How to Wear Velvet Casually

When you think of velvet, do holiday parties and formal events come to mind? Velvet isn’t just for special occasions—it can bring a touch of understated luxury to your everyday wardrobe. You can in fact wear velvet casually.

As the seasons shift and the chill sets in, I find myself drawn to fabrics that are not only cozy but also elevate my look. Velvet, with its rich texture and timeless appeal, is always at the top of my list. While it’s a go-to for holiday outfits, there’s no reason to pack it away when the celebrations are over.

Velvet is perfect for transitioning between casual outings and more polished events, making it a versatile staple for your day-to-day style. Today, I’m sharing how to wear velvet in a way that feels effortlessly chic and practical—whether you’re heading to brunch, running errands, or meeting friends for coffee.

Wearing velvet every day is easier than you think. Here’s how to style this elegant fabric for a look that’s polished yet relaxed!

Why Velvet Deserves a Place in Your Everyday Wardrobe

When thinking of velvet, images of elegant holiday parties, festive events, and special occasions usually come to mind. Its rich texture and luxurious sheen makes it a such a staple during the holiday season. However, when styled appropriately, velvet can easily transition into your everyday wardrobe. The key to wearing velvet casually lies in balancing its elegance with relaxed silhouettes and textures, making it perfect for everything from weekday errands to casual dinners.

Styling Velvet for Casual, Everyday Looks

Velvet Jacket or Blazer

A velvet blazer like this classic style or this double breasted version, can instantly elevate a casual outfit. Wear it over a simple tank or cotton t-shirt, and pair it with tailored trousers for a polished look. You can also style it with jeans for a more relaxed vibe. This combination is perfect for both day and night.

How to Style Velvet Pants for a Polished Yet Relaxed Look

Velvet pants, like this pair I’m wearing, are such a versatile way to wear velvet as it can be styled for both casual and dressy occasions. Pair it with a simple top like a button-up shirt, a denim blouse (like this one with the ruffle collar), or a sweater to maintain a balanced look. Both heels and ballet flats look great with velvet pants! I love this combo for both brunch and dinners. Black pants will be your most versatile option as they can easily be dressed up or down.

How to Wear Velvet Dresses Casually

A velvet dress like this elegant mdi dress or this chic shorter style, can be stunning for formal occasions. But to keep the look casual, layer it with a lightweight sweater or denim jacket. For the most versatile dress option, choose a shorter dress like this simple t-shirt style. Minimizing the amount of velvet fabric can keep the overall look more casual when styled with flats or sneakers, and a denim jacket. In addition, adding a canvas tote like this style from Longchamp, also brings in the casual vibe. 

How to Style Velvet Tops for Subtle Daytime Elegance

A simple velvet blouse like this gorgeous long sleeve top, can elevate your go-to jeans outfit. It’s all the statement you need. A great example of how to wear velvet casually without overdoing it, is to pair a velvet top like this sleeveless style with jeans and ankle boots for dinner, or this top with ballet flats and leather loafers for daytime.

Velvet Accessories to Elevate Your Everyday Style

Choosing the right accessories is the best way to incorporate velvet into your wardrobe without overdoing it. Just a touch of velvet can really make a statement, yet be incredibly wearable. Velvet naturally draws attention due to the luxe look of the fabric. By using velvet accessories thoughtfully, you can balance the elegance of this fabric while keeping your style effortless and grounded. Here’s a few ideas:

Velvet Bags

A velvet clutch or handbag can be a statement piece that adds texture to your outfit. Opt for rich jewel tones like emerald green or deep burgundy for a sophisticated touch. Or go minimal with neutral colors that add just a touch of detail. Either way, a velvet bag is all the statement you need.

My bag pictured above is a perfect neutral. It has an attached shoulder chain that I’ve tucked into the bag to make this a clutch. It pairs beautifully with soft knits for winter. It also comes in a beautiful chocolate brown color.

Velvet Shoes

Velvet shoes, such as these ballet flats, velvet heels, or velvet ankle boots, can elevate even the simplest outfits. Pair them with jeans and a basic top to add a hint of glam without going overboard. It’s the most versatile way to wear velvet casually.

This pair is so festive for the holiday season, but they are too pretty to put away after the holidays are over. Wear them with jeans or cotton pants and a simple sweater or t-shirt to extend the life.

Tips for Making Velvet Work for Everyday Wear

Pair Velvet With Casual Textures

One of the best ways to wear velvet without overdoing it is to mix and match different fabrics. Think denim, cotton, or knits, to tone down velvet’s richness. This is the biggest secret to mastering how to wear velvet casually. 

Velvet and denim actually pair so well together. The denim brings the velvet down a few notches to make it more casual. Pairing a velvet top or blazer with your favorite jeans creates a really chic, casual look. The casualness of denim balances the elegance of velvet perfectly. Alternatively, you can wear a denim shirt like this one with the ruffle collar, or this classic chambray shirt, with black velvet pants for a casual chic outfit. You can also layer a denim jacket over a velvet dress for a stylish contrast.

In addition to denim, wearing velvet with knitwear like cashmere, makes a cozy statement. Wear a cashmere sweater with a velvet midi skirt or velvet pants for a refined look. Choose ankle boots for a more relaxed vibe (I love this pair), or leather pumps for a dressier occasion.

Choosing Colors That Feel Relaxed

For a timeless, effortless look with velvet, choose colors that feel grounded and sophisticated. Muted, neutral, and earthy tones are the most versatile. These shades offer a refined way to wear velvet while easily pairing with everyday staples.

If you decide to go bolder with a sapphire blue velvet for example, use neutrals in the rest of your outfit. A neutral ivory sweater is my biggest wardrobe hero. When in doubt, throw it on.

Velvet isn’t just for special occasions anymore. Whether you’re layering a velvet blazer over a casual outfit or opting for velvet accessories, there are countless ways to embrace this fabric every day.

Investment Pieces You Will Wear All Year

Investing in wardrobe pieces that you can wear again and again is the secret to achieving effortless style. Investments don’t always mean higher prices. They are wardrobe essentials and quality statement pieces that stand the test of time. They have a lasting quality to them. I’ve selected these timeless velvet staples below in a mix of prices.

Swipe left if you’re on your phone to see them all!

If you love velvet, you might also enjoy reading about statement jewelry and bags to elevate your holiday look (and beyond!).