The key to feeling fancy while staying warm this winter? Velvet. At once elegant, comfy and cold-weather-friendly, velvet is the perfect fabric for looking glamorous all season long. And with the holiday party invites rolling in, it’s the perfect time to add some luxurious velvet items to your shopping cart.
To get you started, we talked to professional stylists about the velvet pieces you need in your closet right now. Whether you’re looking to class up a sweater with some soft velvet pants or go all-out in a velvet jumpsuit, shop their picks below to glam up your winter wardrobe.
Velvet dresses
Free People Shayla Velvet Minidress
$128 $69.97 at Nordstrom
“I love the versatility of this minidress,” says stylist and fashion influencer Travia Earl, who notes that you can wear it both as a festive dress and “unbuttoned as a layering piece.” Its soft velvet fabric comes in mood-lifting yellow or terracotta hues and features ruching around the center seam.
Closet London Plus Tie-Waist Velvet Mini Dress
$95 $66.50 at ASOS
“This is a gorgeous shade of emerald,” says stylist Liz Rundbaken. And with its high neck, nipped waist and short sleeves, the dress is flirty while still feeling modest enough for an office holiday party.
The Akilah Nap Dress
$200 $100 at Hill House
Hill House’s nap dresses went viral over the past year for good reason: They’re extra forgiving, and comfy enough to, well, nap in. For the colder months, they’ve released the popular Ellie style in deep emerald green and rich burgundy velvets.
Wild Fable Long-Sleeve Ruched Velvet Bodycon Dress
$30 $25.50 at Target
Earl calls this dress “trendy and fashion-forward” and deems the floral-print pattern perfect “to spice up your wardrobe.” It also comes all black, red, pink or orange, and reviewers praise its curve-friendly fit.
A.L.C. Katherine Cutout Velvet Turtleneck Maxi Dress
$695 $417 at Nordstrom
“There are just so many special details about this dress: the navy color, the high neck, the asymmetric hem, the cutout at the waist,” says Rundbaken. “All this adds up to a super-sexy winter dress.”
Bardot Milania Twist-Back Dress
$119 $44.19 at Lord & Taylor
For a similar vibe without the price tag, check out this navy long-sleeved dress by Bardot. Long sleeves and modest scoop neck are winter-appropriate, while a high slit and open back keep the dress from feeling stuffy.
Lulus Jacinda Velvet Wrap Maxi Dress
$99 at Lulus
If you prefer your velvet a little less form-fitting, check out this popular maxi wrap dress from Lulus. Deep blue or purple midweight velvet, an adjustable waist tie and a deep-V neckline make for a dress that’s as comfortable as it is romantic.
Velvet pants
Gap Recycled High-Rise Velvet Wide-Leg Pants
$79.95 $59.95 at Gap
It’s “all about the high-rise wide pant this season,” says Earl, who calls these Gap pants “the perfect office staple for the winter.” Rundbaken agrees, noting that “these loose, high-waisted pants are super flattering and equally comfy.” She also likes the fact that they’re made from 80% recycled polyester. The pants come in four colors (black, navy, tan and eggplant) and regular, petite and tall sizing.
Halogen Velvet Kick Flare Pants
$79 $52.93 at Nordstrom
These velvet flare pants make for a surprisingly versatile closet addition because they’re easier to dress up or down. You can pair them with a simple cami or turtleneck sweater and then layer with a blazer or dress down with a clean t-shirt for a pulled together, casual look.
BP Stretch Velvet Flare Pants
$40 $24.99 at Nordstrom
With their high waist, subtle flair and crushed velvet look, Okuns says that these BP pants will become one of “the most versatile pieces” in your cold-weather wardrobe. And while undoubtedly glamorous, their soft, stretchy fabric makes them perfectly suited to cozy nights in as well.
Spanx Velvet Leggings
$98 at Spanx
While winter and leggings don’t usually go together, Rundbaken calls this warm velvet pair “such a great staple for all kinds of cool weather.” And given that these are Spanx, the leggings also have shapewear properties for a smooth fit.
Free People Walk With You Velvet Trousers
$148 $99.95 at Free People
You can still get your velvet fit even if you prefer the look of more tailored pants. These Free People trousers are mid rise with a classic cut and design so you can easily work them into your work wear or night out wardrobe.
Karen Kan Wide Leg Velvet Pants
$118 $70.80 at Norstrom
These wide legs pants are basically like wearing pajamas in public. You won’t even realize you still have them on hours after you’ve clocked out for the day.
Velvet Seperates
Sophisticated Glam Black Velvet Rhinestone Blazer
$68 at Lulu’s
Black is always in fashion, but a few rhinestones never hurt anyone either. This pick from Lulu’s combines luxurious velvet and subtle glam jewels to give you a look that is simply chic.
Velvet Ashby Blazer
$198 $129.95 at Free People
Available in three stunning jewel tones, this oversized Free People blazer gives a vintage edge to your look with a classic cut and a pop of velvet texture.
Wild Fable Women’s High-Rise Velvet Flare Pants & Cinched Front Velvet Tiny Tank Top
$20 $17 at Target & $15 $12.75 at Target
This Target duo also got nods from both stylists. Rundbaken calls the set “super fun” and especially loves the pants’ flared silhouette and glossy ribbed finish. Earl notes that the outfit “is perfect for your holiday party with friends.” Both items come in jewel-toned purple, blue or classic black and are offered in both regular and plus sizing.
Women Velvet Bronze Blazer + Flare Trousers Suit
$139.61 at Etsy
A matching suit set is perfect for looking pulled together with minimal thought. Great for special occasions, events and those days when you just want to feel like an old school icon, this velvet suit set comes in brown, green, and purple so you can find the one that works best with your personal style.
Velvet jumpsuits
Fraiche by J. Velvet Tie-Waist Jumpsuit
$99 at Nordstrom
“Jumpsuits are the new pants suits!” Earl says, calling this lux-looking velvet jumpsuit “chic yet sophisticated.” In addition to this pretty, holiday-perfect berry color, it also comes in light gray and deep navy blue.
Fraiche by J. Velvet Ruffle Tie-Waist Romper
$99 at Nordstrom
Fraiche by J. also makes a velvet tie-waist romper that’s super similar in style to the jumpsuit above. Pair it with black tights and heels for a fun and flirty New Year’s Eve look.
Free People Eva Velvet Overalls
$168 $68.95 at Free People
Velvet and pockets: a perfect comfy pairing. These overalls come in red, if you’re looking for more of a statement piece, and black, if you want something to hang out in more regularly.
Boden Halterneck Velvet Jumpsuit
$160 $96 at Boden
Boden’s party-ready jumpsuit is another great option for celebrating the holidays in comfort and style. The soft fabric, which comes in either black or deep plum, features just the right amount of stretch and the jumpsuit comes in petite, regular and tall sizing.