How to Style a Velvet Skirt (Modest Outfit Ideas)

A long velvet skirt is the piece I reach for the minute the weather turns cold. It feels dressy without trying, it catches the light at a candlelit table, and it's warm enough for a December evening. The trick is balancing the shine so it looks elegant instead of like a costume.

Here's what I look for in a velvet skirt and the ways I wear mine from Shabbos to a weekday lunch.

What to look for in a modest velvet skirt

Velvet is a fabric that shows quality right away, so a few details matter more than usual.

• Length. Midi to mid-calf or a full maxi. Sit down in it before you decide, since velvet can ride up a little when it grips tights.
• Shape. A-line, slip-style bias cuts and soft pleats all drape beautifully. A very tight cut shows every line, so give yourself a little room.
• Weight. Heavier velvet hangs straight and looks rich. Thin stretch velvet is comfortable but can cling, so plan on a slip underneath.
• Pile. Crushed velvet looks relaxed and hides wrinkles. Smooth velvet looks more formal and shows marks, so it needs more care.
• Lining. A lined skirt slides over tights and doesn't static. If it isn't lined, a half slip solves the problem.
• Waistband. A flat waistband sits smoothly under a tucked blouse. An elastic waist is comfortable for long holiday meals.

The best colors to start with

If this is your first velvet skirt, pick a deep color. Darker shades look richer and are easier to wear with what you already own.

• Black. The most versatile. It works with every color top and looks just as right at a weekday dinner as at a wedding.
• Deep green. Festive without shouting, and lovely with cream, camel and gold.
• Burgundy or wine. Warm and elegant, and it pairs easily with blush, ivory and gray.
• Navy. A softer choice than black that still dresses up nicely.
• Chocolate brown or camel. A quieter, earthy velvet that works well for daytime.

Once you love wearing one, a lighter shade like dusty rose or champagne is a nice second skirt for spring holidays.

Tops that work with velvet

Velvet already brings texture and shine, so the top should either match its softness or calm it down.

• Fine knit sweaters. A thin merino or cashmere crewneck or turtleneck is the easiest pairing. Tuck it in or let it sit at the waist.
• Silky blouses. A satin or chiffon blouse with long sleeves and a high neck makes a dressy holiday outfit. Keep the colors close so the two shines don't compete.
• Crisp cotton button-downs. A white or pale blue shirt makes velvet feel more casual and fresh for daytime.
• Chunky knits. A cable-knit or ribbed sweater in cream or oatmeal turns a velvet skirt into a cozy weekend look.
• Bow and ruffle blouses. A soft neck bow plays up the vintage feeling of velvet without adding more shine.

Layers for cold days

Most of the year I wear my velvet skirts with a layer on top.

• Long cardigans. A long, soft cardigan in a neutral looks relaxed and covers well when you're walking to shul or to a friend's house.
• Blazers. A structured black or camel blazer over a turtleneck makes velvet feel polished enough for work.
• Long wool coats. Choose a coat that comes to the hem of the skirt or close to it, so the outfit looks finished from the street.
• Cropped jackets. A short tweed or boucle jacket shows off the skirt and adds a second texture.

Shoes and tights

• Opaque tights. Black or a tone that matches the skirt keeps the outfit smooth and warm.
• Ankle boots. Suede or leather block-heel boots work for everyday wear and walking.
• Knee-high boots. Sleek boots under a midi skirt look polished and keep you warm.
• Ballet flats and loafers. Easy for daytime and long Shabbos walks.
• Block heels and pumps. For weddings and holiday parties, a velvet or satin heel finishes the outfit.

Easy velvet skirt outfit formulas

1. Black velvet maxi skirt plus ivory silk blouse plus pearl earrings plus block heels for a holiday party
2. Deep green velvet skirt plus cream cable-knit sweater plus brown ankle boots for a cozy weekend
3. Burgundy velvet midi skirt plus gray fine-knit turtleneck plus black loafers for Shabbos lunch
4. Navy velvet skirt plus white button-down plus camel blazer plus knee-high boots for work
5. Black velvet skirt plus long camel cardigan plus ballet flats for an easy weekday
6. Chocolate velvet skirt plus blush bow blouse plus suede pumps for a family simcha

Dressing a velvet skirt up or down

To make it dressier, keep everything else smooth and refined: a silky blouse, delicate jewelry, sleek heels and a clutch. To make it everyday, add matte textures like wool, cotton and suede, and swap heels for flats or boots. The skirt stays the same; the pieces around it set the mood.

Caring for velvet

• Hang it from the waistband with clip hangers padded with a bit of tissue so they don't leave marks.
• Never fold velvet tightly or pack it under heavy clothes, since the pile crushes.
• Steam it from the inside to lift creases. Don't press velvet flat with an iron.
• Brush gently in the direction of the pile with a soft clothes brush to remove lint.
• Follow the care label. Many velvets need dry cleaning, and some stretch velvets can be hand washed.

The bottom line

A long velvet skirt is one of the easiest ways to look put together all winter. Start with a deep color like black, green or burgundy, pair it with a soft knit or a simple blouse, and add tights and boots for everyday or heels for the holidays. Once you see how often you reach for it, you'll wonder how you got through winter without one.

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