Swapping out some fabrics for others as the seasons change has been common practice for as long as we’ve been wearing clothes. After all, when it’s cold, turning to better-insulated materials like wool and mohair just makes sense. This year, we want to focus on a luxurious textile that’s seen a lot in beloved vintage garments but is often overlooked in modern street fashion: velvet.

At Retro Stage, craftsmanship is one of our core values, and it’s an absolute necessity when adapting vintage aesthetics to the modern day. Velvet in particular takes a certain level of skill to work with, but when done right, it’s unparalleled in its sophistication and beauty. Beyond this impeccable air of refinement, it’s also a naturally warm and cozy fabric that’s ideal for combatting that chill in the air that comes with the changing of seasons. With this in mind, we’d like to introduce you to some of our favorite velvet pieces that are truly timeless, can be styled to suit all kinds of occasions, and will have you both feeling comfortable and looking stunning as we head into fall and winter.

1960s Off-Shoulder Velvet Bodycon Dress

If you’re a long-time Retro Stage fan, you’re very familiar with this classic! This gorgeous, versatile piece has become a staple in countless vintage lovers’ wardrobes because it comes in four different colors and is cut to be ultra-flattering to the female figure. Between the high-class portrait collar, the plush fabric, and the pencil silhouette, dressing up for date night has never been easier.

Navy Blue 1950s Corduroy Long Coat

As the weather goes from cool to cold, stylish outerwear will become an absolute must in your seasonal retro looks. This eye-catching corduroy overcoat is designed with a treasure trove of intriguing features, including smart notched lapels, a chic pleated skirt, and even an optional belt. In other words, no matter what you have on underneath, you’ll always look well put together when wearing this exquisite piece.

Blue 1960s 3D Butterfly Velvet Pencil Dress

When it comes to glamor, rich blue velvet and appliques are a recipe for success. This breathtaking pencil dress is the epitome of elegance, meticulously crafted to drape across the body in the most flattering manner possible. And that’s not even mentioning the incredible butterfly appliques that dance across the bodice, bringing the whole look to the next level. If you have a semiformal event coming up this season, this piece is sure to be a winner.

Wine Red 1950s Heart Button Solid Dress

This delightful piece is perfect for the Christmas season, and not just because it’s red. When you look closely, you can see that the dress employs fabric and heart-shaped buttons to create a decorative version of the frog fasteners commonly seen on nutcracker uniforms. Beyond that, its square neckline, high-low skirt, and neatly ruched cap sleeves combine elements of free-spirited femininity and refined military aesthetics to create a cute, well-rounded look.

Green 1930s Velvet Vintage Jumpsuit & Floral Sleeveless Dress

We loved this floral devoré fabric so much that we had to make two designs out of it! Both of these pieces can be styled to suit either casual or formal occasions, so just go with whichever one you like better (or, if you’re a fan of the fabric, get both!).

To start with, the jumpsuit is comfortable and airy with its V-neckline, flutter sleeves, and cropped hem. All of these elements work together to make it a fantastic option for those autumn days when it’s a little nippy in the morning but gets a little warmer as the day goes on.

The dress, on the other hand, takes a slightly more clean-cut, straightforward approach. It has a similar length and naturally features the same plum blossom pattern, but it opts for a fitted sleeveless bodice, a cowl neckline, and an A-line skirt to create a sense of maturity and refinement.

1960s Off-Shoulder Leopard Pencil Dress

You can think of this piece as a more modernized version of our first suggestion on this list, bearing the same portrait collar and overall silhouette but in a striking leopard print. If you love modern twists on classic aesthetics, this is a great pick with plenty of personality that you can accessorize to your liking. Keep it elegant with some simple accoutrements or go full-throttle with attention-grabbing flair—the choice is yours!

Red 1950s Velvet Off-Shoulder Button Jumpsuit

A funky asymmetrical look is always guaranteed to turn heads, so this one’s for all the ladies who love being the center of attention. This striking jumpsuit comes in a deep red velvet and contrasts a well-tailored bodice and pant legs with a unique off-shoulder neckline that resembles a built-in fur stole. Accenting the piece are several textured buttons bearing a rose pattern, which goes perfectly with the color and adds just that little extra hint of romance.

Green 1930s Velvet Off-Shoulder Ruffle-Trim Mermaid Dress

Nothing feels grander in wintertime than a floor-length dress made of evergreen velvet, and this piece will have you looking as celebration-ready as a Happy Holidays Barbie. The off-shoulder wrap neckline starts things off strong, baring your shoulders and collarbone in sharp contrast with the full sleeves. From there, the fabric flows into a flattering mermaid silhouette that’s accented by an eye-catching ruffled leg slit. Simply dripping with grace and dignity, this is a wonderful gown to wear for special occasions, like holiday galas or formal dinner parties.

Green 1940s Deep V-Neck Pearl Velvet Dress

Any vintage enthusiast knows the importance of a reliable day dress, and this sap-green midi with cap sleeves and a wrap V-neckline is just what you need for fall. Subtle box pleats at the shoulders add an air of sophistication to this garment, and the skirt is fastened from waist to hem with pearl buttons for a dash of ladylike elegance that people will definitely notice on a stroll through town.

Green 1960s Christmas Velvet Patchwork Hooded Dress

We couldn’t finish off this list without mentioning this Santa-style green mini dress. If you love channeling the classic Mean Girls talent show look at every Christmas party, this will be right at home in your closet. The pine-green velvet fabric and black belt contrast wonderfully with the stark white fur trim at the neckline, cuffs, and hem, and it even has a hood just in case you need to protect your face from a frosty winter wind. Add some insulated leggings and boots, and you’ve got a whole look going.

Conclusion

You don’t have to save velvet for special occasions; in fact, it’s a fantastic choice for everyday wear when you need to stay warm in chilly environments, and on top of that, it brings a ton of personality to your wardrobe. Vintage fashion lovers know it best: classics are classics for a reason, and the combined form and function of velvet makes it abundantly clear why it’s so highly regarded as a material. So this fall, we encourage you to have some fun and break conventions by rocking retro velvet looks of your own!

You can shop the gorgeous velvet pieces listed above—and so much more—on the Retro Stage website.