15 Velvet Top Outfit Ideas for Women This Christmas Party

Velvet top outfit ideas for women christmas party — a velvet top does the festive work so the rest of the outfit can stay simple. That is the whole secret of velvet at Christmas: one beautiful top, in a rich colour, and everything else can be the pieces you already own and love. A velvet top with trousers, with a skirt or with jeans is a Christmas party outfit in a single garment, and it is the easiest way to look dressed up without a dress. These fifteen velvet top outfit ideas for women this Christmas party cover every colour, every pairing and every party, with all the practical advice that makes velvet look luxurious rather than costume.

Velvet is the fabric of Christmas: it catches the light, it feels luxurious, and it photographs beautifully. A velvet top in burgundy, emerald or classic black instantly makes the rest of your outfit look festive, even if the rest is just your favourite dark jeans or a simple pair of trousers. In this guide you will find fifteen party looks, from the office party to the family dinner to the drinks with friends, plus the colours that work, the pairings that flatter, the accessories that finish the look, and the care that keeps velvet beautiful. Festive, easy and very wearable — that is the brief, and that is what follows.

Colours: Burgundy, Emerald and Black

If you buy one velvet top for Christmas, the colour matters as much as the cut. Burgundy is the classic Christmas velvet: it is warm, it suits almost every skin tone, and it looks beautiful against all the neutrals in your wardrobe. Emerald is the most elegant velvet: it is rich, it brings out the eyes, and it photographs beautifully in candlelight. Black is the most versatile velvet: it goes with everything, it looks smart, and it is the colour that makes a velvet top feel like an evening top rather than a daytime one. Most women end up with one of each over time, but if you are buying just one, choose the colour that suits your skin: burgundy for warm skin, emerald for cool skin, black for everyone.

Burgundy, the Classic Christmas Velvet

Burgundy is the colour of Christmas, and it is the colour that suits the most women. A burgundy velvet top in a wrap style, a V-neck or a simple long-sleeved cut is flattering, festive and easy to wear with everything from black trousers to dark jeans to a satin skirt. Burgundy velvet looks beautiful with gold jewellery, with a black coat, and with a red lip, and it photographs wonderfully against Christmas decorations. Choose a burgundy with a little depth to it — a deep wine or a rich claret — rather than a bright, orange-based red, which can be harder to wear. And remember that burgundy velvet is the one colour that looks good on every woman in the room, which is a very good reason to choose it first.

Emerald and Black: The Elegant Alternatives

Emerald velvet is the most elegant alternative to burgundy, and it is the colour that looks most expensive in the evening. An emerald velvet top with black trousers and gold jewellery is a party outfit in a single garment, and it works beautifully for a formal dinner or a black-tie event. Black velvet is the most versatile alternative: a black velvet top with a satin skirt, with wide-leg trousers or with dark jeans is elegant, slimming and always appropriate, and it is the colour that makes a velvet top feel like an evening top. If you already own a burgundy velvet top, emerald is the next colour to buy; if you own neither, black is the safest first purchase, because it will work with every bottom in your wardrobe.

Pairing Velvet With Trousers, Skirts and Jeans

Velvet is a rich fabric, so the pairing matters: the bottom should be plain, simple and matte, so the velvet can shine. A velvet top with black trousers is the most elegant pairing; a velvet top with a satin skirt is the most festive; and a velvet top with dark jeans is the most relaxed. The rule for all of them is the same: one velvet piece at a time, and everything else in a plain, matte fabric. Two velvet pieces together can work — a velvet top with a velvet skirt is a beautiful, bold look — but it needs confidence and a simple cut, or it can look like a costume. Start with one velvet piece, and let the rest of the outfit support it.

With Trousers: The Smartest Pairing

With trousers, a velvet top is the smartest outfit you can wear to a Christmas party. Choose wide-leg trousers in black or navy for the most elegant look, straight-leg trousers in black for the most versatile look, or a tailored trouser in charcoal for the most modern look. The trousers should be plain, dark and well-fitting, with a little stretch, so they sit smoothly under the velvet top. Tuck the top in, or wear a top that ends at the waistband, and add a slim belt to define the waist. Finish with low-heeled court shoes or pointed flats, and a clutch. This is the pairing for the office party, the formal dinner and the evening when you want to look polished without wearing a dress.

With Skirts and Jeans: Festive and Relaxed

With a skirt, a velvet top is the most festive pairing of all. A satin midi skirt in champagne or black, a pleated midi skirt in navy, or a velvet skirt in a matching or contrasting colour all work beautifully with a velvet top — just keep the rest of the outfit plain, so the two rich fabrics do not compete. With jeans, a velvet top is the most relaxed pairing: dark straight-leg jeans, a velvet top in burgundy or emerald, heeled ankle boots and a tailored coat, and you have a Christmas party outfit that is comfortable, stylish and easy. The jeans should be dark, smart and well-fitting, with no rips or fading, and the top should be long enough to cover the waistband. This is the pairing for drinks with friends, a casual party or a family gathering where you want to look festive without feeling overdressed.

The 15 Velvet Top Party Looks

Here are the fifteen looks, grouped by what you wear them with. Five with trousers, five with skirts and five with jeans and dressy bottoms — and, because this is a velvet top guide, every look can be mixed with every other look. Change the trousers for a skirt, change the shoes for boots, change the jewellery, and the office party look becomes a family dinner look. Every look is built around a velvet top, with the whole Christmas party season in mind.

With Trousers

Look 1 — The burgundy velvet top and black wide-leg trousers. A burgundy velvet wrap top, black wide-leg trousers with a little stretch, low-heeled court shoes and gold drop earrings, with a small clutch. The velvet does the festive work, the trousers keep the look elegant, and the whole outfit glows in candlelight.

Look 2 — The emerald velvet top and black trousers. An emerald velvet top with a gentle V-neck, black straight-leg trousers, pointed flats and a statement bracelet, with a long coat over the top. The emerald is the star here, and the black lets it shine.

Look 3 — The black velvet top and charcoal trousers. A black velvet top, charcoal tailored trousers, low block heels and a slim belt, with silver earrings. Sleek, simple and very chic — the all-dark look that always works, and the one that photographs beautifully.

Look 4 — The burgundy velvet top and navy trousers. A burgundy velvet top, navy wide-leg trousers, gold earrings and low-heeled court shoes, with a velvet blazer in a matching tone for the journey. The burgundy and navy together are the richest colour combination in this guide.

Look 5 — The emerald velvet top and cream trousers. An emerald velvet top, cream wide-leg trousers, gold jewellery and pointed flats, with a long camel coat. The cream trousers are the surprise here — they brighten the whole outfit, and the emerald keeps it festive.

With Skirts

Look 6 — The burgundy velvet top and satin skirt. A burgundy velvet top, a champagne satin midi skirt, low-heeled court shoes and gold earrings, with a small clutch. The mix of textures is what makes this look feel expensive, and the satin catches the candlelight beautifully.

Look 7 — The emerald velvet top and pleated skirt. An emerald velvet top, a navy pleated midi skirt, opaque tights, low-heeled boots and a long coat, with the silk scarf. The pleats move beautifully, the emerald glows in the evening light, and the whole outfit works for a party or a dinner.

Look 8 — The black velvet top and velvet skirt. A black velvet top and a black velvet midi skirt, worn together with a slim belt, low-heeled court shoes and silver earrings. The full velvet moment: bold, luxurious and unforgettable, and it works because the cut is simple and the jewellery is quiet.

Look 9 — The burgundy velvet top and tulle skirt. A burgundy velvet top, a black tulle midi skirt, opaque tights and low-heeled boots, with a small clutch. The tulle adds a touch of drama to the outfit, and the velvet keeps it grounded and elegant.

Look 10 — The emerald velvet top and A-line skirt. An emerald velvet top, a black A-line midi skirt, low-heeled court shoes and a statement necklace, with the clutch. The A-line is flattering on every figure, and the emerald is the colour that makes the whole outfit feel festive.

With Jeans and Dressy Bottoms

Look 11 — The burgundy velvet top and dark jeans. A burgundy velvet top, dark straight-leg jeans, heeled ankle boots and a tailored coat, with gold earrings and a small clutch. The velvet says party; the jeans say you are relaxed and yourself.

Look 12 — The black velvet top and leather-look trousers. A black velvet top, black leather-look trousers, heeled ankle boots and a long coat, with a statement bracelet. The leather adds an edge to the outfit, and the velvet keeps it elegant rather than edgy.

Look 13 — The emerald velvet top and white jeans. An emerald velvet top, white or cream straight-leg jeans, gold jewellery and pointed flats, with a long camel coat. A fresh, bright party look that stands out beautifully against dark coats and grey pavements.

Look 14 — The burgundy velvet top and sequin skirt. A burgundy velvet top, a gold or silver sequin midi skirt, low-heeled court shoes and simple earrings, with the clutch. Two party pieces together, balanced by plain shoes and plain jewellery — the most glamorous look in this guide.

Look 15 — The velvet top and the party jumpsuit. A burgundy velvet top worn over a black wide-leg jumpsuit, with heeled ankle boots and gold earrings, and a long coat for the journey. The jumpsuit is the comfortable part, the velvet top is the festive part, and together they are the look for a night of dancing.

Accessories That Finish the Look

A velvet top is a bold piece, so the accessories should be simple and elegant. The velvet is the star, and the jewellery, the shoes, the clutch and the coat are the supporting cast — they should complement the velvet, not compete with it. The rule is the same as with the pairing: one statement piece at a time, and the rest of the accessories quiet. A statement necklace with a simple velvet top is beautiful; a statement necklace, statement earrings and a statement bracelet together are too much, and the velvet gets lost in the noise.

Jewellery and Shoes: Keep It Simple

For jewellery, gold with burgundy and emerald velvet is the classic choice, and silver with black velvet is the most elegant choice. A pair of drop earrings, a simple bracelet and a ring are all you need, and the jewellery should be in one metal, so the look feels coherent. For shoes, low-heeled court shoes are the most elegant choice, pointed flats are the most comfortable choice, and heeled ankle boots are the most practical choice for a winter evening. The shoes should be plain, dark and well-fitting, with no embellishment, so they do not compete with the velvet. A velvet top with velvet shoes is too much velvet — keep the shoes in leather, suede or satin.

The Clutch and the Coat: The Finishing Touches

For the clutch, a small, plain clutch in black, gold or burgundy is the most elegant choice, and it should be just big enough for your phone, your keys and your lipstick. A large handbag is too heavy for a party outfit, and a statement clutch competes with the velvet top. For the coat, a long tailored coat in black, camel or navy is the most elegant choice, and it should be plain and well-fitting, so it sits smoothly over the velvet top. A velvet coat with a velvet top is too much velvet — keep the coat in wool or cashmere, and let the velvet top be the only velvet in the outfit. A silk scarf in a matching or contrasting colour is a lovely finishing touch, and it is the perfect way to add a touch of colour to a black velvet top.

Velvet Care: Keeping It Beautiful

Velvet is a delicate fabric, and it needs a little care to stay beautiful. The good news is that most velvet tops are easy to care for, and a few simple habits will keep yours looking lovely for many Christmases to come. The most important habit is to store velvet properly: hang it on a padded hanger, or fold it gently, and never hang a velvet top on a wire hanger, which can leave marks in the fabric. Keep velvet away from direct sunlight, which can fade the colour, and away from perfume and hairspray, which can stain the fabric. A velvet top that is well cared for is a velvet top that will last.

Washing and Storing Velvet

For washing, check the label first: most velvet tops are dry-clean only, and some can be hand-washed in cold water with a gentle detergent. If your velvet top can be hand-washed, wash it in cold water, press the water out gently — never wring it — and lay it flat to dry, away from direct sunlight. If it is dry-clean only, take it to a good dry cleaner, and ask them to steam it rather than press it. For storing, hang the top on a padded hanger in a cool, dry place, and use a garment bag if you are storing it for a long time. A velvet top that is stored properly will keep its pile and its colour, and it will be ready to wear whenever the party season comes round again.

When Velvet Goes Wrong: Fixing Common Problems

When velvet goes wrong, the most common problems are crushing, marking and water stains. Crushing happens when velvet is folded or pressed too hard, and the pile flattens — the fix is to steam the velvet gently, holding the steamer a few inches away, and then brush the pile with a soft brush. Marking happens when something heavy sits on the velvet, or when the velvet is hung on a wire hanger — the fix is the same: steam and brush, and the pile will usually recover. Water stains happen when velvet gets wet, and the pile dries in a different direction — the fix is to steam the whole garment, so the pile dries evenly, and then brush it. A velvet top that is steamed and brushed regularly will stay beautiful, and it will be the piece you reach for every Christmas.

Velvet Top FAQs

Two questions come up every Christmas, and the answers are simpler than you might think. Velvet is a forgiving fabric, and it works in more situations than most women expect — including the daytime, and including colours you might not have tried. Here are the answers, so you can wear your velvet top with confidence, from the first party of the season to the last.

Can I Wear Velvet in the Daytime?

Yes, you can wear velvet in the daytime, and it looks wonderful in the daytime — the key is to keep the rest of the outfit relaxed and simple. A burgundy velvet top with dark jeans, flat boots and a tailored coat is a beautiful daytime look, and it works for lunch, for shopping and for a daytime party. The velvet catches the light in the daytime just as it does in the evening, and the dark jeans keep the look relaxed rather than formal. The one thing to avoid is wearing velvet with other party pieces in the daytime — a velvet top with a sequin skirt is an evening look, and a velvet top with dark jeans is a daytime look. Keep the rest of the outfit simple, and the velvet will do the festive work for you.

What Colours Go With a Velvet Top?

The colours that go with a velvet top depend on the colour of the velvet. With a burgundy velvet top, the best colours are black, navy, charcoal, cream and gold, and the jewellery should be gold. With an emerald velvet top, the best colours are black, navy, cream and gold, and the jewellery should be gold. With a black velvet top, the best colours are black, charcoal, burgundy, emerald and silver, and the jewellery should be silver or gold. The rule for all of them is the same: pair a rich velvet colour with a plain, dark or neutral colour, and let the velvet be the colour that does the work. A velvet top in a rich colour, with plain dark trousers and simple jewellery, is the look that always works.

For more velvet inspiration, see our Velvet Pants Outfits for Women: 15 Winter Looks From Day to After Dark and our Velvet Skirt Outfits for Women: 14 Winter Looks That Feel Luxe, Not Costume — together with this guide, they cover every way to wear velvet this Christmas.

Save These Velvet Top Outfits on Pinterest

Save this guide to your Christmas party board, so you can find it again when the invitations start arriving. Pin the image below, and share it with a friend who is looking for a Christmas party outfit — she will thank you for it.

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A velvet top is the easiest Christmas party outfit there is: one rich, beautiful piece, and the rest of the outfit simple. Start with burgundy, emerald or black, pair it with plain trousers, a skirt or dark jeans, and finish it with simple jewellery and a small clutch. That is the whole secret, and it works for every party, from the office party to the family dinner. Follow Nova Fashion on Pinterest for more Christmas party outfit ideas, and save your favourite velvet top look — then wear it, and enjoy the party.

Your Christmas velvet checklist: choose your colour, choose your pairing, choose your shoes, and steam your top the night before the party. A velvet top that is chosen well, paired well and cared for well is the piece you will reach for every Christmas, and the piece that will make you feel festive, elegant and yourself. Merry Christmas, and enjoy the party.

If you are still unsure about velvet, try it on before you buy it, and wear it around the house for an evening. Sit down in it, reach up for a glass, dance a little in the kitchen, and see how it feels. A velvet top that fits well and feels comfortable is a velvet top you will wear again and again, and a velvet top that pinches, slips or feels too tight is one you will leave in the wardrobe. The right velvet top is the one that makes you stand a little taller when you catch your reflection, and the one that feels like you — just a little more festive. Buy the colour that makes your face light up, in a cut that flatters your shape, and in a fabric that feels soft against your skin. That is the velvet top worth keeping, and the one that will carry you through every Christmas party, from the first mince pie to the last dance of the season.