Velvet Renaissance: The Luxe Comeback Taking Over Everyday Style

It is comfortable, it is luxe, and it is very adaptable for styling. Say hello again to velvets that are having a renaissance of sorts in wardrobes. Interestingly, velvet is no longer limited to only royal courts and winter weddings; it is enjoying a revival on runways, street fashion, and everyday wardrobes in general.

Mood for velvet

Velvets have moved beyond evening and formal wear into brunch and lunch wear with interesting pairings such as with denims or lace, which showcase the versatility of velvet. Niti Gupta, Founder & Creative Director of The AFRA World, says, “While velvet has traditionally been used (and continues to be used) in very streamlined, fitted styles for the bodice and evening gowns, we are seeing velvet used in more contemporary and laidback styles, such as in slouchy and baggy silhouettes, shirts, shorts, and capes that add a touch of luxury to everyday outfits.” What is striking is that it is important to embrace the versatility of velvet and to explore it in unexpected ways, such as with bold and playful colours, materials, layers, techniques, and finishes. “The 2025 comeback sees velvet embrace rich jewel tones, such as ruby red, oak brown, champagne taupe, and midnight blue. Crushed velvet, which is a more modern interpretation of the fabric, can also be used in beautiful layers when contrasted with more lightweight fabrics such as organza, lace, or chiffon. Loungewear, including tracksuits and robes in rich velvet, is a gorgeous take on the athleisure trend, ideal for travel wear,” adds Gupta.

Karan Johar

Do it right

To keep your velvet from seeming too dated or stuffy, avoid wearing the fabric from head to toe. Dark intense colours and rich jewel tones work best since they resonate with the luxurious look and feel of the fabric. Wearing a velvet piece is all about balance—neutral, soft layers take away from the overly opulent feel that a velvet-heavy outfit can sometimes carry. Think about velvet in adventurous combinations—recent runways have even paired velvet with leather for an edgy and yet chic aesthetic. Keep it minimal when wearing velvet so that its richness can add a regal layer to the ensemble and style. Ravi Gupta, Creative Director, Gargee Designers, says, “The ideal uses for velvet are to draw attention to crisp lines and well-defined silhouettes. Tailored bandhgalas, smartly cut blazers, and elaborately embroidered sherwanis that let the natural sheen of velvet shine through without overpowering the ensemble have been the mainstays at Gargee Designers. Minimum embroidery or tone-on-tone detailing adds dimension without clashing, while solid jewel tones like maroon, emerald, and midnight blue elevate the richness of the fabric.”

Style files

When styling velvet, a balanced approach is necessary. The most important ‘do’ is to make velvet the focal point of the ensemble. To prevent visual overload, Gupta advises pairing it with lighter textiles or matte textures. Samiha Jha, Director & Founder, Sammyukk, says, “Velvet complements crisp cuts and bold silhouettes well, and it is a very versatile fabric that suits a range of designs. The most notable pieces among our best sellers are blazer dresses with precise tailoring, which are ideal statement evening wear. Velvet co-ord sets also make their mark, providing an elegant and laid-back solution for brunch-to-bar outfits. Wrap tops and draped skirts are perfect for highlighting the liquid drape of fabric, and the look is chic and laid-back.” For occasion wear, velvet lehengas and sarees provide a classy but contemporary flair, combining tradition with fashion. Also, structured, or ruched, midi dresses create a balance between the sculpted, bold look and velvet's softness. “To create more depth and individuality, we prefer to try various textures such as stretch velvet, crushed velvet, and burnout velvet that not only add to the fit of the collections but also to the aesthetic appeal. These combinations give life to velvet in innovative, fashion-inspired forms,” adds Jha. Velvet is not just a material—it's a feeling, a sense that includes both luxury and comfort. Where comfort is as vital as beauty, velvet is the perfect in-between of indulgence and comfort. It is not just about being beautiful but feeling beautiful. We are also seeking sustainable velvet with recyclable materials and minimal-impact ink. This ensures that glamour and conscience go hand in hand, allowing our clients to enjoy the beauty of velvet while helping create a greener tomorrow.

Tips

• For bold items like bandhgalas or jackets, go for velvet.

• Choose deeper hues to highlight its opulent qualities.

• Keep the fit customised to prevent looking clumsy.

• Velvet might appear heavy and outdated if it is layered on top of other velvet.

• Avoid finishes that are too glossy or artificial.

• Don't over-accessorise; velvet already gives your outfit depth.