Velvet Holiday Dresses

Start With the Invitation

The dress code decides your length. For an office party or family dinner, a velvet midi is the sweet spot: dressy, warm and easy to move in. For a friends' party or New Year's Eve, a velvet mini with a bow or a playful detail feels more fun. For a black tie gala or winter wedding, choose a floor-length velvet gown.

Not sure what an invitation means? Our guide to the festive attire dress code breaks down the most common holiday wordings.

Velvet Midis for Parties and Dinners

A midi is the most versatile velvet holiday dress. The burgundy velvet sweetheart keyhole midi dress has a sweetheart neckline and keyhole detail that feel romantic without being fussy. The Cabernet Floral Muse velvet midi adds a floral pattern for a softer look, while the Autumn Romance chestnut lace and velvet midi mixes lace and velvet in a warm brown that pairs beautifully with gold jewelry. For a classic black option, the Temptation black velvet lace midi combines velvet with lace.

Velvet Minis for Holiday Parties

Short velvet dresses are perfect for parties where you will be dancing. The Bow & Velvet black and ivory bow-detail mini dress taps into this season's love of bows and contrast trim.

Velvet Gowns for Formal Events

For a holiday gala or a winter wedding, the Carolyn Gown is a long-sleeve velvet and lace ball gown made for dramatic, formal evenings. Long sleeves add warmth and elegance at the same time.

Velvet Jumpsuits for a Modern Look

Prefer pants? Velvet jumpsuits are a festive alternative to a dress. The Bordeaux Nights textured velvet wide-leg jumpsuit and the Wine After Dark velvet belted wide-leg jumpsuit come in deep wine tones. The Berry After Dark velvet one-shoulder jumpsuit and the Shimmered Espresso Vow tie halter velvet jumpsuit add a statement neckline. See all of our jumpsuits for women.

Choosing a Velvet Color

• Burgundy and wine: The classic holiday velvet. Read our guide to burgundy dresses for winter weddings and holiday parties.
• Black: Timeless and easy to accessorize with gold or crystal.
• Brown and chestnut: A fresh, warm alternative that feels very current this season.
• Jewel tones: Emerald and sapphire velvet look luxurious under evening lighting.

How to Style Velvet

Keep accessories simple and let the fabric shine. Gold or crystal earrings, a sleek clutch and a pointed heel are all you need. Avoid pairing velvet with very shiny satin accessories in the same color, which can compete with the texture. For cold nights, a tailored coat or faux fur wrap completes the look. More ideas: how to style dresses with layering pieces for fall and winter.

Caring for Velvet

Steam velvet rather than ironing it, and hang it with space around it so the pile is not crushed. Check each care label before cleaning. Our guide on how to care for formal dresses has more tips.

Visit our showroom in Hudson, Massachusetts to feel the fabrics in person, or shop the full velvet dresses collection and our holiday dresses online.

Read more:

Holiday Dresses That Make a Statement for Every Event

Ultimate Guide to Holiday Dresses

Holiday Dress Codes: What to Wear