Once upon a time, velvet clothes were typically reserved for parties and special occasions. Now, however, velvet is officially a winter wardrobe staple. Meaning? You can rock the luxe fabric for holiday festivities and weddings as well as work, weekend brunch, and date nights. There’s no time like the present to get in on the trend – and the soft styles ahead are proof of just that.

No longer the stuff of puff-sleeved, childhood party dresses (white tights, remember anyone?), today’s velvet is decidedly stylish, elegant and cool. Try pairing this fancy fabric with denim, raw silk, menswear-inspired suiting, leather, or lace. From traditional dresses to jumpsuits, there’s a way to work velvet clothes into your looks for day or night – well past the holiday season, too. Because who doesn’t want to rock this royal trend into the new year?

Velvet clothes don’t just come in solid jewel-tone hues, either. Currently, offerings include everything from burnout florals to polka dot prints, in colours like rust orange, mustard yellow, mauve, and blush. You can incorporate this super comfy fabric in articles around your home as well, like chair and arm throw. So buy now, wear now – and well into January and February (at least)!