Velvet Evening Gowns: The Best Black, Blue and Brown Velvet Gowns for Winter

Velvet is the winter evening fabric. It holds colour more deeply than any other cloth, it absorbs light so a black velvet gown looks blacker than black, and it is warm enough to wear to a December wedding. Here are the velvet gowns we would buy this season, starting with four new pieces from Avaro Figlio.

Black velvet gowns

Avaro Figlio Dominion High-Neck Velvet Lace Mermaid Gown

Black velvet with Chantilly lace, a high neck, long sleeves and a mermaid flare. The Dominion Gown is the most classic piece in the collection, and the lace keeps the velvet from feeling heavy. $2,380.

Avaro Figlio Enigma High-Neck Velvet Jacquard Dress

The Enigma Dress mixes black velvet with black jacquard for a tonal contrast you only see up close. $3,900.

Avaro Figlio Noir Botanique Strapless Velvet Dress

Strapless black velvet with floral embroidery at the neckline. The Noir Botanique is the velvet dress for an indoor event. $2,380.

Avaro Figlio Bella Strapless Velvet Sequin Mini Dress

For a cocktail party, the Bella Mini Dress has a sequinned bodice, a velvet skirt and a Chantilly lace hem. $1,670.

Midnight blue velvet

Navy and midnight blue are the alternative to black, softer on the skin and just as formal. The Avaro Figlio Velvet Opulence Mermaid Maxi Dress is midnight blue velvet with a high neck and long sleeves, cut close through the body. $3,880.

Brown velvet

Brown velvet is the most fashionable winter colour of the season. Avaro Figlio cuts a Celestial Brown Crystal Boat Neck Maxi Dress in brown cady with brown crystal, a tonal take on the trend. For day, JW PEI makes the Ellie Pleated Velvet Dress in Chocolate Brown.

Velvet from other houses

Elie Saab embroiders velvet with sequins on the Velvet and Sequin Embroidered Dress. Carolina Herrera has the Off-Shoulder Stretch Velvet Midi Dress, and Effie Kats cuts a whole range of black velvet gowns, including the Verona Gown. Zuhair Murad makes a Velvet Midi Dress.

How to wear velvet

Let velvet be the only texture. Pair it with satin shoes, a metal clutch and fine jewellery; skip fur and heavy knits, which compete with the pile. Black velvet suits diamonds, midnight blue suits silver, brown suits gold.

How to care for velvet

Dry clean with a specialist only. Store the gown on a padded hanger with space around it so the pile is not crushed, and steam from the inside. Never press velvet with an iron.

For more winter dressing read our guides to winter wedding guest dresses and black tie wedding guest dresses, and shop all evening gowns.

Frequently asked questions

When can you wear a velvet gown?

Velvet is an autumn and winter fabric, from October to February. It suits black tie, galas, winter weddings and the festive season.

Is velvet appropriate for black tie?

Yes. Velvet is one of the most formal evening fabrics and is traditional at black tie events in winter.

How do you care for a velvet gown?

Dry clean only with a specialist. Hang it on a padded hanger with space around it so the pile is not crushed, and steam it from the inside to lift creases. Never iron velvet directly.

Does velvet crease?

Velvet can crush where it is folded and pressed. Stretch velvet, which most evening gowns use, recovers better. Steam lifts most marks.