Versatile Velvet Blazer

Lighter, brighter velvets lend themselves more easily to daytime, and can make for particularly strong professional looks while still having pulled-together polish. When I was hunting down softer-hued velvet options, Nordstrom delivered, literally and figuratively speaking, as they so often do. Here, I’m wearing the Stretch Velvet Blazer by FRAME, a tuxedo-style jacket with a one-button closure and slim fit. This tailoring gives the velvet texture a bit more formality, which you’ll appreciate in the workplace. But not so much structure that you feel like you need to attend the opera in it. FYI, I secured the lapels with a hidden safety pin to avoid any awkward exposure during the workday.

You can easily pair a versatile velvet blazer like this with denim to keep from feeling like you’re drowning in velvet. (Though, what a way to go.) Alternatively, I thought I’d go for a monochrome moment and contrasted the structure of the blazer with a feminine skirt silhouette on the bottom. (FYI, this skirt is on sale for a song right now, go!) The look also presented me with the opportunity to bring in some of my absolute favorite accessories in brown, making the overall appearance unmistakably fall.

Play With Colors

If I had to pick a favorite reason why this outfit works though, it’s the color. Velvet in this unexpected dusky rose hue really shows the range of the fabric. I guarantee you you’ll pull this blazer out on far more occasions than you think. Save the deeper jewel tones for your more formal events (and keep an eye out for one or two during this year’s 30 Dresses in 30 Days!), but definitely experiment with lighter, more delicate colors for your everyday sartorial needs. Opting for velvet outside the expected colorways is fun, refreshing, and full of all the fall feels. Shop more of my favorite velvet moments from Nordstrom below!