October is the autumn bloom, a time when warm rays still peek through the windows, but we already crave warmth and coziness. For the latter this season, velvet will answer — the ultra-fashionable material competing for supremacy with wool and denim. Let’s meet!
Everyone loves the current autumn favorite: it is warm (thanks to the material's feature — dense, thick pile), and at the same time breathable (since natural velvet is a type of cotton fabric), looking both presentable and democratic. Velvet, unlike its direct competitors, wool and denim, cannot boast stable, timeless relevance: it sometimes attracts the attention of designers, only to again find itself among the forgotten fabrics labeled "out of fashion."
The Legacy of Kings
Velvet has its history dating back to the Middle Ages. Back then, this material was classified as a type of velvet, even though velvet was made from silk. Nevertheless, due to its fine pile, velvet felt and looked similar to its sibling, which classified it among the so-called corde duroi — royal fabrics. The cost of a small piece could reach astronomical figures for those times. Today, velvet has become much more accessible and widespread: it is used to make not royal garments, but beautiful suits, bags, hats, it covers shoes and even furniture. Despite its "velvet" status, velvet is much less capricious than its silk counterpart. Still, it is worth taking care of velvet items carefully: wash them inside out, by hand or on a delicate cycle, do not bleach, do not wring aggressively, always smooth them out before drying, and do not iron, but steam. All these precautions are necessary to preserve the texture of the fabric.
Down with Gray
When we talk about velvet items, the first things that come to mind are trousers or jackets in restrained, often natural shades. We are so accustomed to this combination that bolder mixes and colors may seem like too eccentric a choice. But do not be afraid of an intense palette! After all, the gray and dreary autumn, smoothly transitioning into a long winter, does not delight us with colors anyway — but it is quite possible to color your everyday life yourself. For example, with a bright velvet coat. The perfect one was found in the Sergio Hudson collection for 2025–2026: classic double-breasted, straight cut, accent on the waist with a belt — a classic of the autumn genre, executed in ultramarine color. With such a top, it is worth being very careful when choosing the bottom: black or gray trousers would be suitable here. Meanwhile, the giants from Chanel presented a trio that will undoubtedly become a real hit of the season: loose trousers, a fitted vest, and a cropped blazer, the creation of which was inspired by the exceptionally fashionable bomber this autumn. But the main thing is the color: the suit is made in a dusty blue shade reminiscent of worn denim. Thus, Matthieu Blazy, the creative director of Chanel, seamlessly combined the main Max Mara fashion trends.
Want color but don't want to take risks? Look to Victoria Beckham. The brand's designers presented the public with a comfortable yet elegant look, built on the combination of parachute trousers, which look very unusual in velvet, and a more traditionally styled fitted shirt made from this material. Following Mrs. Beckham's creative thought, we cinch the waist with a thin contrasting belt — you are on trend!
Expensive and Rich
The relaxed and atmospheric bohemian style is itself at the peak of popularity this autumn, and boho looks incorporating velvet are gaining legendary status. Fringes, trapeze skirts and sun flares, flared trousers, shirts with elongated collars, tunic dresses — just imagine how exquisite and unusual these items will look in velvety material. Thus, the flagship of boho aesthetics, the brand Etro, presented a two-piece suit that can be seen as a fashionable investment: straight trousers in deep brown will always be relevant, while the jacket with long fringe from the waist will serve as a fashionable accent. Burberry also embraced the gypsy aesthetic — just look at the golden velvet that brand leader Daniel Lee incorporated into almost all collections. Of course, the most memorable were two sets: a relaxed tunic shirt in black and gold combination and a golden plush trouser suit. Rich, bold, and very, very fashionable! Finally, a true masterclass in creating genuinely bohemian looks from printed velvet (by the way, the popular paisley is the very "Turkish cucumber") was demonstrated by the creative team of Ralph Lauren: a shirt dress with balloon sleeves made from diagonal ribbed fabric looked like a true masterpiece on the runway.
Closer to Nature
The natural palette — swamp, terracotta, sandy, beige — suits, let’s admit it, everyone. Moreover, velvet items in such shades are not just fashionable — they transition into the realm of classics, meaning those that will not cease to be relevant after a season or two. What should you look out for? We are definitely in love with the suit from Luisa Beccaria: this look became the most memorable at the show. The deep mustard shade resembles molten gold, but unlike the shine of precious metals from the previous trend, mustard is a much more restrained and appropriate color, for example, in the office or at a business meeting. Another variation on the theme of preciousness is the emerald green bomber from Polo Ralph Lauren: a rich, multifaceted shade has a unique ability to pair with equally deep blue, black, gray, brown, terracotta... By choosing velvet items in such a palette, you are making a long-term investment. And if you want more warmth and light — consider the Brunello Cucinelli collection. The autumn-winter line of the brand is a passionate confession of love for velvet and its fashionable possibilities: here you will find luxurious two-piece suits, wide trousers with creases in chocolate color, light gray coats made from plush fabric, and fashionable midi skirts... In short, if you don’t know what to be inspired by when creating a velvet look, this is the place for you!
A Successful Combination
Finally, it is worth considering another influential trend — how masterfully some designers have mixed such a seemingly conservative velvet with unusual cuts, colors, and textures. In short, if you want to create a look based on traditional fabric with a hint of flamboyance — keep your eyes peeled! We liked the canonical and seemingly simple look at the Tory Burch show: a shirt, a knitted sweater, wide velvet trousers in sandy shade... Stop! The familiar fine rib of velvet does not look fine at all: it is literally giant voluminous stripes made up of smaller strips. Thus, in the quiet depths, one can spot true devils. Or, for example, a velvet look from the Resort 2026 collection by Hermes: before us is a bold combination of bloody red and carrot orange colors that transform the velvet fabric, giving it a different interpretation. Finally, how do you feel about velvet executed in... an animal print? Not sure what to think — listen to the giants Versace, Valentino, and Dolce&Gabbana: such bold decisions this autumn will work in your favor.
