The Best Velvet Dresses for a Luxe and Lustrous Wintertime Look

Photo: Courtesy of Colleen Allen

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Once reserved for royalty thanks to its intricate weave and costly production, velvet has long been the fabric of indulgence. Today, it’s decidedly more accessible with the best velvet dresses exuding that same sense of festive luxury come fall and winter. It also has the ability to deliver both warmth and elegance, making it one of the season’s most timeless signatures.

While velvet’s heritage leans formal, modern interpretations push the fabric into fresh territory—think unexpected textures, colors, and silhouettes. Lustrous, plush versions are made for galas and black-tie soirées, while a ’90s-style mini feels sleek and of-the-moment. Look to leg-baring styles from Cara Cara, H&M, and Self-Portrait—be sure to add a platform heel and statement jewelry for instant after-dark allure. For something more fluid, flowy designs from Johanna Ortiz, Cos, and La Double J prove that velvet can be as easy as it is elegant.

Patterned iterations also deserve attention. Floral prints from Mango and Simkhai breathe new life into the material, while crushed velvet from Tove and Cos offers a touch of cool rebellion. And while the little black velvet dress will forever reign supreme, this season’s hues—citron, deep eggplant, and rich burgundy—are equally covetable. Among them, Colleen Allen’s debut velvet maxi stuns in its simplicity, and Dries Van Noten’s bohemian take, fresh off the FW25 runway, makes a convincing case for maximalism.

Before you dismiss velvet as old-fashioned, why not consider one of these modern silhouettes that channel the same sophistication and glamour—with a decidedly contemporary twist? Below, discover the best velvet dresses to shop this season.