Lady LUX

Lush and alluring, velvet is a stylish option to luxe up your wardrobe for the holiday season. The lavish material takes apparel and footwear to a level of instant glam, but can also be dressed down for mellow days. Seen repeatedly on the Fall 2011 runways, the trend surprisingly has continued into Spring 2012. Incorporate some sumptuous pieces into your wardrobe for the new season, and when warmer times approach, use these fresh styling techniques to really make velvet versatile!

A pair of bootcut velvet pants is a fun way to spice up an outfit. Elie Tahari’s country-apple pair features a deep bordeaux shade that will turn heads. On the runway, it was styled with a matching leather trench with a fur collar. But if you find that too extreme, try a black motorcycle jacket instead. And to show off the pants’ flattering cut, pair with pointy-toe pumps.

With a slight hippie vibe, Free People’s flares have a burnout-textured pattern that is completely crush-worthy. Flowing, wide-leg flare pants were a favorite on the runway, as seen by Haider Ackerman, and go well with belted, draped jackets. For a casual look, combine with a cozy grandpa cardigan or a fitted, cropped sweater.

LadyLUX via Shopbop.com and Style.com

Hugging the body in all the right spots, T by Alexander Wang’s floor-length velvet skirt is a knockout for holiday parties. To balance the fitted skirt, combine with a draped top or jacket. And to lengthen and exaggerate the look, add sky-high heels.

We love velvet and we love leopard, so combining the two is pure genius. Marc by Marc Jacobs’ leopard-print, knee-length skirt is perfect for fancy celebrations. As leopard is the new neutral, the skirt can be styled with neutrals tops in black or brown, or punched up with festive red or purple. Pair with oxford booties for a preppy look or platform sandals to unleash your inner feline.

The luxe material doesn’t always have to have an allover effect to be fabulous. Rachel Roy’s draped skirt features a wide velvet trim for a nice textural contrast. Create the ultimate festive look by pairing the knee-length A-line skirt with a silver or gold top.

If being the center of attention is your goal, T by Alexander Wang’s spaghetti-strapped maxidress is the answer. The column silhouette is enhanced by the glorious sheen of panne velvet. Ditch the jacket for this number and accessorize with a collar necklace and structured box clutch.

LadyLUX via Shopbop.com and Style.com

Pointy-toe boots with a Western influence are already cool, but add velvet to the mix, and it’s one killer shoe. Jenni Kayne’s bootie features an intense teal shade that can rival any black bootie. The elastic gore inset makes stepping into these numbers a cinch. For a holiday-ready look, pair with gray drainpipe pants and a red top to really accent the peacock teal color.

Perfectly on trend with a block heel and T-strap, Thakoon’s knotted velvet sandals are the party shoe of the holiday season. Their solid, comfortable heels will have you dancing all night. With contrasting broad and thin straps, the shoe easily pairs with fitted or wide-leg pants, a pleated or pencil skirt, and short or maxidresses. Wear this sandal all season long and if it gets chilly, warm yourself up with chic ankle socks.

This article was contributed Annette Tang of the Versastyle. You can follow Annette and her fashion adventures on Twitter at @theversastyle.

Tagged in: trends, guides, marc by marc jacobs, thakoon, rachel roy, elie tahari, t by alexander wang, free people, velvet, jenni kayne, haider ackerman,

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