Sure, your staple LBD will always hit the mark, but impending holiday obligations have us singing the praises of a more festive fabric. Whether you are hitting the office happy hour after work or vamping it up big time for a fancy holiday party, do as the celebs do and upgrade your basic black with a velvet texture.
Go for full-on glam with a velvet-wrapped bodycon cocktail dress like Adriana Lima, or take the trend into daytime territory by mixing it with casual elements like Ruth Wilson. No matter what way you style it, the lush fabric will bring a subtle dose of holiday cheer to any ensemble.
Velvet is formal on purpose, so paring it down like Demi Lovato does with a pair of wayfarers and kitten heels makes the look more approachable. When you're dealing with a highly-decorated version like the singer's button-loaded dress, keep accessorizing to a minimum.
When you pair a bodycon dress with a cool moto jacket like Candice Swanepoel, it immediately toughens up the look. For an edgy but ladylike appeal, mix traditional elements, like the classic silhouette of the dress and pointed toe pumps, with more grunge-centric details, like round-frame specs, undone hair and the pebbled leather of the jacket.
A jumpsuit on its own can be an intimidating trend, but daring to wear a head-to-toe velvet version like Khloe Kardashian's gives the look a playful flair. Worn alone without accessories, the one-piece ensemble runs the risk of looking basic or too generic. To personalize your overall look, adorn knuckles, wrists and the neckline with gold and silver baubles that add just enough sparkle for the holidays.
When opting for a singular velvet piece such as a mockneck shirt like Ruth Wilson's, don't be afraid to mix up the rest of the outfit with textures to give the look dimension. Less distracting elements like high-waisted, cotton slacks, leather loafers and a chain buckle at the waist keep the look casual and more appropriate for day.
It's hard to go wrong with a black cocktail dress, but Adriana Lima knows that a sweetheart neckline in a dark velvet bumps the look up to femme fatale status. To play up the sultry vibes, paint talons and lips in a seductive red color. Adorn ears with emerald, drop earrings or something else equally as sparkly for a jaw-dropping effect.