Velvet

Velvet, while being a fabric strictly reserved for cooler climates and months, is an essential for the elegant lady. As Napoleon Bonaparte is quoted as saying, “A throne is only a bench covered with velvet.”

Just imagine the sophistication it can lend a woman’s figure! In a world where appearances add up to impressions, this is one fabric you should definitely include in your fall and winter wardrobe!

Essentially, it doesn’t matter whether you have a perfect waistline, a huge bust, or smooth hips, it’s all about how you flatter your good points and detour attention away from your weak points. One key method is accessorizing! The other is choosing the appropriate tailoring for your figure.

To accentuate your assets, velvet adds a soft texture that invites touch while adding a warmth to your look.

Casual, Business, Church…Anything Goes!

While velvet is seldom used in casual wear, its second-cousin, corduroy, is often a favorite for skirts and jackets. The ivory velvet blazer below would also pull double duty as a dressed-up separate or as a casual piece when accompanied by a denim skirt and the right undershirt and scarf!

Velvet is more readily added to business or church attire than denim, of course! Being dressed up need not be mundane, however.

Outerwear: Cold Weather Calls for Cozy Measures!

Velvet need not be restrained to carefully planned outfits. It can also be used as a mainstay, such as your winter coat, earmuffs, or gloves!

Being most often viewed as a classic fabric, it can be trendy as well! Just look at this goody by Newport News!

On the other hand, velvet can also be part of an exquisitely planned outfit, such as this wedding cloak in ivory velvet!

One can just envision the front doors of an elegant 18th century church opening as the couple emerges and alights into a beautiful sleigh for their getaway!

Finally, Formalwear

While silks and satins are the usual fabrics utilized for formalwear, why not step out of the status quo and try something new? A large part of being an alluring, elegant, and exciting lady is having that touch of mystery about you.

Does your husband know your style inside and out…or is he never quite sure what you’ll appear in? Perhaps an Oriental influence might be in order….such as this black velvet mandarin tunic.

Of course, adding a mysterious, fanciful flare need not involve purchasing a completely new outfit. Accenting pieces you already have is simple with this fabric. For instance, a sheer black shawl with velvet inlay is a beautiful accent even to the simplest piece as you wrap up for the next cool Sunday morning!

A little more on the trendy side, these black velvet gloves are another quick addition that can add pizzazz and class without breaking the piggy bank!

With and without the animal print, these are winners every time! Who says your winter gloves for going out have to be the same ones with which you shovel the front walk?

Seasonal or Non-Seasonal?
Velvet is most definitely a winter fabric. In recent years, several knock-off designers have actually created crushed-velvet T's that are marketed in the summer months. Unfortunately, the wisdom of our grandparents still stands firm and even a young woman like me wrinkles her nose at the smell of sweat that drenches these garments in the summer sun! This is definitely a winter or fall fabric only! Quite simply, it doesn't breath well so you'll feel much more comfortable in the look during cooler days anyway!

How Do I Care For Crocheted Items?
Velvet is strictly a dry-clean material. It's fibers are so delicate that it cannot withstand regular laundering. It will also not endure a whole lot of sitting! I know from experience as I've finally had to retire my favorite black velvet skirt because the back side is worn down to nubs! Basically, be careful with your velvet. If you spill something on it, only dry-cleaning can save it--if it can!