Velvet, Velour & Devore... What's the Difference & How Do I Wear Them?

Velour, devore and velvet… these glamorous, luxuriously soft fabrics make the perfect women’s wardrobe staples. From classic velour maxi dresses for special occasions and devore embroidered wrap tops that take your office wear to the next level, to velvet coats so you can stay warm and stylish all season long.

Prepare for endless compliments when you style our velvet, velour and devour pieces season after season. But, before you dive into our collection, you might be wondering what the difference is between velvet, velour, and devore.

This guide is here to tell you everything you need to know, plus we'll teach you the best ways to style these sophisticated fabrics.

Get in the groove with our top tips for styling velvet:

When styling velvet, try pairing it with matte fabrics like cotton or denim to avoid an outfit that's too heavy or shiny. After all, your velvet is your statement piece and you don't want anything to upstage it.

You'll often find velvet in darker shades and jewel tones. This is because lighter colours reflect light evenly and can dim the fabric's natural shimmer; jewel tones emphasise velvet's shine to make the fabrics appear more dimensional and luxurious. Emerald, sapphire, amythest, and ruby red are just some of the gorgeous shades you could choose to bring your velvet look to life.

For more tips on how to wear jewel tones, read our style guide!

Velvet shines it's brightest in the evening, but it doesn't have to be reserved for party wear. You can rock velvet during the day too by dressing it down with denim jeans and trainers. Depending on whether you're going to work or dressing for the weekend, you can complete the look with a structured blazer or a chic leather jacket. For daytime, choose relaxed pieces, like cowl neck tops and loose-fitting shirts. When the party begins, go all out with tight-fitting midi dresses and tailored trousers.

Velvet makes a statement on it's own, so it doesn't need too much help in the accessories department. However, adding a few carefully chosen pieces can help to elevate the look even further. Lean into the vintage aesthetic with minimal jewellery in either gold or silver, such as diamonte earrings or a beaded necklace. Then, add a bit of extra glamour with velvet shoes and a matching handbag. 

Here are some of our expert styling tips, so you can strut your stuff in velour.

Velour fabric has a relaxed, loungey shape and feel. So, you'll want to pair it with structured pieces, especially if you're dressing for a special occasion. For example, layer a tailored blazer over a velour maxi dress or pair your velour top with slim-fitting trousers.  This will not only refine your outfit, but it will define your shape in the most graceful way.

Velour comes in so many colours, but it always shines its brightest in sophisticated shades such as berry, aubergine, royal blue, and forest green. These shades bring depth to the fabric, so you can get the most out of your velour style.  When it comes to jackets and shoes, opt for neutral shades that complement the fabric rather than compete with it. This could be a pair of sleek black heels or a polished navy jacket. 

Velour has been at the forefront of some of the most iconic moments in fashion. From the bright suits flaunted by 70s popstars to the tracksuits that took centre stage in Y2K styling, velour has a place in every woman's retro wardrobe.

Tailored trousers are key for a vintage velour outfit. These eras were all about the flair, so choose embroidered bootcuts in colours that pop. If you're going for the 70s/80s Disco Glam aesthetic, wear your velour trousers with a matching blazer. Alternatively, wear a velour jumpsuit with a hoodie or sweatshirt for a luxuriously laidback 2000s-inspired style. 

Let's dive into our top tips for styling devore, so you can exude elegance everytime you wear it:

Devoré fabrics are natural attention-grabbers. It's why they're the perfect statement pieces for any occasion. So, when you're styling your devoré, look for understated pieces in solid colours to complement the velvet pattern.  For example, if your dress features lush greens and lively pinks, choose a coat or jacket in a similar tone. This will help bring out the colours of your devore, without overshadowing them, and it'll make your outfit feel harmonious.

Devoré velvet is a smooth and shimmery fabric, and one of the best ways to make it shine is by layering it with contrasting textures. Moleskin coats are fabulous options as they're just as luxurious as velvet but they offer a beautifully matte finish that enhances devoré's subtle sheen.

With roots in the sophisticated style of the 1920s, devoré has a distinctly vintage feel. If your style is more 21st century, you might be wondering how you can bring this timeless style to the modern day. The key is to pair your devoré with more modern shapes and materials; think skinny denim jeans and a fitted blazer. Tailored pieces will give your outfit a sleek and structured silhouette, which will allow your velvet to stand out without looking outdated.

One of the many things we love about devoré is that it can actually be used to enhance your favourite features. Devoré patterns that run vertically or diagonally draw the eye up and down, which creates the illusion of height. Additionally, sheer materials catch the light, cascading along your figure. No matter how you style it, devoré is such a flattering fabric to wear.