How to Wear a Velvet Skirt

Co-authored by Susan Kim

Last Updated: May 6, 2021 References

Velvet is a rich, luxurious fabric. No matter what you pair it with, velvet makes a bold statement. While statement fabrics are always wonderful additions to your closet, they can also be difficult to incorporate into the rest of your wardrobe. While there are a few velvet faux pas (think pairing a velvet skirt with a velvet blazer), confidently wearing velvet does not have to be a chore. Ultimately, it comes down to two things: wearing velvet to create a formal look, and wearing velvet in a more casual setting.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Styling Velvet Formally

1
Pair with intricate fabrics. When wearing a velvet skirt for a formal occasion, try to stick to intricate fabrics and patterns, rather than a solid color. This will keep your ensemble formal, but visually interesting.^{[1]
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- More masculine or androgynous pieces will pare the velvet down, so if you choose an androgynous top, use your shoes or jewelry to add elegance.
- Try to match at least one color in your shirt’s pattern with the color of your skirt to tie everything in.
2
Choose a classic color for your velvet skirt. A bright, bubble-gum pink is going to be harder to style formally than, say, a rich red, or a clean navy blue. When purchasing your silk skirt, opt for classic colors, such as red, black, white, and navy.
- If you want to be more daring with your ensemble, you can enlist the help of jewel tones or a warm yellow.
- Try to avoid neons, as these appear to be more relaxed or laid back by default.
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3
Pair velvet with classic pieces. To keep the richness of your velvet anchored and formal, pair it with a classic piece, such as a fitted button-down, a fitted blazer, or a camel trench. Each of these will keep your outfit classic and formal without sacrificing style or taste.^{[2]
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- Classic pieces are particularly useful for formal work attire. A simple button down will keep your outfit formal, but not too dressy for the workplace.
4
Add a feminine touch with lace. If you want to have a bit more of a feminine taste to your velvet, pair your velvet skirt with a lace blouse or lace tights. Lace will play up the plushness of the velvet while keeping your outfit feminine and flattering.
- Lace can be an intimidating item to wear. If you are nervous about a lace blouse or tights, opt instead for a pair of shoes with lace details, or a lace hair accessory.
5
Pair velvet and silk. For a look as decadent as chocolate mousse, pair a velvet skirt with a simple silk blouse. Although this look is a bit more sultry in nature, it can be made more demure with a straight blazer, or emphasized with a pair of stiletto heels.^{[3]
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- Many fashion runways use this pairing in their velvet collections, so runway shows can be a great source of inspiration for how to pair velvet and silk.
- Pay attention to the cut of your skirt when pairing with silk. If your skirt is loose, use a tight silk top, but if your skirt is tight (say, a pencil skirt), pair it with a flowing silk blouse.
6
Make a statement with your jewelry. Emphasize your velvet with your jewelry. Using jewelry, you can lend either a formal, classic look to your skirt, or you can create a more vintage vibe.^{[4]
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- Pairing your velvet with pearls will instantly create a classic, elegant appearance.
- Vintage accessories create more of a boho air to your outfit.
7
Play up your ensemble with heels. Shoes make all the difference in creating an outfit, particularly when you are trying to cross the line from casual to formal. Pumps automatically lend a sense of formality to an outfit, so try to pair your velvet with at least a small heel.^{[5]
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- Stiletto heels are statement shoes and can range from sexy shoes to classic shoes.
8
Choose a skirt that is knee-length or longer. A velvet mini is not going to scream “formal,” while a velvet maxi skirt offers a heavy, luxurious appearance. When you are working toward creating a more classic, formal silhouette, opt for knee-length or lower skirts, as these are taken more seriously and create a hint of mystery.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Wearing Velvet Casually

1
Dress it down with a slouchy tee or denim jacket. To dress your velvet down, use casual staples, such as a chambray shirt, a simple tee, or a jean jacket. Basic closet items will lend a simple edge to your skirt, and will automatically remove the formal air from the ensemble.^{[6]
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Employ colors that match your everyday style. To keep your velvet skirt casual, match its tones to tones you already have in your closet. If you use a lot of jewel tones in your closet, choose a jewel tone skirt. If you are partial to neutrals, purchase a neutral skirt.^{[7]
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- Matching your skirt to your everyday closet will make mixing and matching your clothing faster and easier.
3
Pair your skirt with basic knits. A simple cotton tee tucked into your velvet skirt will immediately make the richness of the velvet seem more casual.^{[8]
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Expert Source

Susan Kim
Professional Stylist
Expert Interview. 4 May 2021.} Topping it off with a pair of Converse sneakers will complete the casual effect.^{[9]
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- A fisherman’s sweater is another great way to pare down your velvet skirt in cooler weather.
4
Wear flats or sneakers. To dress velvet up, you need to pair it with stilettos or pumps. In a similar vein, to make velvet casual, you’ll need to wear sandals, sneakers, or simple flats.^{[10]
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- Converse sneakers are great for keeping a velvet skirt simple.
- Streamlined ballet flats are also a great source of simplicity where velvet is concerned.
5
Bring leather into the mix. Pairing your leather with a straight belt or a moto jacket will immediately create an interesting mix of textures. Leather will bring your velvet down from formal wear to fitting for an evening of sushi with your friends.^{[11]
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- If you do not have a leather belt or jacket, you can add leather to your outfit with a leather choker, leather bracelet, or a pair of leather sandals.
6
Wear dainty jewelry. Instead of donning your pearls or stones, wear a simple gold chain, a statement ring, or pair of basic gold hoops. All of these will keep the outfit low-key instead of fancy or overwhelming.
- One of the most important parts of keeping jewelry simple is choosing a single piece to emphasize. Choose between a statement ring, a necklace, or a pair of earrings--not all three.

Expert Q&A

Question

What top goes with a velvet skirt?

Susan Kim
Professional Stylist
Susan Kim is the owner of Sum+Style Co., a Seattle-based personal styling company focused on innovative and approachable fashion. She has over 5 years of experience in the fashion industry, and received her AA from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.

Susan Kim

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

Since velvet is already a statement piece, stick with toned-down colors and tops.
Question

Is it okay to wear black velvet pants to an October wedding and what would pair well with them? It's not a formal wedding.

Community Answer

Of course it's okay! It's your style and your choice. Maybe with a beige/rose small tank?
Question

I'm a middle-aged man and want to know how would I pull off wearing a black velvet maxi skirt and still look masculine? I like to dress androgynous, if that helps.

HumanBeing

Top Answerer

Think of the black velvet maxi skirt as like a robe. Judges wear robes, and no one says they don't look masculine. Some members of the clergy wear robes, too, so there's a precedent for this type of garment not being feminine. Try teaming the skirt with a plain white button down shirt and a black waistcoat. Add some Doc Marten type boots, if appropriate.

Warnings

Velvet tends to attract lint and dust. When you wear your velvet skirt, you may want to keep a small lint brush on hand.

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Caring for velvet can be tricky. Make sure you follow all manufacturer recommendations.

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