Season after season, velvet has tried to make a comeback, but this year it’s really happening. After years of being linked to special events or heavy vintage designs, this winter brings a fresh, relevant, and comfortable version.
The secret to velvet in 2026 is wearing it as a single statement piece, rather than head-to-toe, because otherwise, you’ll look like you stepped out of an ’80s event. Velvet works perfectly with jeans, leather, suede, thick knits – the contrast between different materials is what makes the look interesting. A tailored velvet blazer with jeans? Perfect. A velvet skirt with an oversized sweater and sneakers? Works beautifully. A velvet slip dress under a leather jacket? That’s exactly the kind of combination that makes velvet feel contemporary. The mix of soft texture with everyday items brings the fabric from the wardrobe into real life.
Colors have changed as well, no longer just burgundy and dark green. This year, you can find velvet in neutral tones like cream, camel, and gray, which suit a variety of combinations. Wide-leg brown velvet pants with a black turtleneck and loafers, for example, create a look that can easily take you from a morning meeting at the office to an evening drink. If you still want to add a bit of color, this season offers a range of muted shades: Burnt orange instead of bright red or powder pink instead of fuchsia.
The most important part is the quality of the fabric. Cheap velvet looks outdated immediately, so it’s better to invest in one good piece rather than buying several items in synthetic versions. Quality velvet drapes naturally over the body and looks luxurious effortlessly.
In short, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Take one velvet piece you love, pair it with an item from your wardrobe, and let the soft texture do the work.