Velvet Holiday Outfits: 6 Easy Looks and Velvet vs Satin

Short answer: The best velvet holiday outfits pair one rich velvet piece, like a blazer, a blazer dress or a fitted top, with simple supporting pieces in a smooth or matte fabric. Velvet brings warmth and depth on its own, so let it be the star and keep the rest of the look quiet.

Velvet is the one fabric that feels made for December. It looks darker and richer in low light, it is warm enough for a cold walk between the car and the party, and it photographs beautifully. Our velvet collection has 156 pieces from $13.95 to $69.95, and here is how to build outfits from them, plus when satin is the better call.

Why is velvet the classic holiday fabric?

Velvet is a woven fabric with a short, dense cut pile: thousands of tiny upright fibers that catch light from one angle and absorb it from another. That shifting sheen is what makes jewel tones like emerald, burgundy and sapphire look so deep. The history of velvet as a luxury cloth also helps explain why it still reads as festive and a little formal.

The pile traps air, too, so velvet is noticeably warmer than flat weaves. For an evening that starts at an outdoor tree lighting and ends indoors, that matters.

Velvet outfits for women: 6 holiday formulas

1. Velvet blazer and dark jeans. The easiest dressed up casual look. A one button velvet blazer over a silky cami and straight leg jeans works for family dinners and bar nights. We have one button, double breasted, floral lapel and embroidered velvet blazers.
2. Velvet blazer dress. A double breasted velvet blazer dress is a full outfit in one piece. Add sheer black tights and a block heel boot and you are done.
3. Velvet top and satin skirt. A velvet ruffle sleeve top or an off shoulder velvet long sleeve tee with a satin midi skirt mixes two textures in a way that looks deliberate.
4. Velvet trim for daytime events. A plaid shift dress with velvet trim pockets is a softer take for a holiday brunch or an office lunch.
5. Velvet coat over anything. A single breasted velvet trench with gold buttons turns a plain black dress into a holiday outfit the moment you walk in.
6. Cozy velvet for at home. Velvet hoodies, quarter zips and open front cardigans, including plus size options, are made for gift opening mornings and movie nights.

For the plus size picks, look for the full size velvet cardigans, the cold shoulder V neck blouse and the one shoulder top with buckle detail.

What should you look for in a velvet Christmas dress?

A velvet Christmas dress should be simple in cut, because the fabric already does a lot. Look for:

• Clean lines: a blazer dress, a shift or a wrap reads better in velvet than lots of ruffles.
• Some stretch: stretch velvet moves with you through a long dinner and sits more comfortably.
• The right length: for most holiday parties a hem at the knee, within about 2 inches above or below, is the safest choice. Our cocktail dress length guide explains each length.
• Color: deep red, forest green and black are the classics; navy and plum feel just as festive and a little less expected.

For more dress ideas across every fabric, browse our Christmas outfits collection.

Velvet vs satin dress: which is better for holiday parties?

Both are holiday favorites, but they behave very differently. This is the velvet vs satin dress comparison we use when picking an outfit for a specific party.

Our rule of thumb: if the party is cold, long or mostly seated, choose velvet. If it is warm, crowded and you plan to dance, satin is lighter and moves more. Our satin collection also has 156 pieces from $20.95 to $64.95, with cowl neck and side cutout mini dresses, an embroidered cami satin midi with a slit and plenty of wrap and bow blouses.

How do you mix velvet and satin in one outfit?

Pair them with one as the base and one as the accent. A velvet blazer over a satin cami is the cleanest version. Keep both in the same color family, say black velvet with champagne satin or burgundy with blush, so the texture contrast is the interest and the colors stay calm.

How do you care for velvet after the party?

• Hang it on a padded or wide hanger so the shoulders and pile do not crush.
• Steam from the inside, holding the steamer about 2 inches away, to lift flattened pile.
• Never iron velvet directly on the face. Check the care label on each piece before washing.
• Store with space around it rather than packed tight in the closet.

Finishing the look

Velvet is heavy on texture, so finish with sleek pieces: pointed or block heel boots, sheer tights and one metallic accessory. Gold buttons and gold jewelry look especially good against deep velvet colors. Then check fit before the big night; velvet has less give than knits, so compare your measurements with the product size chart and our size guide.