Velvet trousers work because velvet does one thing tailoring tends to avoid doing after dark; rather than containing light it bounces it, creating depth rather than just carving out a predictable shape. They read sharp without having to spike your ducco or layer up with satin panels backing you, meaning they’re one of the most useful items you can invest in if you’re forever on the hunt for something that’ll make you look like you’ve made an effort, but not too much of one.
Velvet’s magic lies in the pile. Run your hand up and down a pair you like and there should be a noticeable change in colour saturation, almost a shadow, when you brush the pile back the other way. Cheap velvet will stay static in light, the quickest way to see if a pair are going to look flat (and exhausted) by 10PM.
FIT IS EVERYTHING HERE MORE THAN MOST PEOPLE REALISE.
Velvet trousers have a natural weight and fluidity to them so unless you’re Superman your trousers will likely look worse for wear if you size them too slim (ending up flat and sticky like tights by midnight), or too big and overwhelm the sheen of the fabric with large bulky folds. Your waist will most likely sit high and will either be straight or slightly tapered to let the pile do its thing when you move.
They should also break just above the top of your shoe to elongate your leg, rather than bunching up at the ankle.
When it comes to styling, keep things simple and play with textures rather than tone matching.
Silk or satin camis are great for contrasting with the nap, as is a crisp white shirt thrown open, or even a fine knit on chilly evenings. Throw a tailored blazer over the top to give it an edge and pair with pointed heels or boots to elongate your silhouette. Keep jewellery minimal; a pair of velvet trousers carry their own presence. One statement piece; be it an earring or cuff is enough. One thing I find people do wrong with velvet trousers is trying to bulk them out too much; don’t slap on more shine to distract from the fabric itself, it’s already got heaps of that.
Velvet trousers are great for those nights out with a little ceremony but no dress code. Dinner parties, clubs, gigs that aren’t velvet rope only, anywhere you think black tie would feel too stiff but jeans too lazy. They’re also handy for those days when you don’t feel like wearing a dress but don’t want to revert to your old faithful pair of black trousers; they give you the same kind of comfort with exponentially more impact when the lights dim.
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