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Velvet DreamsDressing Up: Velvet makes a comeback in sensuous, leg-baring dressesby Jessica Fromm on Dec 28, 2009VELVET SEEMS to have an image problem of sorts. Although it is a lovely, textural winter fabric and a great alternative to holiday formal mainstays like satin and silk, people tend to think of velvet as downright dowdy. The truth is that velvet has a special shine and luster all its own, one of the reasons it was favored by royalty back in the day. Velvet is a great, rich textile for chilly weather because it is fuzzy and feels warm next to one’s skin but isn’t as chunky as a cable knit or thick brocade. Baby-doll velvet dresses reached their peak in popularity back in the mid-’90s, and for the past decade or so they’ve only really been acceptable on the very old and very young. Before being resurrected in the collections of numerous designers this season, velvet dresses were what old piano teachers wore to Christmas soirées, or something one would dress a 4-year-old up in for church. But now velvet dresses can be fun and sexy again, with tons of leg-bearing, cleanly cut, body-conscious interpretations around just in time for the holidays this year. Every designer seamed to feature at least one velvet dress in their winter 2009 collections, from fringed versions by Milly to crimson frocks by Fendi, all the way down to tight little cocktail-party-ready numbers from Topshop, ASOS and Forever 21. Even the ever stylish, trend-setting Michelle Obama chose a long sleeve, form-fitting plum V-neck velvet dress for her recent appearance with the president on Oprah’s Christmas at the White House special. Paired with pearls and an upswept hairdo, the first lady looked perfectly put together and on trend. To pull off this in-vogue look without appearing as stale, aim to keep cuts simple and stick to rich gem tones. Women should beware of layered, ruffled, pin-tucked and ruched velvet dresses unless they are super confident or super slender, though slightly padded or accentuated shoulders are a plus for this winter—fashion just can’t get enough of the ’80s lately, can it? Pair a velvet dress with simple pair of opaque black tights and a pair of spike-heeled ankle boots, and one will be fashionably set for any upcoming holiday festivity. by Jessica Fromm on Dec 28, 2009 |
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