords come evening. Read on for style tips on how to make the plush fabric work from day to night…

By day

Although often considered an evening fabric, velvet can have a considerable impact on daytime outfits, too. Not only does it instantly elevate casual separates, such as knitwear, but it adds subtle texture and dimension, too. The Row’s feather-trimmed ‘Eunice’ style, for instance, looks ultra-chic paired with denim – and is guaranteed to receive plenty of compliments. Wear it to lunch with Mother’s ‘Dodger Zip Heel’ jeans and Manolo Blahnik’s floral-appliquéd ‘Fortanflat’ flats. Alternatively, if you love denim but want to switch things up from time to time, swap your classic blue jeans for Ossou’s ‘Rider’ pair in dark-brown cotton-velvet. Wear yours with Willy Chavarria’s oversized wool-twill shirt and loafers for a smart, preppy take.

  • THE ROW
    Eunice feather-trimmed velvet jacket
    £4,270.00
    Select a Size
    4
    6 - out of stock
    8 - out of stock
  • MAGDA BUTRYM
    Round-frame acetate sunglasses
    £290.00
  • MOTHER
    Dodger Zip Heel mid-rise wide-leg jeans
    £290.00
    Select a Size
    23 - low stock
    24
    25
    26
    27
    28
    29
    30
    31
    32
  • WILLY CHAVARRIA
    Wool-twill shirt
    £505.00
    Select a Size
    x small - out of stock
    small
    medium
    large - out of stock
    x large - out of stock

After dark

Velvet is to evening what denim is to daytime. But, where denim adds instant insouciance, velvet gives every silhouette a sense of sophistication and allure. First seen on the fall/winter ’26 runway, Alaïa’s cropped blazer will provide a sleek addition to your evening repertoire – the plush velvet texture helps to soften the classic double-breasted shape for more of a feminine feel. Wear it with the matching maxi skirt from the show or tailored pants, completing the look with Saint Laurent’s pointed pumps and Khaite’s ‘Grace’ clutch in contrasting chartreuse hues. Alternatively, for something with a little more drama, reach for Colleen Allen’s exquisitely draped cotton-velvet top in this gorgeous spiced persimmon hue. The dramatic wrap shape works best with sleek, unfussy tailoring, such as Róhe’s ‘Claris’ skirt from our NET SUSTAIN edit, Nikos Koulis’s 18-karat white-gold-and-diamond necklace and heels.

  • COLLEEN ALLEN
    Draped cotton-velvet top
    £865.00
    Select a Size
    0 - out of stock
    2
    4 - out of stock
    6 - out of stock
    8 - out of stock
    10
  • LE SUNDIAL
    Lee tasseled velvet clutch
    £555.00
  • RÓHE
    Claris satin-trimmed wool-blend gabardine midi skirt
    £370.00
    Select a Size
    EU 32 - out of stock
    EU 34 - low stock
    EU 36 - low stock
    EU 38 - low stock
    EU 40 - out of stock
    EU 42 - out of stock
  • ALAÏA
    Double-breasted cotton-velvet blazer
    £3,050.00
    Select a Size
    34
    36
    38
    40
    42
Add sensuous sophistication to eveningwear with a velvety vibe – and a striking pop of color à la Adwoa Aboah

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