Velvet trousers work because velvet does something tailoring very rarely does after dark; it reflects light rather than merely conform it to an expected shape. They read smart without the need for sequins or satin backing you up, which makes them one of the handiest items you can own if you’re always looking for pieces that say you’ve made an effort without trying too hard. Velvet’s magic is all in the pile. Run your hand up and down a good pair and there should be a discernible difference in colour saturation, almost like a shadow, when the pile is brushed in the opposite direction. Cheap velvet won’t move under light, which is the quickest way to tell if a pair will look flat (and tired) by 10PM.
Fit is everything here more than most people realise.
Velvet trousers have inherent weight and fluidity so unless you’re Superman yours will likely suffer if you size your trousers too slim, ending up matte and clinging like leggings by midnight, or too wide and lose the sheen of the fabric in big bunchy folds. The most flattering pair will usually have a high waist and straight or slightly tapered leg to allow the pile to reflect light as you move, rather than stick to your skin.
They should also break just above the top of your shoe, keeping the line of your leg long rather than bunching at the ankle.
As far as styling goes, focus on playing with textures rather than being colour matched.
Silk or satin camis work wonders for contrasting with the nap, as does a crisp white shirt worn open, or even a fine knit on colder nights. Throw a tailored blazer over it to sharpen things up and go for a pair of pointed heels or boots to elongate the silhouette. Keep jewellery to a minimum; a velvet trouser carries plenty of presence on its own. One statement piece, be it an earring or cuff, is enough. Where I think people tend to fall down with velvet trousers is busying them up; don’t pile on more shine to distract from the fabric itself, it’s got plenty of that already.
Velvet trousers are excellent for the type of evenings with a little bit of ceremony but no dress code. Dinner, parties, gigs that aren’t velvet rope only, anywhere you think black tie would be too much but jeans would feel lazy. They’re also great for those times you want to wear something apart from a dress without resorting to your trusty pair of black trousers; they offer the same sort of ease with exponentially more visual weight when the lights go down.
