While traditionally associated with women’s fashion, velvet has undergone a resurgence in popularity among men, who are now incorporating this luxurious fabric into their suits, jackets, trousers, and accessories. The fabric’s high-fashion status has been solidified by its frequent appearances on the runway, fundamentally altering our perception of men’s clothing. As a result, velvet suits have transcended fleeting trend status to become a timeless wardrobe staple.
The origins of velvet-collared coats date back to the 1840s, when the 6th Earl of Chesterfield first popularized the style. Today, this sophisticated and elegant look continues to resonate, evoking the suave sophistication of James Bond. Fashion editors at Esquire magazine concur, noting that a touch of velvet can elevate even the most basic coat to exceptional status.
Styling Tips
When it comes to styling velvet, even fashion experts can benefit from a few guidelines. The key is to balance its trendy nature with timeless pieces that create a classic look. Here’s how to do it: Start by choosing the right footwear – leather loafers or suede brogues in a bold color will provide a nice contrast to the luxurious fabric. Next, consider the quality of the velvet itself.
Real velvet made from silk or cotton is the only way to go for those who want a stylish and authentic look that will stand the test of time. Colors can be subtle when working with velvet – sticking to dark and muted hues like navy blue, bottle green, or Byzantium (a rich, regal purple) will always look classy. When it comes to pants, opt for straight-cut trousers if you’re wearing a full suit, and slim-fit ones if you’re going for a more modern look.
A snug-fitting blazer is essential – neither too tight nor too loose, or the silhouette can be easily thrown off by this luxurious fabric. Finally, choose a neutral color that blends well with your dress shirts to ensure your velvet suit jacket remains relevant for seasons to come. With these tips in mind, you can effortlessly incorporate velvet into your wardrobe and avoid common pitfalls.
What to Avoid
When it comes to embracing the luxurious feel of velvet, fashion experts like Cillian O’Connor from Fashion Beans and Justin Whaley from Alive Mag are in agreement: opt for a modern fit that still showcases some ankle, rather than going for oversized or asymmetrical silhouettes. A slim-figured pair of velvet trousers is where it’s at. When selecting your velvet attire, steer clear of synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon, as they can give off a cheap appearance.
Stick to neutral pieces that complement the rest of your wardrobe ensemble, allowing the velvet to be the focal point. It’s also crucial to heed the manufacturer’s instructions when caring for your velvet garment. As it’s not a common material, it requires special handling to preserve its elegance. This includes dry cleaning only and regular brushing to maintain its texture. Avoid folding or exposing it to water to prevent damage.
How to Wear a Velvet Suit?
↓ 18 – Celebrity Style
Two celebrity-styled velvet outfits that caught my attention are James Norton’s blue velvet suit paired with a blue shirt and blue tie, and Ryan Gosling’s grey velvet suit complemented by a white shirt and black tie. While both looks are impressive, I find myself drawn to Ryan’s ensemble more so because it’s effortlessly stylish and easier to replicate for the average guy, unlike James’ look that may require a bit more flair.
↓ 17 – Velvet Blazer
While leather jackets can make a bold statement, a velvet blazer offers a similar edge without the metal and zip details. If you’re looking to incorporate a velvet blazer into your wardrobe without going overboard, pairing it with jeans is a reliable choice. For further guidance on styling velvet blazers, refer to our previous article ‘How to Wear Velvet Blazers’ for additional tips.
↓ 16 – All Black
For a timeless look that transcends occasions, consider choosing black as your go-to color. This versatile hue can elevate any outfit to formal elegance, making it an excellent choice for special events. By keeping the shirt, trousers, and accessories neutral and understated, you’ll create a cohesive ensemble that exudes sophistication.
If black isn’t quite your cup of tea, experiment with alternative options like midnight blue, dark purple, or earthy tones such as moss green, rich red, and warm brown, which can add a touch of personality to your outfit without veering too far from classic style.
↓ 15 – Blue Blazer with Black Dress Pant and Bow Tie
↓ 14 – Red
↓ 13 – With Jeans
In his statement on DMarge, European style’s chicness was expertly paired with velvet. The key to making this combination shine is to let the velvet take center stage by pairing it with a roll neck sweater in a neutral shade like grey. To add depth and texture, consider layering a cashmere underneath the velvet jacket, creating a sophisticated contrast between the two materials.
For those who prefer to avoid traditional black, rich colors like red or sapphire blue can still exude elegance when paired with this luxurious fabric.
↓ 12 – With Grey Pants
To achieve a relaxed yet stylish appearance, consider combining your jacket with a simple T-shirt, paired with dark-hued trousers and complemented by the sleekness of Chelsea boots. This understated ensemble is perfect for everyday wear or even a casual night out.
↓ 11 – Business Casual
For those who aren’t quite ready to commit to a full-on velvet ensemble, consider pairing a velvet overshirt with a cell-phone-inspired vest and distressed denim for a more laid-back look.
↓ 10 – For Wedding
When it comes to dressing up for a special occasion, a timeless choice is a traditional black velvet jacket or midnight blue tuxedo. This classic combination never goes out of style and can be worn in various settings where formal attire is required. Whether you’re attending a high-profile event like a wedding or a black-tie gala, the tuxedo is an excellent choice.
For more low-key events like balls or opera performances, a velvet tuxedo paired with a tailored shirt creates a sleek and sophisticated look. In fact, this style is versatile enough to be worn in response to formal, black-tie/optional dress code invitations.
↓ 9 – Green
↓ 8 – With Chinos
For a professional setting, velvet is a suitable choice as long as you’re adhering to any dress code guidelines. To ensure your outfit exudes sophistication, make sure your jacket fits impeccably, much like any other office attire should. Pair it with wool trousers for a classic combination or, if permitted in your workplace, opt for cotton chinos or corduroy pants instead. This versatile ensemble serves as the foundation for building a streamlined Minimalist Capsule Wardrobe for Men.
↓ 7 – With Plaids Pants
While a matching jacket can elevate the look of trousers, it’s not entirely necessary. In fact, you can still rock this style for more relaxed events by pairing the trousers with some understated loafers instead. Keep accessorizing to a minimum and consider going sans-socks for a more laid-back vibe.
↓ 6 – With Corduroy Pants
When it comes to elevating your formal look, consider incorporating a velvet fabric into your outfit. This luxurious material not only adds sophistication but also helps maintain the formality of a classic dinner jacket. For further inspiration, explore my previous post on Men’s Corduroy Pants Outfits, which offers additional styling ideas.
↓ 5 – With White Pants
While leather shoes can elevate the look of a luxurious outfit when paired with velvet jackets and suits, they also pair beautifully with a more casual ensemble. For a laid-back yet stylish approach, consider sole brogues or Chelsea boots, which complement jeans just as well as they do velvet garments.
↓ 4 – With Turtle Neck
↓ 3 – Black Dinner Jacket
↓ 2 – Midnight Blue
While it’s understandable that you might want to reconsider your initial choice, why not opt for a statement piece that will stand the test of time? A timeless velvet jacket in a rich, modern color such as classic black, wine red, or midnight blue can be just the thing. Midnight blue, in particular, is an excellent option for formal events like black-tie gatherings – its understated elegance is sure to make you shine.
↓ 1 – Accessories For Velvet Suits
According to renowned writer Michael, a thoughtful combination of a tie and pocket square can be an excellent way to differentiate yourself from the rest. This classic pairing adds a touch of refined elegance to one’s attire, making it perfect for those seeking to elevate their style game. Additionally, incorporating velvet accessories can imbue your overall look with an air of sophistication and poise.
Velvet Shoes
When it comes to pulling off a stylish ensemble, Belgian Dandy’s advice is worth heeding. He suggests that velvet suits can be effortlessly paired with a range of items, including distressed denim and formal attire like a double-breasted suit. The key to success lies in combining the luxurious fabric with complementary pieces – for instance, pairing a velvet suit with a matching jacket and trousers creates a cohesive and dashing look.
However, it’s also essential to remember that velvet shoes require regular maintenance to preserve their soft nap and appearance. To avoid any mishaps, be sure to give them a good brushing and keep them dry, as rain can quickly ruin the overall effect.
