Get a Crush on Velvet

Velvet is one of the hottest fabrics this fall/winter, but what exactly is velvet? And, how do you keep it from looking tacky and cheap?

LaRok Second Date Jacket, $115 from Blue Fly

Velvet is a style of woven fabric, not the actual content of fabric. For example, chiffon can be made from silk, cotton or a variety of synthetic fibers. In the case of velvet, the fibers densely woven together, tufted, then cut, which gives velvet its "feel." Velvet can be made out of silk, cotton, wool and synthetics such as viscose, nylon and acetate. Velvet, along with cashmere, was developed in Kashmir for nobility and royalty.

BCBG Velvet Paneled Dress, $125 from Blue Fly

Now that you know that velvet can be made of different fibers, it is easy to see that velvet made from silk is going to be the most luxe and polished looking. Stay away from velvet made with synthetic fibers to avoid that cheap look we all dread. If you do go with a piece made from synthetic fibers, look for a dense pile and tight weave.

Valentino RED Velvet Bow Top, $225 from StyleBop

To keep from looking like a Renaissance Festival maiden, look for contemporary clothing made of velvet or with velvet detailing. Also, accessorize with belts, jewelry, bags and shoes that are modern. Poofy sleeves, beading, and scoop and sweetheart necklines veer into the costume realm, and old accessories can compound this problem.

Juicy Couture Devore Velvet Dress, $350 from Net-a-Porter

Velvet can be an intimidating and difficult to wear fabric, but just remember to keep it modern, luxe and minimal.

Still need inspiration? See some of my favorite pieces and lookbook.

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Photos from Blue Fly, Shop Style