Decorate Accordingly: Velvet Dresses

It's that time of year again. I want to swath myself in yards of velvet and attend fabulous parties with cater waiters and ambient piano playing.

Emma Watson on the H.P. & the D.H. junket.

Velvet never goes out. It just gets misappropriated every now and then...

...chiefly by mid-90's prom-goers.

Note: the Urban Dictionary contains the term Velvet Dress Lady:

A term made by a group of suburban kids in Seattle meaning something

that is unfavorable, annoying, unpleasant, stupid and non-sensical.

Also used to describe something or someone ugly, gross, or unfashionable.

example: "Don't be so velvet dress lady, I was just asking [a question]."

Don't be a Velvet Dress Lady; be a lady wearing a velvet dress!

To avoid looking like you've escaped from a weekend at the Renaissance Fair, invest in velvet and forget the velour. Before you buy, ask yourself: "does this look like a caftan made from old Juicy Couture sweatpants or more like a beautiful table runner from The Palace at Versailles?" Check out the richness and density of this Burberry Prorsum:

Looks sumptuous, even in 2D, right?

While this material hangs and drapes so well it screams 'Festive Soiree', I have included plenty of short frocks that could easily become daywear with the right styling. Mix contrasting (think: complementary, not clashing) textures for a modern look.

Barlow dress ($248) at I Don't Like Mondays