Mixing Textures: Velvet, Fur, and Faux Fur in Street Style Fashion
Experimenting with different fabrics and materials is a fun way to showcase your unique style. But mixing bold textures like velvet and fur can seem intimidating. Do certain textures only work for certain seasons? How do you blend materials without looking like you just grabbed random items? Let's break down how to fearlessly incorporate mix and match textures into your everyday wardrobe.
Start with a Velvet Base
Velvet is having a major moment. Its lush, dimensional surface gives any look an instantly glamorous vibe. Pair a richly hued velvet top or dress as your foundation piece. Sleek velvet flatters all seasons from winter nights out to holiday parties. Choose a classic midi length in jewel tones like emerald, burgundy or navy for versatility.
Layer On Fake Fur
Now it's time to layer on some faux fur for extra coziness and visual interest. In colder months, try draping a long faux fur scarf around your shoulders or swinging a fuzzy jacket over your arms. For spring and fall weather, wrap a short faux fur collar or cuffs around the ends of sleeves. Faux options avoid the ethical issues of real fur while providing similar fluffy textures.
Add Real Accents Sparingly
For a truly lavish look, you can introduce small pops of real fur. Choose an optional accessory that won't involve much shedding or maintenance like a dainty fur muff or stole. Bite-sized fur adds luxury without going overboard. Real fur pieces also retain their shape for years when cared for properly.
Blend Materials With Neutrals
Sometimes less is more when playing with textures. Throw velvet and faux or real fur accents together thoughtfully mixed with solid neutrals. Pair a charcoal velvet skirt with a fitted cashmere sweater and touch of mink on leather gloves, for example.
Tailor Each Look to the Occasion
Consider how different textures may perform in various contexts before combining them in one outfit. Velvet excels for dressier evenings out but may collect lint more easily than casual corduroy at the farmer's market. Faux fur stays cozy and resilient wherever the day takes you while real fur demands more special care. Adjust material mixes based on planned activities to avoid annoyance or damage down the line.
Balance Looseness With Fit
Combining unstructured textures looks most polished with balanced silhouette. For example, layer a swingy velvet midi skirt over slim leggings or tights rather than bunching it with a bulky sweater. A fuzzy faux fur coat paired with a sleek pencil skirt prevents appearing frumpy.
Work Print, Solid and Embroidered Fabrics Too
Don't limit your creativity to just velvet, fur and faux fur options. Introduce other materials like cozy woolen prints, slinky jersey separates or embellished cotton blouses. Break up an all-velvet ensemble with a patterned silk scarf, for instance.
So whether it's luxe velvet and faux fur or mixed woven fabrics, experiment fearlessly with textures in your everyday ensembles. Your unique sense of texture and dimension will shine through each outfit.FAQ
Q: How do I style real fur if I don't want to wear it directly on my skin?
A: Real fur accents work best as optional extras like wraps, stoles or collars that you can layer on top of other fabrics. Look for fur pieces that can be easily removed instead of seaming directly onto an outfit.
Q: Is it okay to mix fun faux furs with more subtle real fur textures?
A: Yes, pairing an eye-catching faux fur like hot pink with a subtle natural mink or fox trim can make a beautiful statement. Balance bolder faux options with soft real accents.
Q: What's the best way to style different types of knits together?
A: To blend knits smoothly, choose pieces in similar weights and loosely pair colors from the same family that complement each other. Layering thin ribbed fabrics under chunky cables works well.
Q: Can I mix structured and unstructured silhouettes?
A: Absolutely! Structured fabrics anchor flowing textures and shape the eye's movement.Experiment confidently mixing fitted trousers with a swingy maxi skirt.
Q: How do I style mixed textures for different body types?
A: Tailor each texture combo to your personal shape by balancing looseness over tight areas. For example, add volume at the hips with an A-line velvet skirt if you prefer more definition up top.
