How I’m Styling Velvet Pants for the Holidays
Is it just me, or does time seem to speed up this time of year? Whether it’s the shorter days or a busier calendar, the weeks leading up to the holidays always seem to fly by. In my social circle, holiday gatherings often come together on short notice, and while they’re usually fairly casual, I still want to look festive. So I’ve learned to prep a few holiday outfits before we get too deep into November. This year I’m starting with a pair of velvet pants and styling them three ways for looks that hit my “festive, not fussy” Sweet Spot.
I don’t believe that most of us need a lot of special occasion clothes. My approach to festive dressing is to mix everyday pieces with something a little more special, and use accessories to dial the look up or down. For these outfits, I’ve (mostly) shopped my closet for pieces to style with the velvet pants.
Casual & Cozy: Velvet Pants with an Ivory Sweater
My sizes: Sweater – S, Pants – M
These velvet pants are from Frank & Eileen, a new arrival. I knew as soon as I saw that color that they’d work brilliantly in my wardrobe. The color is in between Cinnamon and Honey in the Spring palette, and close to Old Gold in the Autumn palette (and they’re also available in navy). The fabric is fluid and drapes nicely, and has a crushed velvet texture.
They run a little small, so I sized up to a Medium. The style says “cropped,” but they’re just below ankle length on 5’1″ me, perfect for wearing with flats. Bonus: they’re machine washable!
Above, for a casual holiday look, I’ve paired them with a relaxed ivory sweater that’s been a favorite for a couple of years now, and gold ruched ballet flats. The bracelet adds some sparkle. I could easily add a sparkly necklace or brooch to dial the look up a notch.
Dinner Ready: Velvet Pants with a Pleated Top
This pleated top is from a prior season at Ruti. You can see how I styled with the matching pants here: Holiday Hosting Outfit. (I hope they bring back these pleated pieces!) I purchased the bag last year for a fancy do, and the shoes are a few years old.
I’d wear this for a holiday dinner or evening out.
Party Ready: Velvet Pants with a Leopard Jacket
My sizes: Jacket – 1, Pants – M
Party ready! I picked up this leopard jacket on sale in London, and absolutely love it. (It also works beautifully styled casually with jeans.) I’d wear this look for a cocktail party or dressier holiday event.
Velvet Pants for Cool Color Palettes
If you’re looking for velvet pants in a cool tone, here are a few to consider:
Eileen Fisher | Paige | J.Crew | Evereve | Chico’s | Ann Taylor | NYDJ | Talbots | Loft
Do you have a favorite piece to bring out for holiday gatherings? I’d love to hear how you style it!
I’m working on several more holiday outfit ideas, so keep your eyes open for those. And in the meantime, here’s more festive-not-fussy holiday style inspiration:
Festive Casual Outfits in Neutral Shades | How to Style Burgundy for the Holidays
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Susan, you look stunning in all of these outfits! I have a pair of blue velvet Eileen Fisher pants. Can velvet pants be considered for an everyday look? I would love to put them into a more regular rotation.
Hi Cindy, thanks! Yes, I think you absolutely could wear a pair of relaxed velvet pants for every day.
Love the looks and am so happy to have found your blog!
Thanks so much, Stacy, and welcome!
Love these stylings. I have a pair of old EFisher velvet pants that I haven’t worn in years. You’ve given me some good ideas.
I hope Ruti brings back the pleated top. Thx to you, got the pleated pants, missed out on the top,
Btw…would you/can you do some pix full front rather than with slight turn? Front view would really help me see fit better….drape, fullness, etc. if I’m thinking about buying that exact piece. And also, want to get a better view of the way you tuck/half tuck. I’d like to try to duplicate it.
Thx, Susan?
You knocked it out of the park with this post! Great ideas for the holidays. Beautifully done.
Pull-on velvet pants are proof that the fashion industry loves us after all.
Thanks for the cool color palette options. You’ve put together some great outfits. I really need to pull together some holiday outfits early this year. No waiting until the last minute. Thank you for the inspiration.
Honestly, what fantastic outfits!! You’ve done so well. Love all three of them.
Greetje
Thanks so much, Greetje!
the pants are a gorgeous colour for you and a great length but i dont love the front tuck with an elastic waistband. always think they are better covered especially for a dressier look
What size do you wear in the brown Varley rain coat?
XXS. It’s cut quite generously so you can layer up underneath.
The ivory knit keeps the palette soft while the velvet adds the festive texture. A chocolate-brown cardigan and simple loafers could take the same trousers into daytime, keeping the velvet as the focal point. Would you choose a longer, untucked knit for that version?