Velvet is one of the hottest trends of the fall and winter seasons, while also being one of the easiest to wear. It comes in a variety of styles and colors and adds a touch of luxury to normal, everyday outfits. We recommend choosing just one velvet piece to wear at a time, unless you’re going all out in a pantsuit, especially since velvet looks so great mixed with other fabrics and textures. Below, you’ll find everything from daily basics to statement pieces that are perfect for the chilly weather ahead.

1. Statement-Making Jacket

Stunning. Gorgeous. Unforgettable. With descriptives like that, a jacket like this is sure to wow throughout the holiday season and beyond. Statement jackets are a great way to incorporate some velvet this time of year, too. From blazers to bombers, and everything in between, you can take pieces like these and add a touch of the crushed fabric to pieces you already own. We’re loving the simplicity of the model’s outfit. Basic black pants and a silky camisole are all you need to let this jacket take center stage. It would also look amazing with a simple little black dress and booties. Priced at $368.

2. Casual Chic Sweatshirt

Get your chic on this winter in a comfy, cozy, and ultra stylish sweatshirt with a very wearable velvet front panel. A great way to combine effortless and glamorous, this is a piece you’ll want to dress up and down, depending on your mood. Great with the matching pants, you can choose to go that route, or opt for jeans, leggings, or even a bodycon midi skirt. Pair with sneakers, loafers, a dressy boot, and more. Could also looks great with some flashy earrings and a statement lip. Priced at $47.40.

3. Pretty Practical Pants

It’s easy to imagine the feel of the luxe velvety exterior on these visually appealing pants. This is a true commitment to wearing the wintry textile, but a fashionable and practical one, nonetheless. Besides, a nice little pop of color in a sea of black is always a good thing, especially considering that these will pair well with so many of the neutrals you already own. We’d love to see this with a chunky cable knit sweater and knee-high boots, or dressed up with a pretty cami, fitted blazer, and heels or booties. Priced at $179.

4. Party Circuit Dress

A little bit retro with a lot of class, this dress is a stunning choice for hitting the holiday party circuit with a dash of velvet dotted throughout. With a dress this pretty, you don’t really need much jewelry–a pair of earrings and a cocktail ring should suffice. When it comes to shoes, you can go the traditional route with heels, or go closed-toe in a pair of ankle booties. If it’s extra chilly, wear tights. And don’t forget your clutch all of the essentials. Priced at $220.

5. Stomping Ground Shoes

One surefire way to wear velvet this season is on your feet. Rich, luxurious, and smooth, the iridescent-like exterior of these pale blush boots is a unique choice. Don’t let the special coloring deter you–they’d still look great with lots of fall and winter staples. Pair them with winter whites, tan, beige, black, multicolored pieces, and denim. From jeans to dresses, we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with how many ways you can style these boots. Priced at $128.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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The holiday party circuit is in full swing, which means the age-old dilemma of what to wear will be rearing its ugly head. Fortunately, we’re staving it off at the pass with this round-up of lovely celebration-worthy looks. We’ll dress them up and dress them down, so you can find new ways to wear them year after year.

1. Boho Chic Jumpsuit

Totally gorgeous and unique, you can pretty well bet you won’t be showing up to the party matching another guest in this velvety, boho-chic jumpsuit. The red wine coloring coupled with contrasting black pattern and trim makes for the perfect holiday color combo. Details rule with this piece, which is why we’re loving the removeable black tassel belt and criss-cross halter neck. And, if you’re feeling cheeky, throw on a pair of black tassel earrings to complete the trendy trifecta. Pair with black booties, closed-toe heels, or pointy pumps–would also look great with black mules or loafers, length allowing. Add all the usual accessories, like clutches and fitted blazers to complete the look. Priced at $158.

2. Little Black Dress

A holiday party-ready list just wouldn’t be complete without a universally flattering little black dress. This shift-style piece is roomy throughout the body, offering a very forgiving and modern fit that can be belted if you choose. The arms add a touch of the statement-sleeve trend without going overboard, and the medium weight stretch rib offers the option of dressing this piece up or down. Black tights and metallic accents, like jewelry, a thin belt, and/or clutch, plus your favorite heeled booties would definitely elevate this look for an evening cocktail affair.  We’re also liking this look with the patent combat boots and statement watch–a cool look for a casual holiday get together, for sure. Priced at $118.

3. Statement Pencil Skirt

Whether you love rainbows, unicorns, or just have an affinity for colorful things that sparkle, you’ll quickly fall head-over-heels for this statement skirt. The modest midi length makes it perfect for any occasion, while the eye-catching glimmer and multi-hued facade definitely scream “party time!” You’ll love dressing this piece up or down. Try it with soft sweaters and mules, graphic tees and booties, or a silky top and chic heels. Another lovely look would be choosing monochrome everything, except for the skirt. Go for an opal, pearlescent white for your top, shoes, and purse to really let your skirt steal the show. Oh, and if you’re feeling adventurous, create a smoky eye makeup look with a fun pop of color to coordinate. Priced at $148.

4. Casual Chic Joggers

Nothing says I’m ready to party all night long like a pair of sequined velvet joggers. The epitome of casual chic, you’ll look and feel fantastic at every holiday party you attend. Pair these with a jumper, sweater, tank, or basic tee, then dress it up or down with your accessories. For a fancier look, opt for a fitted blazer in a contrasting color, a silky top, and a pair of heels. For a more casual look, choose a graphic or basic long sleeve tee and pair with platform sneakers, flats, or loafers. Priced at $188.

5. Perfect Layering Dress

Slip dresses are still on-trend this holiday party season. However, you don’t have to be stuck with a one-trick pony. For a piece you’ll wear again, look for a slip dress that can be layered to suit the occasion, weather, and your personal style. Most won’t have an issue with the length–it’s conservative and appropriate for a variety of events. The less-modest top, though, is where some might find issue. Fortunately, you can layer this over other shirts, like a plain cotton tee, or a sheer mesh top. In addition, you can also layer other tops over this dress, like belted sweaters. Edge it up with a faux leather jacket and ankle booties, or break out your cropped faux fur jacket and over the knee boots for a trendy ensemble. Priced at $98.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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The invitations are pouring in, and Christmas and New Year’s Eve are just around the corner, which means it’s time to don your happiest holiday party outfits as you set out to celebrate the season with family and friends.

This year, though, you don’t have to sacrifice style for compassion because we’ve rounded up three of the hottest cruelty-free holiday party outfits that, unless you share the details (which we totally hope you do), no one will ever know the difference between what we’ve chosen and a designer outfit you’d by from a department store.

Whether you’re attending a Christmas cocktail party, the annual office shindig, or ringing in the New Year with your besties, we’ve got an outfit for every occasion. Many of the designers featured are kind to animals and the planet, which is a great way to end the year if you ask us – by consciously including the welfare of our furry friends and natural resources in your thoughts as you embark on a new beginning full of positive vibes.

The remaining holiday events are just around the corner, so let’s get started!

1. Golden Girl

The outfit pictured here is perfect for the modern woman who wishes to celebrate in style, and could easily go from the office to a variety of holiday occasions. The simplicity of the black and white palette really allows the golden accessories to shine. Its neutrality also lends a lot of versatility and offers the ability to play with the addition of color, whether in the shell top, shoes, or the jewelry and clutch it’s paired with. Wear this to cocktail hour, dinner, the company Christmas party, a New Year’s Eve party, and so much more.

The booties keep this outfit from looking too stuffy, while the bold black and white stripes lend a contemporary and whimsical vibe to an otherwise plain pencil skirt.

Clockwise from the top: Relux Sustainable Jacket $82.68; Nama Brass Fringe Necklace $180; Vegan Dance Card Gold Clutch $28; Vegan Dannie by Beyond Skin Bootie $199.99; Fair + True Sustainable Skirt $82.68; Skunkfunk Organic Cotton Vest Top $20.06.

2. Posh Print-cess 

Whoever said that holiday party outfits are relegated to the typical red, green, black, gold, and silver was so wrong. And we’re here to prove it. This gorgeous blue floral and botanical print jacket adds such a sophisticated yet unpretentious vibe to this ensemble. Layered simply with a flowing black tank, grey pants, and wedge boots, this is an outfit that might already be somewhere in your closet, you just haven’t realized it yet. Wear this to a tree decorating party, holiday gift exchange, night out with friends, or a homey dinner party.

The key to any great party outfit is to accessorize smartly, which we’ve done here with the mock mother of pearl clutch and the fluffy, face framing and eye-catching feather earrings.

Clockwise from the top: Fair + True Floral Print Blazer $66.14; Flock Together White Feather Earrings $15; Vegan Of the Pearl-essence Silver Lucite Clutch $46; Vegan Tamara Covered Wedge Bootie $139.99; Komodo Fair Trade Herringbone Trousers $77.17; Go Green M by M Sustainable Eco Vest $30.87.

3. Silvery Siren 

Again, there’s no reason to shy away from color when it comes to dressing for holiday parties. This stunning pink lace dress is a show stopper. With the black velvety pumps and festive accessories, you’ve got a winning combination. To really bring this look into the winter weather season, and keep your legs warm, be sure to layer a pair of black tights underneath this dress and pair it with your favorite coat. Wear this to a New Year’s Eve soiree, formal brunch, company holiday party, dinner, drinks, and so much more.

The jewelry and clutch are what really elevate this dress to party status level by adding some much needed sparkle, shine, and texture.

Clockwise from the top: Fair + True Fair Trade Square Shoulder Lace Dress $82.68; Astute Courtier Silver Rhinestone Earrings $11; Vegan Destined for the Arena Beaded Clutch $52; Vegan Margaret Velvet Pumps $99.99; Rotating Prism Silver Rhinestone Necklace $28.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our holiday party outfits post filled with beautiful eco-friendly and cruelty-free finds. What did you think about our choices? Any big holiday plans this year – what will you be wearing? Let us know on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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Image of Blue Shoes via Shutterstock

The post 3 Holiday Party Outfits That Will Help You Rock the Night Away appeared first on EcoSalon.

My collection of big woolly sweaters sure does get a workout during the holiday season. Unfortunately I can’t stay indoors and hibernate, as there are festive parties to attend – parties that prefer glitz and glam over warm and cozy. I may follow EcoSalon’s fashion editor Amy DuFault’s lead this winter and invest in a cape. How can you go wrong with a timeless piece that’s both trendy and keeps you protected from the elements?

Wondering you can turn up the heat on your own? Sans cape? I suggest going for a naughty and nice look. Piggybacked on the leather and lace trend that swept the scene earlier this year, choose a classic lace dress that has a bit of a body con shape and balance it with a hip leather jacket that acts as an edgy indoor layer. Finish off the look with over the knee platform heel boots.

This look is urban chic and sure to get checked off Santa’s list, as well as a few fashionistas who will be lusting over your confident cocktail attire.

The post Naughty and Nice appeared first on EcoSalon.