Velvet is the shine, so everything around it stays plain, and that is what makes these looks easy to wear in the spirit of Saint Laurent and Khaite. Here are holiday outfits you will actually wear again in January.
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Emerald Velvet Blazer, Hot Pink Shirt
This is the look for the office party that wants to be remembered. The emerald velvet blazer is the star, so the pink satin shirt and red patent pumps play loud supporting roles.

Keep the black wide pants plain and matte so the colors do the talking. Look for a blazer with a relaxed shoulder that covers the hips, and a velvet with real weight so it hangs instead of clinging.
A deep, true emerald reads richer than black under string lights. Skip a coat here: the blazer is the point.
Chocolate Velvet Pants, White Top, Flats
The easiest way into holiday velvet is a pair of dark chocolate wide pleated pants with a plain white long-sleeve top. The white gives the dark velvet a light item next to it, so it never turns into a blob.

Black flats and a brown shoulder bag keep it calm for the office party, with no colors competing. Check the waistband sits high and the leg covers the shoe.
In January the same pants go with a gray sweater and boots without looking like party leftovers.
Black Velvet Mini, Cherry Red Tights
Dinner with friends deserves a black velvet mini dress with cherry red opaque tights. The red legs and patent Mary Janes keep the black from feeling safe.

A chunky gold necklace is the only extra you need. Choose a mini with long sleeves and a plain neckline so it looks sharp and not costume-like.
Tights in a solid color are a cheap way to make one dress look like three different outfits.
Cobalt Velvet Blazer With Light Jeans
A clearly cobalt blue velvet blazer over a cherry red silk shirt is a clash that works because the jeans are light. The pale denim does the calming for you.

Yellow pointed flats and a violet bag push it further. Pick a blazer that sits boxy on the shoulders and ends past the hip.
This is the holiday market look: warm enough with a scarf, loud enough for photos.
Burgundy Velvet Pants, Cobalt Satin
Deep burgundy velvet wide pants with a cobalt blue satin shirt feels like jewelry tones worn as a suit. It suits Christmas dinner when you want to look pulled together without a dress.

Cobalt pumps and a mustard bag carry the color idea down to the shoes. Look for pants with a long straight leg that skims the floor.
The satin gives a second shine, so keep jewelry small.
Chocolate Velvet, Butter Yellow Knit
Dark chocolate velvet wide pleated pants look softer with a butter yellow knit, and that is the whole trick. Brown and yellow feels warm instead of expected.

A cherry red leather bag and tan loafers add contrast. Choose a knit that is fine and slightly oversized so it sits well with the pleats.
This is a weekend walk look that still reads festive.
Plum Velvet Set, Lime Silk Shirt
A plum velvet blazer set with matching wide pants is the one-and-done answer for a girls’ night. The lime green silk shirt makes it look chosen, not just matched.

Silver ballet flats keep your feet comfortable all night. Buy the set in a deep plum purple so it does not read as grape.
Wear the blazer alone with jeans later and you have two outfits from one purchase.
Teal Velvet Midi, Fuchsia Tights
A teal velvet midi dress is a far better choice than black for a Christmas dinner. Fuchsia opaque tights and leopard print pointed pumps turn it into a statement.

Choose a loose cut with long sleeves and a plain neckline, so the color is the only drama. Tights and pumps share nothing in color, so let the leopard be the single pattern.
The dress needs no jewelry beyond earrings.
Aubergine Velvet Pants, Light Blue Sweater
Deep aubergine velvet wide pants with a light blue chunky sweater is the dressed-down version of velvet. The pale sweater is the light item the rule asks for.

Lilac pumps and a periwinkle bag tie the cool tones together. A chunky knit stops at the hip so the pants stay the focus.
It works for an ordinary Tuesday and still looks festive.
Black Velvet Turtleneck Dress, Burgundy Tights
A black velvet turtleneck dress above the knee gets a lift from burgundy opaque tights. The tights and the purple suede clutch keep the black from going flat.

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Black pointed boots finish the line, and the tights meet the boot top so no skin shows. Pick a dress with a roomy fit through the body.
This is the sharp, sensual-minimal idea behind Saint Laurent, done for a date.
Rose Velvet Blazer, All Red Below
A rose pink velvet blazer over a red knit and red wide pants is pink and red on purpose. Red patent loafers carry the idea down to the floor.

Keep the knit fine and the pants straight so the one-color-family look stays clean. Choose a soft rose, not bubblegum.
It is a bold date night outfit that costs less than a dress.
Navy Velvet Blazer, Hot Pink Knit
A navy velvet blazer with a hot pink knit looks sharper than any black blazer. Light flared jeans and orange suede boots finish it with a surprise.

The flares cover the boot top, so only the toe shows orange. Look for a blazer in deep navy so it reads as a color, not black.
This is a festive weekend look you can wear in January with the same jeans.
Cobalt Velvet Midi Skirt, Cream Sweater
A cobalt velvet midi skirt with a cream sweater is the calm office party option. One strong color, one soft one, nothing else shouting.

Tall black boots go up under the midi hem, so there is no gap of leg. Choose a skirt with a slight flare so it moves.
Cream next to cobalt makes the blue look richer than black ever would.
Black Velvet Blazer, Burgundy Satin Shirt
A black velvet blazer with a burgundy satin shirt and straight black pants is the safe-but-rich formal option. The burgundy is the one small accent.

Cream and black slingbacks break up the dark column. Pick a blazer that covers the hips and a shirt with a high fastened neck.
It suits a formal holiday dinner and still works with jeans afterwards.
Velvet in Small Doses
Three ways to start: velvet shoes, velvet pants or a velvet blazer. Keep everything else matte and plain, and put one light item beside dark velvet, like a white top or light jeans, so it never turns into a black blob. Deep colors such as chocolate, cobalt, aubergine and teal look richer than black.
Chocolate Velvet Midi Dress, Cream Boots
A dark chocolate velvet midi dress is the quiet answer to the black dress. Cream boots give the one light item that keeps it fresh.

Choose a loose cut with long sleeves, and let the tall boots go up under the hem. Brown velvet photographs warmer than black in winter light.
It is an easy Christmas dinner dress for anyone who dislikes party glitter.
Teal Velvet Pants, White Shirt
Teal velvet wide pants with a crisp white shirt are the simplest way to wear a color. The white shirt gives the light item beside the shine.

Black flats and a small gold bag keep it neat. The shirt can be buttoned high for the office or open one button for a dinner.
This is the outfit that survives long into January.
Rose Velvet Pants, Cream Coat
Rose pink velvet wide pants look expensive under a long cream coat. This is the only look in the set where a coat covers the velvet, and the pants show at the hem and the open front.

Pair them with a chocolate knit and brown boots. A coat with at least half wool holds its shape in 0 to 8 degrees.
It is a festive weekend walk look, warm and soft.
Emerald Velvet Dress, Red Pumps
An emerald velvet midi dress with red patent pumps is the girls’ night look that needs no styling. The color and the shine do everything.

Go for a loose body with a plain high neckline, and keep legs bare or in sheer black tights. A small black bag keeps the rest quiet.
Emerald holds up better in photos than black.
Burgundy Velvet Blazer, Light Jeans
A deep burgundy velvet blazer with light jeans and a white tee is the dressed-down holiday option. Light denim is the one light item you need.

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Mustard flats and a cobalt bag add a clash. Choose straight or flared jeans with enough room to cover the shoe.
It is the Tuesday outfit that still feels festive.
Aubergine Velvet Mini, Opaque Tights
A deep aubergine velvet mini dress with black opaque tights and pointed boots is the sharp New Year’s Eve look. The boots and tights match, so the leg stays long.

Pick long sleeves and a plain round neck, and add a silver clutch. Aubergine is richer and less expected than black.
It is easy to dress down the next day with a long cardigan.
Teal Velvet Blazer, Cream Pants
A teal velvet blazer over a cream top and cream wide pants is a fresh take on holiday color. Cream is the light item and teal is the star.

Brown loafers and a brown bag keep it grounded. Look for a blazer in true teal that covers the hips.
It is an office party option that does not look like a suit.
Chocolate Velvet Skirt, White Tee
A dark chocolate velvet midi skirt with a plain white tee and flat boots is velvet at its most relaxed. It works for Christmas errands and for dinner.

Choose a skirt with a slight flare and wear the tee half tucked. Tall flat boots go under the hem.
This is the outfit that proves velvet is not only for parties.
Plum Velvet Dress, Gold Flats
A deep plum purple velvet midi dress with gold flats is the Christmas dinner outfit for someone who wants comfort. The gold gives the only sparkle.

Choose a loose cut with sleeves, bare legs or sheer tights, and one wide belt only if the dress is not clingy. Plum looks richer than black.
Dress it down with a denim jacket after the holidays.
Navy Velvet Pants, Striped Knit
Navy velvet wide pants with a cream and gray striped knit look easy and a little preppy. The stripe is the light item next to the dark shine.

Brown loafers and a camel bag keep it warm. Pick pants with a high waist and a leg that covers the shoe.
It is a festive weekend look that costs very little.
Cobalt Velvet Dress, Black Boots
A cobalt velvet mini dress with black opaque tights and black pointed boots is a bold date night option. It is simple, but the color does the work.

A silver clutch and small earrings are enough. Pick a dress with long sleeves and a plain neckline.
Cobalt is far more modern than black velvet.
Rose Velvet Blazer, Cream Jeans
A rose pink velvet blazer over a white top with cream jeans is soft and festive. Cream denim is the light item beside the velvet.

Tan loafers and a chocolate bag keep it warm. Choose a blazer that sits relaxed on the shoulders and ends past the hip.
A perfect look for a holiday market walk.
Emerald Velvet Pants, Cream Knit
Emerald velvet wide pants with a cream knit and flat boots is a rich, easy Christmas look. Cream stands next to emerald like a candle next to a tree.

Cognac boots and a cognac bag keep the warmth. Pick pants with a long straight leg and a high waist.
It goes straight into January with a gray coat.
Wear It Again in January
Velvet works when it is treated like any fabric. Start with the pants or the blazer in a deep color, add one light item, and see more holiday outfit ideas.
FAQ
How do I wear velvet without looking overdressed?
Keep every other piece matte and plain. A white top, light jeans and flat shoes make velvet pants or a blazer feel like an everyday outfit.
What colors of velvet look best for the holidays?
Deep colors like chocolate brown, cobalt, aubergine, teal and emerald look richer than black. They also photograph better in winter light.
Can I wear velvet to the office party?
Yes, a velvet blazer or wide pants in a dark color suits an office party. Keep the top simple and the shoes plain for a polished result.
How do I stop dark velvet from looking like a black blob?
Put one light item next to it, such as a white top, a cream coat or light jeans. Add a small color accent in the shoes or bag.
What shoes go with velvet in cold weather?
Closed shoes like loafers, flats, pumps and tall boots work best. With skirts and dresses add tights, and with pants cover the shoe with a long leg.