Velvet

We're all for wearing even our most summery of dresses come Winter, but it can be a tricky seasonal balance to strike. The key to getting this look right? It's all about layering, and we're showing you how to do so — like a pro. Simply pair a silky printed shirt dress (we prefer the kind that hits around the knee area) with a fur jacket and ankle boots for a look that's as cool as it is cozy. Here's a tip: when shopping for the perfect furry coat, make sure the silhouette hits you right around — or a little higher than — the waist to avoid extra bulkiness. The result? A highly textural cold-weather getup that's high on style points and might possibly get you snapped on the streets during New York Fashion Week if you just so happen to be in NYC. Shop our three mapped-out outfits below, and, of course, don't forget to don a pair of lined tights for extra insulation!

From left to right: Mulberry Wild Lamb Fur Cropped Jacket ($1,227, originally $2,045), Topshop Letter Print Shirt Dress ($100), ASOS Altitude Leather Jodhpur Ankle Boots ($96), Velvet Alana Coat ($110, originally 275), 3.1 Phillip Lim Floral Shirt Dress ($750), Acne Pistol Boot ($399, originally $570), Muubaa Shearling Biker Jacket ($749, originally $1,071), Mara Hoffman Printed Crepe Shirt Dress ($204, originally $370), Nasty Gal Boyfriend Ankle Boot ($178)

Nicole Richie took her fashion prowess to the seventh annual Teen Vogue Fashion University in NYC, and spoke with aspiring fashion industry professionals about her work and personal style. She showed off her signature bohemian-glam aesthetic in a black velvet dress with batwing sleeves and a swingy asymmetrical hem from her Winter Kate collection. Not only does Nicole's look inspire a cool Stevie Nicks vibe, but it also reminds us just how much we love velvet for Fall and Winter. It's a great, slightly heavier fabric that is an ideal replacement for Summer's breezy cottons and linens, and happens to look especially amazing when worn to holiday parties. We're helping you channel Nicole's fun, sophisticated velvet vibe with 24 dresses that are perfect for work or play — click now to shop them all.

While exiting Sirius Radio Studios in NYC, Elizabeth Olsen rocked a red velvet The Row suit that's totally reminiscent of the red velvet Tom Ford suit Gwyneth Paltrow wore back in 1996! We have to admit, it takes major fashion guts to wear head-to-toe velvet, but clearly Elizabeth has it. Completing her bold look are a white button-down blouse, Jimmy Choo's Lewis pumps, a black leather Chloe bag, and vintage-inspired tortoise sunglasses. If an entire velvet suit is too much velvet for you, why not dabble in the trend via just one piece? You can don a colored velvet blazer with black pants, or bright velvet pants with a black wool blazer. To get velvety à la Elizabeth Olsen, shop our favorite velvet blazers and pants below.

More J.Crew...

An incredibly rich, sumptuous fabric, velvet is as fashionable today as it was in the 14th century. Velvet is traditionally made with silk threads, though today it is also often made from cotton, acetate, and rayon. This plush, infinitely touchable fabric has long been associated with royalty, but now, thanks to mechanized weaving techniques, it's much more affordable than it has been in past centuries.

And though this fabric may be hundreds of years old, it still looks fresh when used as upholstery on furniture and accent pieces. One of my current favorites is this Ditte Sofa ($4,000). The gray velvet upholstery covers a very cool frame. I love how the tufting covers the exterior arms, while the interior is more streamlined and modern.
Where do you want to add velvet to your life? I've rounded up a number of pieces for the living room, dining room, bedroom, or entry. Find a velvet favorite below!