An Early Arrival

Velvet fabrics in rich jewel tones are showing up in every area of the fashion world. It’s pretty, but I am a little surprised to see this trend so early. Velvet almost always makes an annual appearance on the fashion scene, but it’s usually much closer to the holidays.

Who knows why it’s here so early; maybe it’s all of the retro influence that we are seeing in fashion and the fact it flows right along with most of the other current trends. Whatever the reason, I am still a bit bummed. Velvet always reminds me of getting dressed up for special cold weather special occasions, but this fabric seems like it’s going the way of leather, and may end up being worn 24-7 for fall 2012.

 Some of the hottest items coming down the runway for both men and women this season are velvet blazers that are reminiscent of the ’60s and ’70s. If you’re wondering what might be a best buy to work this trend, do consider a well-tailored blazer.

Regardless of what you think or feel about this lovely fabrication, this item can work overtime for you. You can work a velvet blazer with a pair of jeans for a causal look, dress slacks or skirt for work, or use it as outerwear until it gets a bit more chilly. Don’t reach for basic black just yet; save that for all of the holiday parties that are down the road. If you want something basic, consider navy, brown, or gray, or change things up and go bright with red, burgundy, or purple.

If you’re not into a blazer, you still have several options in velvet to add this trend to your wardrobe that you will get just as much wear out of. There are shoes, boots, and accessories in addition to other items of clothing.

You can do a little fashion multitasking and pair this trend with one of the others we are seeing. Try an oversized clutch purse in jewel tones, or maybe the still very popular color blocking.

For footwear, a pair of velvet shoes in a pump or a flat is a nice way to bring a new color and velvet into your wardrobe. Try a pair of velvet flats or a sexy pump, either plain or embellished with stones or ruffles.

For something special while we wait for the holidays, consider something really unusual, like a velvet dress or a draped skirt. Velvet has also been tossed into the mix of cool nail polish choices, so if you just want to dip your toe into this trend, you can literally do it while you wait to revisit this trend in couple of months.