If you only add one new item to your wardrobe this fall, consider buying something velvet: The go-to fabric for fall.

Until recently, when I thought of velvet, a few images sprang quickly to mind: Christmas plaids and black velvet hair bows ala 1987, red velvet capes with white marabou fir trim, my college dorm neighbor’s crushed blue velvet thrift-shop sofa, and that time I went to a 70’s themed fraternity party with a guy wearing a purple velvet blazer that smelled like a 50-year old ashtray.

But not anymore.

This season, velvet is everywhere and (thank goodness) there’s nothing Merry Christmas or Disco Fever about it. Today’s velvets are touchably textured in rich, highly-saturated gemstone colors and they’re decidedly Street Style.

Velvet can be luxurious and sophisticated, ironic and hip, or outright sexy. If you’re feeling daring, try a head-to-toe look, otherwise, trying adding it in to your ensembles subtly with a demure gold velvet clutch or a pair of black velvet leggings with your favorite cashmere sweater.

Velvet is showing up in a wide range of clothing and accessories. Here is a sample of some of my favorite items from around the web:

1. Velvet Pumps by Gucci. 2. Loren Velvet-Trimmed Floral Chiffon Dress by Dodo Bar Or. 3. Leggings by Sanctuary. 4. Alexis Slides by Rebecca Minkoff. 5. Bomber Jacket by American Eagle Outfitters. 6. Emerald Kimono by Free People. 7. Chain Wallet by Barney’s New York (also in fuchsia and grey). 8. Flared, High-Rise Jeans by PAIGE DENIM. 9. Velvet Blouse by Ulla Johnson. 10. Velvet Midi Dress  by MASSCOB. 11. Velvet May Sneakers by Golden Goose. 12. Montebello Mini Leather and Velvet Cross Body Bag by Bottega Venetta. 13. Gold Mules by Loeffler Randall. 14. Leopard-Print Coat by Gabriela Hearst. 15. Velvet Cami by CAMI NYC. 16. Hayward Silver Shopper bag.

How will you wear velvet this fall?

Thanks for reading,