Why The Velvet Dress Will Be Your Winter Wardrobe Essential

Roll on pay day…

velvet dress

by Emma Firth |
Published on

Summer it may still be, but in fashion land it’s an entirely different story. Designers both luxury and high-street are now dropping their awesome fall collections, delighting us all with the coolest crop of AW16 trends - from the surprising comeback (the puffa jacket) to our trustworthy Autumn staple (military tailoring is a-go-go...again!).

But to be one step ahead of the style game this season, there’s one key item you should invest in: the velvet dress. The ‘90s fabric is having its moment in the spotlight, as the hottest tickets in town during Fashion Week in Febuary - including Gucci, Preen and Prada – sent their models in an array of wearable designs.

velvet dress
From left: Fendi, Preen and Gucci

In fact, celebrities have been sporting the trend already in the high heat of summer – from Stella Maxwell’s mini navy blue option to Lily James’ stunning off-shoulder black dress she wore to her Burberry fragrance launch in London.

velvet dress
From left: Lily James, Stella Maxwell and Sofia Ritchie*

The current offerings in store are the ultimate wardrobe gamechanger to add to your hot list – from a cream slip-dress to pop over your favourite t-shirt, a grey maxi from Scandi ‘It’ brand GANNI to an Alexa Chung-style number from Étoile Isabel Marant. Although the overiding feeling is that the LBVD ('Little Black Velvet Dress') is the look we'll be channelling over winter. We've got our eye on that Gucci number.

Here’s Grazia's pick of the best velvet dresses to snap up now (that won’t leave you looking like Morticia Addams)…

Gallery

Velvet Dresses AW16

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VELVET DRESSES

Velvet dress with bow, £1,850, Gucci

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VELVET DRESSES

Navy pleated dress, £32, River Island

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VELVET DRESSES

Velvet dress in mink, £19.99, ZARA

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VELVET DRESSES

Lazy velvet mini dress, £280, Étoile Isabel Marant at Net A Porter

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VELVET DRESSES

Lace-trimmed velvet dress, £1,525, Saint Laurent at mytheresa.com

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VELVET DRESSES

Hayden Velvet Dress, £335, GANNI

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VELVET DRESSES

Halter dress, £35.99, Mango

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VELVET DRESSES

Vero Moda Petite Velvet Cami Dress, £22, ASOS

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velvet dress

Flared dress, £65, & Other Stories

READ MORE: 14 Of Winona Ryder's Iconic '90s Fashion Moments

READ MORE: GANNI: The Scandi Brand The Fash Pack Are Obsessed With

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