Velvet and Beyond: Luxurious Textures for a Stylish Winter
Winter is a season that invites us to embrace comfort. But comfort does not have to be un-stylish! It's a time for us to indulge in sumptuous fabrics and textures that not only keep us warm but also elevate our style.
And one such texture that epitomizes winter opulence for me is velvet.
Velvet has a rich history, it is often associated with luxury and royalty, rightfully so. Its soft, plush surface and deep, vibrant colors make it a standout choice for winter fashion. Whether it's a velvet evening dress or a cozy velvet blazer, this fabric exudes warmth and sophistication. The way it catches and reflects light adds a touch of elegance to any outfit.
Let’s now explore other luxurious textures. While velvet is undeniably luxurious, there are other textures that can complement it beautifully in winter.
Here are a few:
Faux Fur: Faux fur evokes the feeling of snuggling up in a warm embrace. It's perfect for adding a touch of glamour to your winter coat.
Cashmere: Known for its exceptional softness, cashmere is a winter staple. A cashmere sweater or scarf is not only cozy but also a symbol of timeless sophistication.
Silk: Silk brings a touch of sophistication to your winter wardrobe. A silk blouse feels and looks luxurious.
Satin: Satin can also bring a sleek elegance to your outfit because of its shine and is also a less expensive option than silk.
How to incorporate these Luxurious Textures into your everyday outfits, you ask? Easy my friend.
Let's start with Velvet. You might think it is a hard fabric to wear during the day. Or maybe you think it looks too festive? The key here will be to associate your velvet pieces with casual pieces. By just pairing them together, we can create an elevated daytime outfit.
You can also go full monochromatic - yes please!
Now, Faux Fur. I understand it can feel a bit much. I would say that we need to go all glam or pair it with very casual pieces to make it “cool”.
Next is Cashmere. From clothing to accessories and outerwear… cashmere in any form is always a good idea.
Silk and Satin. The simplest way to add these fabrics into your everyday outfit is to wear them as a blouse. Chic and Easy.
Who What Wear
Not into silk or satin blouses? Accessorize your outfit with silk scarves.
And it does not have to be only around your neck!
Silk/satin skirts are still quite trendy - but the 2024 version will be longer.
Don't shy away from mixing fabrics. Combine velvet with faux fur for a very glamorous winter look or pair a velvet blazer with a cashmere turtleneck for a stylish and warm ensemble.
OR a velvet blazer with a silk dress…
Uptown with Elly Brown
To ensure your luxurious fabrics stay in top condition:
Follow care instructions carefully, especially for delicate fabrics like silk and cashmere. Some can be handwashed and if so, always lay flat when drying.
Invest in good quality hangers and storage solutions to protect your clothing items.
Consider using padded or contoured hangers for delicate items like silk blouses or velvet blazers. These hangers provide better support and prevent garments from stretching or developing creases. For long-term storage, opt for breathable garment bags or cotton garment covers to protect your items from dust and moisture.
Once a month, fluff and shake out faux fur and velvet items to maintain their plushness.
For faux fur items, gently shake them out to loosen the fibers and restore their fluffiness. For velvet, use a soft brush or velvet brush to gently stroke the fabric in the direction of the pile. This will help lift and restore the texture, ensuring it looks as good as new.
Keep satin and silk items away from direct sunlight to preserve their color and sheen.
Winter is the perfect season to surround yourself with the sumptuousness of luxurious textures. Embrace the luxurious fabrics of winter and let them envelop you in comfort and opulence…and by incorporating them into your fashion choices, you'll not only stay warm but also elevate your style to new heights!
If you'd like personalized guidance on incorporating these luxurious textures into your winter wardrobe, don't hesitate to reach out to me for my online and in-person styling services. Together, we can create a winter wardrobe that's truly luxurious!
Bises,
Lili