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Velvet is the undisputed fabric of the festive season. Rich, tactile, and quietly opulent, it carries an understated glamour, adding something special to your regular partywear pieces without being as in your face as a full sequin ensemble. Luxurious without being ostentatious, sumptuous yet supremely wearable, it's no wonder it reigns supreme for occasionwear in the autumn and winter months. Plush and super soft, velvet not only looks expensive, but it's also comfortable, which is a must for any plans involving partying into the early hours. Royals wearing velvet dresses Elegant and sophisticated, velvet has long been a royal favourite, gracing countless wardrobes and proving its enduring appeal. From the strapless black velvet gown the Princess of Wales wore at the Sun Military Awards in 2011 - a look that cemented Kate Middleton’s status as a modern style icon - to Princess Diana’s iconic midnight blue velvet gown by Victor Edelstein, famously worn while dancing with John Travolta at the White House in 1985, velvet has defined some of the most memorable royal fashion moments. Meghan Markle brought a contemporary sense of glamour to the tradition in 2018, when she appeared at the British Fashion Awards in a sleek, one-shoulder Givenchy velvet gown while pregnant with Prince Archie. Velvet editor's pick The high street always turns its attention to velvet pieces in autumn/winter so I headed to & Other Stories on London's Oxford Street and instantly fell for this velvet shift dress. It feels and looks high quality, and it's so versatile. It's designed to be slightly oversized but it does run quite big (I'm usually a UK 8 and I'm pictured here wearing a 6). This means you can choose to wear it on its own or comfortably layer tops and blouses underneath. I'd finish the look with a pair of sling-back heels or knee-high boots. The best velvet dresses to shop this season
