Would You Wear

Would You Wear Velvet?

ron weasley dressed up.jpgWe wore a strapless, cranberry colored velvet dress to our 8th grade Christmas dance. We might have even worn it with our docs, and we definitely spent the night dancing to Cherry Poppin’ Daddies.

But we haven’t owned anything velvet since that winter of ‘97 and the sight of velvet dresses, jackets, or - god forbid - suits, makes us a bit nauseous.

The fabric looks stale, stiff and inappropriate on persons under the age of seventy-five. In fact, the one time we can remember not liking a Kate Moss ensemble was when it included a velvet coat. And remember when Jerry Seinfeld said, “I would drape myself in velvet if it were socially acceptable?” Yeah, that served as a repellent, too.

That said, we’ve seen the fabric popping up in many a holiday window, and in less than cheesy displays. A navy velvet version of Calypso’s classic wrap dress is in their window on our block and Theory makes a slim cut velvet blazer that could make a pair of jeans a bit more polished.

Do you rock velvet around the holidays? Or will you wait until you’re surrounded by grandkids to drape yourself in the lush fabric?

Comments

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1

posted by guest

Dec 05, 2007 12:40PM

That wasn't Jerry, it was George.

2

posted by Kate

Dec 05, 2007 12:51PM

I would completely agree, except that in high school, I had an awesome Betsey Johnson dress-a simple, short, swingy tank dress that draped perfectly...it was navy blue and if not velvet, velveteen or some other similar velvet-like fabric. It was the most expensive item of clothing I had ever bought for myself, and it was perfect. It got stolen out of my dorm room when I was moving one time or I would still be wearing it.

And I think it was George who made the velvet remark, which is worse.

3

posted by FWD

Dec 05, 2007 12:52PM

Absolutely. I've got a gorgeous vintage 30s dress with velvet over the back and shoulders, and it's amazing.

4

posted by Katie

Dec 05, 2007 12:53PM

I actually really like velvet. I never associated it with old people at all. I hate stretch velvet though, it always looks tacky.

5

posted by xxi

Dec 05, 2007 1:05PM

If people can rock velour, then it should be socially acceptable to rock velvet. I think Tom Ford does it very well [obviously] but I saw a really gorgeous guy in the subway with a navy velvet blazer and it was just amazing. If you have the style and the balls, go for it!

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6

posted by guest

Dec 05, 2007 1:06PM

It depends on the velvet. Most velvet looks cheap and has that tired look, but a good silk velvet (as in some vintage) can look beautiful--Jill Stuart made a great flapper dress in velvet a couple of years back that I own and it is gorgeous. That said, most velvet is something I shy away from.

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7

posted by guest

Dec 05, 2007 1:33PM

I just wore a sleeveless black velvet dress on Friday night. With a belt. I thought I looked hot. Wish I could submit a photo to you and get your thoughts!

8

posted by mpw

Dec 05, 2007 2:17PM

I'd only wear velvet underground

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9

posted by guest

Dec 05, 2007 2:23PM

as i recall, Katie Holmes wore this amazingly flattering Hermes Fall 2007 midnight blue velvet gown a few weeks back.

her sleekest look this year, i say!

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10

posted by guest

Dec 05, 2007 2:39PM

I love a good fitted velvet blazer! I have a black one that is perfect for the holiday season.
www.thevintagesociety.blogspot.com

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posted by Rockmantica

Dec 05, 2007 2:41PM

I bought the cute black velvet dress w/ white satin binding from the Behnaz Sarafpour for Target line last year. I think velveteen can be very rock and roll, but velvet is trickier.

Oh, remember crushed velvet? My mom has this awesome crushed velvet suit (w/ major bell bottoms) from the 70s. Too bad it doesn’t fit me. I would rock it.

12

posted by GQDetails8604

Dec 05, 2007 3:07PM

Velvet is only socially acceptable during the holidays that is like a serious foible if you wear velvet in the spring, summer, or early fall. Anything other time is basically early/late winter, then its socially acceptable. Thats my own standard

13

posted by Jacqueminette

Dec 05, 2007 4:25PM

Velvet can be tricky to pull off, but the rewards are great indeed. Especially when made of silk, it is so unbelievably soft. The texture is delightful. Touch plays a primary role in my choice of dress.

14

posted by astralpunch

Dec 05, 2007 5:49PM

I'm wearing a fitted, dark brown velvet jacket frequently this fall. It's perfect for Los Angeles weather. The collar stands up with slight ruffles and gives the jacket a fantastically Adam Ant-esque quality.

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15

posted by guest

Dec 05, 2007 6:58PM

It was George Costanza and it was Velour...not velvet.

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16

posted by guest

Dec 06, 2007 3:25AM

this is there third "would you wear" that i've had to answer YES to. in fact i sometimes wear my shorts in the winter time with legwarmers (over tights of course) and a fitted velvet blazer.

and on the velvet note i've been trying desperately to track down some velvet/velour leggings. we actually live in a world where it's easier to find gauche gold lame leggings than some tasteful (and warm) crushed velvet ones!!

17

posted by alicia_fallow_au

Dec 06, 2007 8:13AM

Not to completely offend the Fashionista, but as a fan of 90s grunge fashion, I would rock a deep burgandy fitted velvet blazer with my skinny jeans and black Dr.Martens if I had one.

Oh yes I would!

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18

posted by guest

Dec 06, 2007 12:52PM

I have an adorable navy crushed velvet Bestey Johnson babydoll mini dress that I have had since high school. I am debating wearing it with opaque tights and patent heels, but i cant decide...

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posted by guest

Dec 06, 2007 6:18PM

Ew. I hate velvet. I actually have kind of a fear of it. I hate to look at it. I hate to feel it. And it's always all dusty!

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20

posted by Free Forced Pussy

Oct 30, 2009 3:45AM

yeah.. love this )

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