Textile trends this winter are decidedly '80s – think velvet, lace, leather and not much else.
Luckily shapes and textile formulations themselves have come a long way since the decade that style forgot and wearing head-to-toe leather no longer means sweating like a dog/talcum powder incidents a la Ross in Friends.
This week I’m gonna start with velvet. It’s a fabric that I personally am very fussy about; the feel makes me a little bit sick in my mouth and I strongly believe that there’s a very fine line between embracing the luxe winter-y texture and looking like Little Lord Fauntleroy… but I’m willing to change my mind.
Velvet Bodycon Dress
£35, Topshop
This is seriously 80s. In fact, I think I wore something like this to a school disco with my daisy print leggings and satin waistcoat. Not for the faint-hearted, this little (and I mean little) number would look best with thick black tights, contouring underwear and some nice big chunky boots to counteract the overt sexiness. As an old woman, I’d be tempted to wear a slip too to prevent the always-annoying riding-up factor.
Christopher Kane Velvet Biker Jacket
£850, Browns
Just how practical is a velvet biker jacket, I hear you ask. Not very, that’s how. The Browns’ website refer to this as a style oxymoron and I’d be tempted to agree. A biker jacket is traditionally a tough, rough and ready garment to protect you from scraping your skin off when you have a fall. A velvet jacket will not do this. However… it is so very beautiful. Throw on over a party dress for a tough, but not too tough, finish and pray it doesn’t rain.
Vintage Black Velvet Pantsuit
$75, charmedvintagebc @ Etsy
Killing a selection of trend-birds with one stone, this little number would be perfect for Christmas parties. You’re nearly completely covered so you’ll be warm, can stuff your face on canapés and have no stomach bloat and not worry about any inappropriate skin showing. Wear with killers heels and some costume jewellery to avoid looking like you’re going to a yoga class or something.
Vintage Velvet Skirt
$35, fabgabs @ Etsy
You don’t have to indulge in head-to-toe velvet to get involved with this trend. This circle skirt is really cute but doesn’t scream OMG VELVET too loudly. It would look equally good with a t-shirt, tights and flats combo for day wear as it would with something a little smaller and silkier on top and a pair of heels for a party.
Red Pumps
$16, Sweet Love Vintage @ Etsy
Red velvet is a little OTT for most of us to get away with, but in the guise of a natty pair of vintage heels, it’s a little more appropriate. These super bright shoes are perfect for adding that all-important fashion ‘pop’ of colour to a monochrome outfit and would add a nice vintage touch to a jeans/t-shirt outfit. Love the little diamante bow too, very snazzy.
Velvet Bow Hair Clip
£5, ASOS
If you’re still not convinced by the powers of velvet (me neither, it still makes me shudder to touch), this bow is a fairly subtle way of tackling the trend. Clip above a ponytail for an equestrian touch or place amongst a back-combed head of hair for a more outwardly 80s statement. You could also clip it onto your clothes, jacket or bag if looking like a 5 year old at a birthday party isn’t your thing.