Velvet Jackets & Coats: The Ultimate Guide to Styling & Shopping

Velvet jackets and coats are the epitome of luxurious dressing, transforming any outfit from ordinary to extraordinary with their rich texture and timeless appeal. As someone who's styled countless clients over the years, I can confidently say that a well-chosen velvet piece is one of the most versatile investments you can make in your wardrobe. Whether you're after a blazer for the boardroom or a sumptuous coat for evening events, velvet delivers sophistication with a touch of drama that few fabrics can match.

Why Velvet Never Goes Out of Style

I've watched velvet cycle through fashion seasons for decades, and here's what I've learned: it's not just a trend piece. The fabric's inherent luxury and light-catching properties make it a perennial favourite among style mavens and fashion editors alike. From Yves Saint Laurent's iconic Le Smoking jacket in velvet to today's contemporary interpretations, this fabric continues to command attention and respect in fashion circles.

The beauty of velvet lies in its versatility. During daylight hours, it adds subtle richness to your look, whilst under evening lights, it transforms into something truly spectacular. I've seen clients wear the same velvet blazer to client meetings and cocktail parties with equal success – it's all in the styling.

Choosing the Right Velvet for Your Body Shape

As with any statement piece, fit is everything when it comes to velvet. The fabric's pile creates visual interest and can be incredibly flattering when cut correctly. Here's my professional guidance:

For Pear Shapes

Opt for velvet blazers with strong shoulder lines and tailored waists. The texture draws attention upwards, beautifully balancing your proportions. I particularly love cropped velvet jackets that hit just at the hip bone – they're incredibly flattering and modern.

For Apple Shapes

Look for open-front velvet coats and blazers that create a vertical line. Avoid double-breasted styles and instead choose pieces with clean, streamlined silhouettes. A velvet duster coat can be absolutely stunning, creating elegant length whilst skimming over your middle.

For Rectangle Shapes

You can carry off structured velvet beautifully. Think military-inspired velvet jackets with defined waists, or double-breasted coats that create curves. The fabric's richness adds visual interest to your naturally sleek silhouette.

For Hourglass Shapes

Fitted velvet blazers are your friend – they showcase your waist whilst the fabric's luxury feels perfectly proportioned to your curves. Wrap-style velvet coats are particularly flattering, enhancing your natural silhouette.

Styling Velvet: From Day to Night

One of my favourite aspects of styling velvet is its chameleon-like ability to work across different occasions. Here's how I approach it:

Daytime Sophistication

For professional settings, I pair a navy or forest green velvet blazer with crisp white shirts and tailored trousers. The key is keeping the rest of your outfit understated – let the velvet be the star. A burgundy velvet jacket over a simple cashmere jumper and dark denim creates effortless weekend elegance.

Evening Glamour

This is where velvet truly shines. A midnight blue velvet coat over a slip dress creates Old Hollywood glamour, whilst a cropped velvet jacket can modernise a formal gown. I often suggest jewel tones – emerald, sapphire, or deep plum – for evening events as they photograph beautifully under artificial lighting.

Seasonal Styling

Autumn and winter are velvet's natural seasons, but don't dismiss it come spring. A lightweight velvet blazer in dusty pink or sage green can be gorgeous for transitional weather. I've styled clients in velvet bomber jackets for contemporary spring looks that feel fresh and unexpected.

The Art of Colour Selection

Colour choice with velvet is crucial because the fabric's pile affects how hues appear. Rich, saturated colours work best – they complement velvet's inherent luxury. Here are my go-to recommendations:

Classic Neutrals: Black, navy, and deep brown are foolproof choices that work with everything in your wardrobe. These shades are particularly practical for investment pieces.

Jewel Tones: Emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red create stunning statement pieces. These colours photograph beautifully and work wonderfully for special occasions.

Muted Sophistication: Dusty rose, sage green, and mushroom grey offer contemporary alternatives that feel fresh and modern whilst maintaining velvet's inherent elegance.

Where to Shop: My Curated Brand Recommendations

High Street Heroes (£40-150)

Zara: Consistently delivers trend-led velvet pieces with excellent cut and contemporary styling. Their velvet blazers are particularly strong this season.

H&M: Brilliant for experimenting with velvet trends without major investment. Their Conscious collection often features sustainable velvet options.

Next: Offers classic styles in quality fabrics. Their velvet coats are beautifully tailored and perfect for building a capsule wardrobe.

Mango: Spanish sophistication at accessible prices. Their velvet pieces often feature interesting details and contemporary cuts.

Premium Brands (£200-600)

Reiss: Modern British tailoring meets luxury fabrics. Their velvet blazers are investment pieces that last for years.

COS: Minimalist Scandinavian design in premium materials. Perfect for those who prefer understated elegance.

Ted Baker: Feminine details and beautiful construction. Their velvet coats often feature unique design elements.

Whistles: Contemporary British design with excellent attention to fit and finish.

Sandro: Parisian chic with a modern edge. Their velvet pieces often feature interesting textural contrasts.

Designer Investment (£800+)

Saint Laurent: The gold standard for velvet blazers. Their Le Smoking jacket remains an iconic piece worth the investment.

Tom Ford: Impeccable tailoring and luxurious fabrics. His velvet pieces are red-carpet worthy.

Alexander McQueen: Dramatic silhouettes and exceptional craftsmanship. Perfect for making a statement.

Burberry: British heritage meets modern luxury. Their velvet coats are timeless pieces you'll treasure forever.

Contemporary Gems (£300-800)

Ganni: Danish cool-girl aesthetic with playful velvet pieces that feel fresh and youthful.

Nanushka: Innovative designs and sustainable practices. Their velvet pieces often feature unexpected details.

Rixo: Vintage-inspired pieces with modern twists. Perfect for those who love retro glamour.

Stand Studio: Specialises in outerwear with a Scandinavian aesthetic. Their velvet coats are particularly covetable.

Care and Maintenance: Keeping Your Velvet Perfect

Velvet requires special care, but with proper attention, your pieces will maintain their beauty for years. Here's my professional advice:

Storage: Always hang velvet pieces on padded hangers to maintain their shape. Cover with breathable garment bags to protect from dust whilst allowing air circulation.

Cleaning: Professional dry cleaning is essential for maintaining velvet's appearance. Never attempt to wash velvet at home – the results are rarely successful.

Refreshing: Steam gently to remove wrinkles, but never apply direct pressure. Use a handheld steamer or hang in a steamy bathroom.

Investment vs. Trend: Making Smart Choices

Not all velvet pieces are created equal when it comes to longevity. Based on my experience styling clients, here's what I recommend investing in versus what you can approach more affordably:

Worth the Investment: Classic blazers in navy, black, or deep green. Well-tailored velvet coats in timeless silhouettes. These pieces will serve you for decades.

Try Affordably First: Trendy colours, cropped styles, or experimental silhouettes. Test these on the high street before investing in designer versions.

Never Guess Your Size Again with Tellar.co.uk

As a stylist, one of my biggest frustrations is seeing clients struggle with sizing across different brands. That's why I'm excited to share Tellar.co.uk – the UK's leading sizing tool that matches your body exactly to over 1,500 brands instantly.

Here's how it transforms your velvet shopping experience:

1. Measure Once, Shop Everywhere

Simply input your bust, waist, and hip measurements, or use your existing size from a brand that fits you perfectly. Tellar's algorithm does the rest.

2. Use the Store Size Lookup Tool

Get your precise size in any brand – from COS to Reiss, from Saint Laurent to Ganni. Visit tellar.co.uk/store-size-lookup/ and never second-guess a velvet blazer purchase again.

3. Always Free, No Downloads

The tool works directly in your browser, making it incredibly convenient for those last-minute shopping decisions.

Plus: The Tellar Fashion Hub

Beyond sizing, Tellar offers a treasure trove of free styling advice from top fashion professionals. Their library includes honest, unbiased, and independent style guidance that's always free. It's like having a personal stylist at your fingertips.

Useful Resources:

Final Styling Wisdom

After years of working with velvet, here's my parting advice: confidence is your best accessory. Velvet commands attention, so wear it with pride. Start with one classic piece – perhaps a navy velvet blazer – and gradually build your collection as you discover what works best for your lifestyle and personal style.

Remember, the most beautiful velvet piece in the world won't serve you if it doesn't fit properly or suit your body shape. Take time to try different styles, use tools like Tellar to ensure perfect sizing, and choose pieces that make you feel powerful and elegant.

Velvet isn't just fabric – it's an experience. When you slip on a beautifully cut velvet jacket, you're connecting with decades of fashion history whilst creating your own style story. That's the magic I want every woman to experience.

Happy styling, and remember – life's too short for boring clothes!