Opt for a brighter shade of velvet and complete the look with fun accessories like glitter sneakers and bold sunglasses for a non-fussy party outfit. 

Runway image: Prabal Gurung 

Aries velvet dress ($1,172) at matchesfashion.com

Tissot rose-gold-PVD-coated-stainless-steel and leather watch ($495), tissotwatches.com

Lele Sadoughi acrylic earrings ($228) at Shopbop, shopbop.com

Turn up the glamour by mixing and matching velvet with other textures. 

Runway image: Bottega Veneta

ASOS sequin and velvet dress ($225), asos.com

Rachel Comey acrylic earrings ($189) at The Narwhal, narwhalboutique.com

Le Château brass and crystal bobby pins ($15 for a set of four) at Le Château stores

A tip from ELLE Canada fashion and market editor Elaine Jyll Regio: “Pair coloured velvet with lace and shiny accessories to combat the heaviness of this rich fabric.”

Runway image: Bottega Veneta

Joe Fresh velvet dress ($39), joefresh.com

Pandora 18-karat-gold-plated-metal bracelet ($220), pandora.net

Sandro suede and rhinestone boots ($723), sandro-paris.com