(See what we did there? Like the love child of ‘Got milk’ and ‘You’ve been tangoed’)
Laura Reynolds looks at the hype surrounding the collaboration.
Just a week to go until the man in red arrives...
Velvet should be a wardrobe staple for any woman to fling out when the bitter winter weather sets in. The material possesses a luxurious and regal quality- an instant mood transformer. Its richness and wintery feel also makes it an ideal fabric to awaken your Christmas spirit. However, do not feel tempted to wear head-to-toe red velvet (unless for sheer comedy value), as you may look like you’ve received an invitation to join Santa on his annual tour.
Every other winter season velvet makes a comeback on the catwalk; thus prompting a multitude of high street shops to scatter their stores with various velvet wonders. Velvet tends to appear on the catwalk and high street in expensive jewel tone colours such as emerald, topaz, ruby and deep purple. This season is no different with a plethora of velvet tones to choose from including plum and deep brown shades. Choose rich colours over black this season as black velvet can look harsh on the pale skinned and fair haired, while at the same time can look too 80s and depressing on the dark haired. Instead choose in advance a couple of shades you like which also complement your hair/skin tones. Then the fun part… picking velvet pieces to flaunt yourself in!
Velvet is far from being the most wearable material but luckily for us the designs and cuts of dresses available this season are ultra modern and flattering. Velvet dresses this season are body-con and fitted not draping. Curtain chic is a no-no. On the High Street there are plenty of short and fitted little black dresses in velvet with extra detailing such as lace or embroidery which gives velvet a modern twist. Head to Topshop for the best range of sophisticated velvet dresses for under £50, such as a velvet and lace tunic in sultry black. [1] This dress has long sleeves so is great for this time of year when you want to wear a party dress but still keep wrapped up warm!
Or [2] Check out another velvet black dress with embellishment and a scoop back. With added details, such as lace and embellishment, these dresses certainly say Christmas party 2009, rather than 1989.
Similarly Zara have a chocolate crushed velvet halter-neck dress with embroidery and silk around the neck and hem line. This is more expensive than the Topshop dresses but it is incredibly elegant and unusual. Look out for other velvet dresses with details such as brocade which, similar to lace, can add extra depth and texture to your look and also keeps your outfit contemporary.
On the catwalk, models at Fendi were seen in slightly more slouchy velvet dresses in shades such as ruby but with thin waist-clinching belts to break up the flow of fabric. Velvet can make you look bigger so do like Fendi and use belts to emphasise waists. Remember- colour, shape and accessories are important.
Accessories
If you love velvet and but don’t feel like you want to adorn yourself in it completely then opt for a decadent clutch or bag. Asos are selling a coloured velvet studded ball Clasp Purse for under £20 in one of this season’s ‘it’ colours- purple. This clutch will look great with a winter party dress in another fabric such as brocade, silk or lace. Do not be afraid to mix fabrics, it should create a really decadent and lavish look. I also have a purple velvet bag with a gold chain I bought years ago from Tesco! Every winter I retrieve it from the dark depths of my bag cupboard and this year will be no different.
Bold, brave body suit
Alternatively try a velvet body suit (similar to a swimming costume but with long sleeves)! Topshop have these in a variety of jewel colours. Granted they are not the easiest item of clothing to wear, especially if you really need the loo, but because the suit is skin tight it will look incredible accompanied with high-waist jeans and skyscraper heels at night.
Fail-safe leggings
Velvet skin-tight [3] leggings are another option for the brave this winter. Again, hit Topshop for a pair of blue crushed velvet leggings which will look great with a black tunic dress over the top and a gray woolly cardigan. Velvet leggings are so easy to wear especially in darker shades, however probably best worn in the evening as they may look too lavish for the library.
Velvet is the fabric of choice this winter season. Designers have created structured dresses, clutches, and leggings so you can keep enjoying this plush material all through Christmas.
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