Here are the chicest ways to style velvet

There’s no denying it: styling velvet for every day can be tough. The primary reason? Its connotations as a risqué textile. Unless you’re wearing an especially regal-looking garment, this saucy fabric tends to err on the side of tacky far too easily. In need of suggestions? These velvet pieces will add instant va va voom to your daywear.

To ensure you look less Lady of the Night and more Lady of Leisure, the easiest way to incorporate velvet in your wardrobe is with an accessory. Discreet enough to not overpower the rest of your look but still interesting enough to make a statement, the right accessory can be the key to solving your doubts. Here are our picks for the chicest velvet accessories to add to your wardrobe.

A pair of velvet loafers is the perfect way to add a touch of elegance to a simple outfit. Velvet Mary Janes and slippers typical of the northeast of Italy have also become uber-popular among the fashion crowd during the past couple of years.  For a super chic high/low look pair them with jeans, a white tee, and a leather jacket.

A velvet handbag will become the hero piece of all your day-to-night looks. It’ll serve you well both as your Sunday morning brunch companion and as your date for an evening out. There’s nothing like a small, soft clutch to make you feel immediately more refined and ladylike!

Thanks to the rise of the Coquette aesthetic and brands like Sandy Liang, bows and bow imagery are now ubiquitous. We love velvet bows as hair accessories to add a preppy touch to your look.

Even though velvet might feel daunting to style, there are a few pieces that are perfect for every day. Their ability to be relaxed and elegant at the same time makes them the perfect “valves” to amp up your look.

A flowy velvet coat (or jacket) is a great alternative to the classic trench on sunny spring and autumn days. Now that the temperatures have dropped, keep wearing your coat as a maxi cardigan. Paired with jeans and a neutral top, it’ll immediately elevate your look.

Perfect for a morning coffee run, a chill day out, and while travelling, a velvet tracksuit will become your go-to when you want to be comfortable but still want to look put together. Go preppy with a Wales Bonner velour zip-up or go full Y2K with a Juicy Couture set.

Speaking of looking put together: a two or three-piece velvet suit paired with Mary Janes and a ruffled blouse is perfect for a birthday lunch, a work party, and everything in between. Your soft new suit is also easy to style as separates: pair your blazer with jeans for Casual Fridays at work and your pants with a sleek shirt for an androgynous look.

Velvet pants don’t have to be 70s-inspired and they don’t have to feel costumey—unless you want to! If Sonny and Cher are your number one fashion icons, we love that for you. Otherwise, try styling your velvet pants with a pair of riding boots and a cape-like coat.

Original text and content: Steph King