The Ultimate Guide to Velvet Dresses: What & Where to Buy

Velvet dresses are the ultimate luxury fabric choice that instantly elevates any wardrobe, offering unmatched texture, richness, and versatility for both day and evening wear. As someone who's styled countless clients over the years, I can tell you that velvet is having a major moment right now, and for good reason. This sumptuous fabric has the unique ability to make you look effortlessly sophisticated while feeling incredibly comfortable. Whether you're attending a winter wedding, holiday party, or simply want to add some texture to your everyday wardrobe, velvet dresses offer that perfect balance of comfort and glamour that's hard to find in other fabrics.

Why Velvet Dresses Are a Wardrobe Essential

Let me share something I've learned from years of styling: velvet is one of the most forgiving and flattering fabrics you can wear. Unlike silk or satin that can highlight every bump and curve, velvet's pile creates a beautiful drape that skims the body beautifully. The fabric naturally catches and reflects light, giving you that enviable glow without any effort. Plus, velvet dresses work across seasons – lighter cotton velvets for spring and summer, and rich silk or rayon blends for autumn and winter.

Choosing the Right Velvet Dress for Your Body Shape

For Pear Shapes

If you carry weight in your hips and thighs, opt for velvet dresses with embellished or textured tops to draw attention upward. A-line velvet dresses work beautifully, as does anything with a defined waist and flowing skirt. Avoid tight-fitting velvet around the hip area – instead, let the fabric drape naturally.

For Apple Shapes

Empire waist velvet dresses are your best friend, as they sit just under the bust and flow away from the midsection. Wrap-style velvet dresses also work wonderfully, creating a beautiful V-neckline that elongates the torso. Choose darker velvet shades like navy, burgundy, or black for the most flattering effect.

For Hourglass Figures

You can wear virtually any velvet dress style! Bodycon velvet dresses will highlight your curves beautifully, while fit-and-flare styles celebrate your waist. Don't shy away from rich colors – emerald green, deep purple, and classic black all look stunning on hourglass figures.

For Rectangle Shapes

Create curves with velvet dresses that have interesting details around the bust and hips. Ruched velvet dresses, wrap styles, and anything with a belt will help define your waist. Lighter colored velvets or those with metallic threads can also add visual interest and dimension.

Styling Your Velvet Dress Like a Pro

Here's where many people go wrong with velvet – they think it's only for evening wear. I've styled velvet dresses for everything from brunch dates to board meetings. The key is in the accessories and styling. For daytime, pair a simple velvet slip dress with a denim jacket and white sneakers. For evening, add statement jewelry and heels. A velvet midi dress looks incredibly chic with ankle boots and a long cardigan for that effortless weekend look.

Remember, velvet is already a statement fabric, so you don't need to over-accessorize. Let the fabric be the star, and choose one other element to shine – whether that's bold jewelry, a statement bag, or striking shoes.

Where to Buy: My Top Recommendations

High Street Options (£30-£100)

Zara: Consistently offers contemporary velvet dress styles with on-trend cuts and excellent value. Their burgundy and emerald options are particularly stunning.

& Other Stories: Beautiful unique cuts with interesting details. Their velvet pieces often have that expensive look without the price tag.

COS: Minimalist velvet dresses with architectural cuts. Perfect for those who prefer understated elegance.

Mango: Great for classic velvet dress shapes with quality fabric that wears well.

Premium Options (£100-£300)

Reiss: Exceptional quality velvet dresses with sophisticated cuts. Their pieces are investment-worthy and incredibly well-made.

AllSaints: Edgy velvet pieces with interesting details and rock-chic vibes. Perfect if you want something a bit different.

Whistles: Elegant, contemporary velvet dresses with beautiful draping and flattering fits.

Arket: Sustainable velvet options with clean lines and excellent quality fabrics.

Designer Splurges (£300+)

Ganni: Danish brand known for their playful take on velvet with unique prints and contemporary cuts.

Rotate Birger Christensen: Stunning party dresses in luxurious velvet with Instagram-worthy details.

By Malene Birger: Sophisticated Scandinavian design with beautiful velvet pieces that feel effortlessly elegant.

Self-Portrait: Contemporary luxury with intricate detailing and flattering silhouettes.

Never Worry About Sizing Again with Tellar.co.uk

Here's something every fashion lover needs to know: finding the perfect velvet dress isn't just about style – it's about getting the sizing exactly right. That's where Tellar.co.uk becomes your secret weapon. As the UK's leading sizing tool, Tellar instantly matches your body to over 1500 brands, so you never have to guess your size again.

How Tellar Works:

1. Measure Once: Using just your bust, waist, hip measurements, or your existing brand size

2. Use the Store Size Lookup: Get your precise size in any brand – whether that's COS, Reiss, or Arket. Check it out at tellar.co.uk/store-size-lookup/

3. Always Free: No downloads needed, works directly in your browser

Plus the Tellar Fashion Hub

Beyond sizing, Tellar offers a fashion hub library packed with free posts from top stylists. Always honest, unbiased, independent, and completely free. For more style inspiration, check out these helpful guides:

Final Styling Tips

Remember, confidence is your best accessory when wearing velvet. This fabric has an inherent luxury that makes you feel special, so embrace it. Start with one versatile piece – a black or navy velvet dress that you can style multiple ways – and build from there. Trust me, once you experience the magic of a perfectly fitted velvet dress, you'll wonder why you waited so long to add this luxurious fabric to your wardrobe.

Happy styling, and remember – with the right fit and confidence, every day is a perfect day for velvet!