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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Discover the velvet fabric trend for you and your home.

Velvet fabric is a woven tufted fabric that can either be made from synthetic or natural fibers. The tufted woven quality of velvet is what makes it distinctive. Not only is velvet unbelievable soft, but its textural qualities add dynamism to the finished product. Running your hand over any velvet fabric can change the direction of the pile, which creates a deepening or lightening effect.

In addition to being a super elegant choice, velvet is also a great fabric choice for cooler weather. And not only can a velvet throw or velvet blazer really help take the chill out of the air, it also adds a bit of luxury to any outfit or living space.

Discover velvet fabric for you and your home this season with these handmade velvet finds.

Velvet Fabric Finds for You and Your Space

1. Velvet Armchair

Romantic velvet and modern styling are a match made in heaven with this handmade mid-century armchair. This is a statement piece to add to your space.

2. Velvet Kimono

Add some stylish warmth with one of this season’s most popular accessories–the kimono jacket. This one has bonus pockets. Wear this around the house or as an easy sweater when the days get cooler.

3. Velvet Sofa

Not only is this velvet sofa completely unique, but it is also made using vintage French grain sacks. The sofa can be customized with the colors and fabrics of your choosing.

4. Velvet Pillows

And why not add velvet pillows to your sofa or bedroom for some added coziness this season? We love these simple, yet completely elegant, modern tie-dye velvet pillows.

5. Velvet Slippers

Keep your feet extra warm and cozy with these beautiful linen and velvet ballet house slippers. Kick your shoes off when you get home from work and slip into these snuggly slippers.

6. Velvet and Tweed Quilt

There’s nothing much better than snuggling up under a quilt on cooler nights and why not one backed with super soft velvet?

7. Velvet Basket

This basket is perfect for to hold plants, toys, bathroom accessories, and more.

8. Velvet Backpack

Your favorite fall accessory should be this velvet backpack. It’s just what you need for hauling your lunch and stuff back and forth to work, but it isn’t totally boring.

9. Velvet Rug

Love the color and texture of this handmade velvet and felt rug. It looks different from every angle because of the play of light and dark.

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Velvet is one of the richest, most luxurious materials out there, which makes it absolutely perfect for the fall and winter seasons. Whether you want a little, or a lot, there’s a garment or an accessory here to fit those needs.

1. Romantic Velvet Jacket

For the woman who wants to make a statement, this gorgeous merlot red jacket is perfect for fall and winter wear. Fitting for work or play, this piece would look just as great with jeans as it would with a cocktail dress or slacks. The rich color is both festive and beautiful, but would work best with neutrals like black, gray, charcoal, slate, and other jewel tones like sapphire. This jacket could easily pass for steampunk or goth, so go with the flow and pair it with blouses, shoes, and accessories that have a dark victorian feel. Priced at $228.

2. Smooth Velvet Boots

These are the wear-with-everything boots of the season — the pair you get so much use out of that you won’t know what you did before them kinda shoe. Velvet is all the rage this year, so if you want to jump on the bandwagon with a piece that’s as practical as it is stylish, then these are definitely the way to go. The neutral hue lends tons of versatility, and the style allows you to pair them with everything, including dresses and your favorite distressed skinnies. Plus, we seriously hope that kitty is included! Priced at $128.

3. Hip Velvet Trousers

Just because velvet is an opulent fabric choice doesn’t mean you can’t dress it down. Great for an easy out-the-door look, these trousers are perfect for everyday events and never lack in the style department. With an adjustable drawstring feature you’re able to easily raise the pant up and down, allowing greater shoe choice flexibility. Seriously, the epitome of effortless chic (look how cool that model is!), you’ll love pairing these with your favorite t-shirts, sweaters, vests, boots, and loafers. Priced at $168.

4. Dreamy Velvet Kimono

Float into the room while wearing this versatile and statement-making kimono. This is the garment to have when you’re in the mood to layer and your outfit seems to be lacking that special something. Perfect for playing up basics, like khakis, jeans, and ribbed sweaters, this piece is great for the office or a weekend outing. It’s also easy to dress up for a special night out, as it would look stunning with a mid-length bodycon dress in a coordinating color, a pair of closed toe heels, and a chic clutch. Priced at $138.

5. Cozy Velvet Scarf

Not only are scarves the perfect cold weather accessory, but they’re also an easy and safe way to add a touch of velvet. Great for giving or receiving, a beautiful velvet scarf like this will brighten up neutral fall and winter looks. The paisley print lends a whimsical boho feel, while the color is sure to be a beacon on a cold dreary day. For a stylish winter outfit idea, wear this scarf with a gray cable knit sweater, a black coat, distressed black jeans, and a pair of boots. Priced at $68.

*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 fall shows are over and though we won’t see those collections in stores until the end of summer, we still need to start busying ourselves with the tasks at hand.

As eco-fashionistas looking to reuse and recycle to maximize our wardrobe’s potential, now is the time to get a jump start on incorporating the trends that will flatter an independent sense of style.

Designs shown at this year’s Green Shows prove producing clothes sustainably and ethically is no longer a style compromise for contemporary eco-designers. But, with the economy seemingly teetering on a pair of cheaply-produced heels, be extra-discerning with your remaining clothing budget. Thanks to vintage, thrift and consignment stores, rounding out your eco-designs with a few second-hand finds is a thrifty and environmentally sound solution.

Happily, the 2010 trends lend themselves beautifully to the creative urban rummager. Ranging from menswear for women to layers and decorative patchwork (yes patchwork) here are some of next seasons most easy-to-green trends:

Marc Jacobs fall 2010, Courtesy of Elle

Menswear: Borrowing from the boys has been an enduring theme. Beyond the vest, the boyfriend jacket is still a strong option because it so effectively pulls together a diaphanous spring look when slung over the top. While in the menswear section, keep your eyes open for a velvet dinner jacket. Fall’s velvet crush is most flattering as a tailored piece but the fabric is really everywhere.

Mothlove, fall 2010

Layering: Working equally well Spring or Fall, were a profusion of looks anchored by the presence of tissue-thin knit turtlenecks. You can utilize this layering piece to take existing items from the specific to the seasonless. Create a neutral background you can contrast with the pop of a colorful, revealing, or avant-garde piece on top.

This look played out with many designers showing dresses over trousers and, more daringly, socks with sandals. While a great excuse to unbox last years summer shoes early, it requires paying close attention to the subtleties; ensure sandals are chunkier than the socks. For the most leg lengthening effect, wear nude colored socks. Alternately, replicate the rock and roll effect of the bootie trend by matching socks with the color of the shoe.

Trenches Reworked: In uncertain times we often look to the classics for reassurance. This take on the trench has a decided twist though. Appearing cropped and swingy at the waist, reworked as vests, or simply cinched with a contrasting dress belt, there are many options for remaking a cast-off trench coat. For the uninitiated sewer, your tailor can help.

Chloe fall 2010, courtesy of Elle

Patchwork: A rustic look that’s not for the sartorially faint-hearted! Just ask the Partridge Family! Patchwork, as a decorative motif, has returned in outerwear and across denim lines. If you’ve ever fancied yourself beginning a sewing project, this is the season to get out the bag of scraps.

Of course, the point here is fashion is meant to be fun! If all this is starting to sound like hard work, don’t worry. One catwalk trend is low effort and entirely democratic; apply a swash of vibrant red lipstick and sport it like the models, with minimal make-up. Try a natural, paraban-free variety such as RMS beauty’s Lip2Cheek: Rapture or Josie Maran’s sheer-red shade, Devious. Both in recyclable packaging no less!

Top photo Burberry fall 2010, courtesy of Elle

The post Fashion 2010 Preview: Designers Unveil Fresh Looks for Fall appeared first on EcoSalon.