Velvet isn’t always a popular choice when it comes to clothing because it tends to look or actually be too heavy and warm — two characteristics that often collide with the image of light and flowy feminine clothing.
Also, velvet has been associated mostly with royalty and religious icons, which gives it an outdated stigma.
Luckily, some designers have refused to go down without a fight (and they seem to have won their battles, too).
1. The Mesh Body-Con Dress
Who would have thought that velvet could be used as a body-con dress?
With a little bit of mesh or tulle, velvet is transformed into a chic and up-to-date body-con dress that’s perfect for semiformal events for both day and night.
Alpa wears a black Juicy Couture velvet polka dot dress with matching Kenneth Cole pumps
Shop Alpa of A Parisian in America‘s look:
Velvet Primrose Embellished Velvet and Tulle Dress, $360 / Manolo Blahnik Stiletto Pumps, $595
2. The Peplum Dress
Peplum may seem like the ultimate no-no design for velvet because of its distinctive and typically flouncy ruffles around the waist.
Thanks to some designers, velvet has been experimented on to create the perfect waist ruffles that don’t sag down.
Jennifer wears a sexy red velvet dress with black stockings
Shop Jennifer of Sustainable Siren‘s look:
Alice + Olivia Red-Rose-Print Stretch Cotton Velvet Jule Cap-Sleeve Peplum Dress, $495 / Black Calzature Suede Patent Detail Ankle Booties, $995
3. The Skater Dress
Just as it was hard to imagine velvet ruffles, it was even harder to imagine a full skirt made from such a heavy-looking fabric.
Design geniuses were able to device a way to create a skater dress without having awkward bunches at the seams, with an actual full skirt that lives up to its name.
Jenn wears a velvet skater dress with sexy stockings
Shop Jenn of Lune Nocturne’s look. Her blog is unfortunately no longer available online:
BG Impression Black & Red Cocktail Corduroy Pleated Dress, $17.56 / Topshop Allied Desert Boots, £62 / BCBGMaxAzria Bowler Hat, $58 / 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Leather Backpack, £617
4. The Embellished Dress
Using simple silhouettes when creating velvet dresses, such as a body-con or a shift dress, the creation is made even more modern by putting embellishments using jewels, fringes, and embroidery.
Gold, bronze, and silver put the finishing touches on dresses made for modern royalty.
Carla wears an Armani Exchange velvet dress
Shop Carla of The Fashion Through My Eyes‘ look:
Modekungen Velvet Dress, €68.05 / Sergio Rossi Suede/Patent Pointed-Toe Slingbacks, £465 / J. Crew Tortoise Clutch, $148
5. The Lace Inset Dress
It seems that lace and velvet would be an unlikely pair, but not if you design it this way. This chic formal dress uses a lace inset to create a sexy yet romantic design at the back.
Maria’s full-length dress makes use of a contrast between the warm velvet and the cool lace — perfect for evening garden weddings.
Maria wears a warm velvet dress with romantic lace back
Shop Maria of Paradox’s look. Her blog is unfortunately no longer available online:
Motel Tabby Lace Back Maxi Dress in Deep Aqua Velvet, £29 / Topshop Likewise Metal Heels, £65