velvet dressWe all know how much and how often velvet is a ‘don’t’ but, like any textile (hello, polyester!), there are exceptions. Done well, velvet can be chic and luxurious, perfect for any holiday party or regular night out on the town. In a sea of a hundred little black cocktail dresses, your velvet number will stand out without making you feel like you don’t fit in. Here are some of our favorites.

clockwise from left: Steve Madden – Margy (Black Velvet) ($123), Radley Velvet Dress ($199), Azzaro Complice velvet shift ($3145), Lela Rose Velvet Low-Back Dress ($1850), Nanette Lepore Velvet Dress ($425), MARC BY MARC JACOBS Velvet Dress ($398)

DKNY velvet wear

Jean Paul Gaultier velvet dress