Velvet: I'm crushing on that furry goodness, but how exactly do you wear velvet without looking like an extra from Saved By The Bell?
Get ready to embrace this retro fabric, I'm about to show you how to wear velvet without looking like a bad 90s throwback.
Time to frolick in these sunflower fields in my stunning Hale Bob* velvet dresses...
Flashback to 1997 and you will see a mini me: clad head to toe in crush velvet with a leopard print skirt and a high-neck black top. Flash forward twenty years and here I am doing my velvet-y thing once again.
Today's looks are a bit more of a bohemian take on the velvet trend. Hale Bob has quickly become my go-to mecca for cute boho pieces and my wardrobe is slowly being overtaken by their boho maxi dresses.
Live from these Cairns sunflower fields (well, not really..), I share my tips on how to wear velvet...
1. If In Doubt, Go For Velvet Embellishments
Hale Bob floral velvet dress*: Here
Rattan straw basket bag: Here
Diving into a full velvet dress is a little bit like wearing six inch heels when you can't even walk in wedges.
If the thought of velvet terrifies you, opt for a velvet embellished piece, such as this silk ranyon velvet burnout dress.
Wearing a velvet embellished dress is a little less daunting, plus it's a great way to style velvet in the Australian Summer without sweating up a storm.
Alternatively, a velvet choker or clutch bag is a fantastic place to start!
2. Opt For Modern Cuts
Hale Bob teal velvet maxi dress*: Here
ASOS newsboy cap: Here
Rebecca Minkoff bag: Here
When shopping for a velvet dress, make sure you opt for a modern and on-trend cut. Avoid overly 90s cuts such as crop tops and halter necks and opt for classic pieces that will stand the test of time. Believe me: I've learned the hard way. After the huge 90s revival a few years ago, my wardrobe is left with a plethora of overly retro halters and quintessential 90s shapes collecting dust.
This Hale Bob velvet silk maxi dress has a cheeky little slit to keep it sexy and modern.Plus the stunning teal hue makes it ideal for my tropical Summer climate.
3. Add An 'It Piece'
As self-confessed Instagram and Pinterest addict, I am 100% sure that the newsboy cap is the 'it' item for the remainder of the year!
Wear velvet with a statement trend piece to keep it modern and relevant. A new heel, a statement earring or a beautiful bag are a wonderful way to refresh an older velvet dress too.
4. Velvet Shoes Are Always A Great Idea
Ok, so I went all out velvet and added velvet shoes to a velvet-detailed dress. However, a freaking amazing way to wear velvet is by incorporating velvet shoes into your look.
As a matter of fact, I often throw on my favorite pair of velvet ankle boots when I want to funk up my look a little bit.
5. Keep Colours Simple
When styling up a full velvet dress, keep the palette simple and let the textures do the talking!
Black accessories and shoes are a sure-fire way to let that velvet dress do the talking.
Plus, nothing screams 'so effing 90s' like a brightly hued velvet dress, an accessory overdose and crazy coloured shoes. Sorry Sabrina...
6. Tone It Down With Natural Fibres
I use this round basket bag so much that it may as well have it's own Instagram feed!
As well as being 2017's must have bag, the natural rattan fibre makes a beautiful contrast to the luxurious velvet and tones it down a little.
7. Go For Boho
I know I've said this a million times, but incorporating a boho theme into a busy outfit is somehow like flicking a magic wand and watching the magic happen.
Add cute boho jewellery and accessories and just go with those Coachella vibes...
8. Know Your Body Type
How to wear velvet successfully depends a lot on your body shape. As velvet is quite a clingy fabric, it's important to opt for cuts and fits that hug you in all the right places.
As a bottom heavy pear shape, I love the way that this velvet maxi dress hugs my slim waist and is looser around my hips and thighs.
Top heavy apple shaped ladies should opt for flowy shapes that skim over the waist and draw attention to those gorgeous legs.
Hour glass and very slim girls: wear your velvet as tight as you want it!
9. Find Pieces That Are 'You'
If you don't love it, don't wear it! On the other hand, if you feel like an absolute killer queen in a 90s retro multi-coloured rainbow dress that is as 'young Olsen twins' as humanly possible, you rock it girl!
All about that bohemian chic? Check out my guide on how to transform a boho maxi dress for evening.
*This post was sponsored by Hale Bob & Shopping Links. All opinions are my own.