velvet

Lush, soft, feminine, and striking all in one, velvet is synonymous with elegance. This fall, velvet is putting a fresh spin on fall staples, as well as bringing warmer-weather pieces into fall. Velvet jackets, especially velvet peacoats, dresses, skirts that hit mid-thigh. However, to avoid looking like a fairy princess, velvet must be worn carefully. Tights or thigh-high socks can be worn well velvet dresses and skirts.

Free People's Velvet Echoes Skirt

• Don't wear velvet head-to-toe. Avoid making chic velvet pieces appear old-fashioned by following the one piece rule: one velvet piece per outfit. Also, choose velvet dresses and skirts that are between that are between mid-thigh and two inches above the knee -anything less is vulgar, and anything more will seem old-fashioned or costume-ish.
• Don't pair velvet with other eye-catchingly bold, feminine fabrics. Other ultra feminine fabrics, like lace or chiffon, and anything suede, can also take your ensemble from chic to costumey. If you really cannot resist the urge to incorporate more ultra-femininities into your outfit, try pairing a blouse with barely-there lace detailing with your velvet jacket or skirt, or, with a dress, try wearing it over a slip with ruffle hem that peeks out below the hem of your dress. However, velvet jackets, especially cropped ones, work well with more feminine items, such as a Free People's Vintage Charm Slip or a white dress with tiered ruffles. Otherwise, stick with more basic and gender neutral fabrics like leather -a bomber jacket over a velvet dress- denim, and cotton. 
• Keep jewelry to a minimum. Pair simple items like silver and gold bangles, and pendants with clean lines and shapes. Choose timeless pieces, not trendy ones.