Velour is back, and it’s not the Juicy Couture tracksuit of the early 2000s. This isn’t a revival of a dated trend; it’s a renaissance of a luxurious, versatile fabric. Modern velour is about texture, comfort, and effortless elegance. It’s a statement of confidence, a nod to vintage cool, and a embrace of a tactile, indulgent aesthetic. But how do you wear it without looking like you’ve just stepped out of a time machine? The key is to blend velour’s plush softness with modern silhouettes and unexpected pairings. This guide will show you how to master the art of rocking velour, moving beyond the tracksuit and into a world of sophisticated style.
Velour’s Modern Comeback: Why It’s More Than a Trend
The appeal of velour lies in its unique combination of softness, sheen, and stretch. It’s a knit fabric with a dense pile, giving it a velvety texture and a rich luster. Unlike its more formal cousin, velvet, velour is known for its incredible comfort and relaxed drape. The modern take on velour leans into this casual luxury, using the fabric for everything from elevated loungewear to polished evening pieces. It’s a fabric that feels as good as it looks, making it a perfect fit for a lifestyle that values both style and comfort.
1. The Elevated Velour Jumpsuit: A One-and-Done Statement
The velour jumpsuit is the ultimate power piece. It’s an all-in-one outfit that requires minimal styling but delivers maximum impact. Forget the baggy, shapeless jumpsuits of the past. Modern velour jumpsuits feature tailored silhouettes that flatter the body without being restrictive. Look for styles with a cinched waist, wide legs, or a sophisticated collar.
How to Rock It:
- For a Sleek Evening Look: Pair a black or deep jewel-toned velour jumpsuit with stiletto boots or strappy heels. Add a structured clutch and some delicate gold jewelry to complete the ensemble.
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For a Polished Daytime Vibe: Choose a jumpsuit in a neutral shade like navy or olive. Layer a tailored blazer or a leather jacket over it for a touch of edge. Complete the look with clean white sneakers or classic loafers.
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Pro-Tip: The key to a successful jumpsuit is fit. Ensure the torso and inseam are the right length to avoid a baggy or pulling effect. A well-fitted jumpsuit makes the fabric shine, literally and figuratively.
Example: Imagine a forest green velour jumpsuit with a wrap-style V-neckline and a tie-belt. Paired with chunky black Chelsea boots and a simple silver pendant necklace, it’s a look that’s both chic and comfortable, perfect for a gallery opening or a dinner party.
2. Velour in Unexpected Palettes: Go Beyond Black and Burgundy
While classic black and burgundy are always safe bets, modern velour truly shines in unexpected colors. This is where you can make a bold fashion statement. The fabric’s inherent sheen gives vibrant colors a unique depth, making them feel more luxurious and less loud.
How to Rock It:
- Pastel Velour: Think dusty rose, light sage, or sky blue. A velour hoodie or a pair of wide-leg pants in a soft pastel can create a fresh, playful look.
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Rich Jewel Tones: Beyond burgundy, consider sapphire blue, emerald green, or a rich mustard yellow. These colors elevate the fabric, making a simple t-shirt and pants combo look incredibly high-end.
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Earthy Tones: For a more grounded, understated look, explore shades like terracotta, burnt orange, or mocha brown. These hues work beautifully with other natural textures like linen or wool.
Example: A vibrant sapphire blue velour mock-neck top tucked into a pair of high-waisted, wide-leg trousers in a crisp white. This color contrast is striking and modern, proving that velour isn’t limited to a grungy, retro aesthetic.
3. The Velour Skirt: Texture Meets Structure
A velour skirt is a fantastic way to introduce the fabric into your wardrobe without committing to a full outfit. The contrast between the plush texture of the velour and the clean lines of a well-cut skirt creates a dynamic and interesting visual.
How to Rock It:
- The Mini Skirt: Pair a velour mini skirt with a tucked-in oversized white button-down shirt and knee-high boots. This look balances the casual nature of velour with classic, structured pieces.
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The Midi Skirt: A pleated or A-line velour midi skirt can be dressed up or down. For a sophisticated look, wear it with a fine-gauge knit sweater and ankle boots.
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The Pencil Skirt: A velour pencil skirt is a great choice for the office (in a creative field, of course). Pair it with a silky blouse and classic pumps. The fabric’s stretch makes it more comfortable than a traditional wool or cotton pencil skirt.
Example: An olive green velour pleated midi skirt, worn with a black turtleneck and black leather combat boots. This combination juxtaposes the soft, flowing fabric with the hard-edged footwear, creating a look that’s both feminine and tough.
4. Layering with Velour: The Unexpected Outerwear
Velour outerwear is a bold choice that can instantly elevate a simple outfit. A velour jacket, bomber, or even a long coat can serve as a statement piece that adds texture and a unique visual element to your look.
How to Rock It:
- The Velour Bomber Jacket: Layer a velour bomber over a plain t-shirt and distressed jeans. The contrast between the sporty jacket and the casual denim is effortlessly cool.
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The Long Velour Coat: A full-length velour coat, especially in a rich color like camel or charcoal grey, is a showstopper. Wear it over a simple monochromatic outfit to let the coat be the star of the show.
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The Velour Duster: A velour duster or kimono-style jacket can add a touch of bohemian elegance to any outfit. Pair it with a simple camisole and tailored trousers.
Example: A bright crimson velour bomber jacket over a striped long-sleeve tee, black skinny jeans, and white sneakers. The pop of color and texture from the jacket takes a basic outfit and turns it into a head-turning, streetwear-inspired look.
5. The Velour Polo: A Vintage Sportswear Twist
The velour polo shirt is a perfect example of how modern velour embraces its vintage roots while staying relevant. This piece combines the athletic feel of a polo with the luxurious texture of velour, creating a sporty-meets-luxe hybrid.
How to Rock It:
- For a Smart-Casual Look: Tuck a velour polo into a pair of high-waisted, wide-leg trousers. Add some clean loafers or minimalist sneakers. This look is perfect for a casual Friday at work or a weekend brunch.
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For a Retro Vibe: Pair a velour polo with some straight-leg jeans and classic sneakers like Adidas Sambas. The combination is a direct nod to 70s and 80s sportswear without feeling like a costume.
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Pro-Tip: Look for polos with a classic three-button placket and a crisp collar. Avoid overly slouchy or baggy styles to keep the look polished.
Example: A deep navy velour polo tucked into a pair of stone-colored chinos. Worn with brown leather boat shoes, this outfit is a sophisticated take on preppy style, with the velour adding an unexpected touch of texture.
6. Accessorizing with Velour: The Subtle Touch
You don’t need to wear a full velour outfit to participate in the trend. Velour accessories are a fantastic way to add a touch of texture and luxury to your look without being overwhelming.
How to Rock It:
- The Velour Bag: A velour handbag, whether a structured clutch or a slouchy tote, can be a great conversation starter. Pair it with an outfit in a contrasting texture, like a sleek leather jacket or a chunky knit sweater.
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Velour Headbands and Scarves: A velour headband or a thin scarf can add a pop of color and texture near your face. These pieces are a simple way to elevate a basic top and jeans.
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Velour Shoes: From sleek loafers to casual sneakers with velour accents, these pieces are a subtle way to incorporate the trend.
Example: A simple black velvet dress paired with a forest green velour clutch and matching velour ankle boots. The green accessories add a vibrant touch of color and texture to the classic black dress, making the entire outfit feel fresh and modern.
7. Mixing Velour Textures: The Art of Contrast
One of the most powerful ways to wear velour is to pair it with other textures. The plush, soft pile of velour provides a perfect contrast to fabrics that are rough, smooth, or structured. This technique adds depth and dimension to your outfit, making it visually more interesting.
How to Rock It:
- Velour and Denim: A classic combination. A velour hoodie with a denim jacket or velour joggers with a crisp denim shirt creates a balanced look. The casual durability of denim grounds the luxurious feel of velour.
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Velour and Leather: The juxtaposition of soft velour with the tough, smooth texture of leather is incredibly stylish. Try a velour top with a leather skirt or a velour jacket with leather pants.
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Velour and Knitwear: A velour skirt or pants paired with a chunky cable-knit sweater is the epitome of cozy-chic. The two soft textures work together to create a warm, inviting aesthetic.
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Velour and Silk/Satin: For a high-low mix, pair a casual velour piece, like a t-shirt, with a silky skirt or pants. The contrast between the matte, plush velour and the shiny, flowing silk is a sophisticated styling move.
Example: A pair of black velour straight-leg pants, worn with a camel-colored, oversized chunky knit sweater. The softness of the velour is complemented by the cozy texture of the knit, creating an effortlessly comfortable and stylish outfit.
8. The Velour Blouse: A Touch of Softness for the Office
Velour isn’t just for casual wear. A well-designed velour blouse can be a sophisticated addition to a work wardrobe, particularly in a creative or business-casual environment. The key is to choose structured, tailored pieces.
How to Rock It:
- With Tailored Trousers: Pair a simple velour blouse, in a neutral color like cream or navy, with high-waisted, tailored trousers. This creates a polished, professional silhouette with a subtle hint of texture.
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Under a Blazer: A velour camisole or a fitted velour top can be worn under a classic blazer. This adds an unexpected textural element and makes the outfit feel more luxurious.
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The Wrap-Style Blouse: A wrap-style velour blouse is both flattering and sophisticated. Wear it with a pencil skirt or wide-leg pants for a chic, put-together look.
Example: A forest green velour button-down blouse, with the top few buttons undone, tucked into a pair of black wide-leg trousers. Worn with pointed-toe flats or low heels, this is a look that’s comfortable enough for a full day of meetings and stylish enough for an evening out.
9. Velour Loungewear: The Art of Intentional Comfort
The return of velour is inextricably linked to the rise of elevated loungewear. But this is not the baggy, unkempt loungewear of the past. Modern velour loungewear is intentional, comfortable, and chic enough to wear outside the house.
How to Rock It:
- The Co-Ord Set: A matching velour hoodie and jogger set is a classic for a reason. Choose a set in a rich color and ensure the fit is impeccable. Pair it with clean sneakers and a structured bag for an errand run.
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The Velour Hoodie: Wear a velour hoodie with a pair of tailored wool trousers and loafers. This unexpected pairing elevates the hoodie from a purely casual piece to a fashion statement.
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Velour Pants: Pair velour joggers or wide-leg pants with a crisp white t-shirt and an oversized denim jacket. The mix of textures and silhouettes creates a relaxed but deliberate look.
Example: A cream-colored velour hoodie and matching wide-leg pants set. Paired with a beige trench coat and white sneakers, it’s a look that’s perfect for a coffee date or a day of travel, blending supreme comfort with a high-fashion aesthetic.
10. Breaking Up the Velour Set: The Power of Separates
While the matching velour tracksuit is iconic, the real style power lies in breaking up the set. Wearing one piece of velour at a time allows you to integrate the fabric into a wider range of outfits, making it a more versatile and sustainable addition to your wardrobe.
How to Rock It:
- Velour Top with Other Bottoms: Pair a velour mock-neck top with a pair of high-waisted jeans, a pleated skirt, or tailored shorts.
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Velour Bottoms with Other Tops: Wear a pair of velour joggers or trousers with a fine-knit sweater, a crisp button-down shirt, or a graphic tee.
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Mixing Colors: Don’t be afraid to mix different colored velour pieces if you’re feeling adventurous. A burgundy velour hoodie with navy velour pants can work beautifully if the shades are complementary.
Example: A pair of black velour high-waisted wide-leg pants, worn with a grey heathered t-shirt, a classic camel overcoat, and white sneakers. The velour adds a touch of softness and unexpected texture to a timeless, chic outfit.
11. Velour Evening Wear: The Red Carpet Treatment
Velour, with its rich sheen and plush texture, is a natural fit for evening wear. It’s a sophisticated alternative to traditional fabrics like silk or satin, offering a unique blend of elegance and comfort.
How to Rock It:
- The Velour Dress: A velour dress, especially in a midi or maxi length, is a stunning choice for a formal event. Look for styles with a subtle drape or a simple silhouette.
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The Velour Suit: A velour suit, with a tailored blazer and matching trousers, is a powerful statement. Wear it with a simple camisole and sleek heels. This is a look that commands attention.
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The Velour Blazer: A velour blazer can be worn over a simple cocktail dress or a silk camisole and tailored trousers for a sophisticated evening look. The texture of the blazer adds a layer of visual interest to an otherwise simple outfit.
Example: A black velour maxi dress with a simple scoop neckline and a slight side slit. Paired with strappy gold heels and a minimalist clutch, this look is both glamorous and comfortable, perfect for a black-tie event or a gala.
12. The Velour Hoodie Remix: Beyond the Couch
The velour hoodie is a versatile piece that deserves to be worn more than just around the house. When styled correctly, it can be a cornerstone of a cool, modern, and casual wardrobe.
How to Rock It:
- The Layering Trick: Wear a velour hoodie under a structured blazer or an overcoat. The contrast between the relaxed hoodie and the tailored outerwear creates an effortlessly cool look.
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With Trousers, Not Joggers: Ditch the matching joggers and pair your velour hoodie with a pair of straight-leg trousers or wide-leg pants. This immediately elevates the hoodie.
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With a Skirt: Pair a velour hoodie with a pleated midi skirt or a leather A-line skirt. This is an unexpected combination that plays with different levels of formality and texture.
Example: A navy velour hoodie with a pleated, floral-print midi skirt and chunky white sneakers. This outfit perfectly captures the modern aesthetic of high-low dressing, blending a casual, comfortable top with a feminine, flowing skirt for a look that’s both fun and stylish.
The Final Word on Velour
Velour’s return is a testament to the enduring appeal of comfort and texture in fashion. It’s no longer just a fabric for lazy Sundays; it’s a tool for crafting nuanced, dynamic outfits that feel as good as they look. The key to rocking velour is to embrace its softness and sheen while pairing it with modern silhouettes and contrasting textures.
This guide has provided 12 concrete, actionable ways to integrate velour into your wardrobe, from head-to-toe jumpsuits to subtle accessories. It’s about moving beyond the cliché and seeing velour for what it truly is: a luxurious, versatile fabric with endless styling potential. So go ahead, find your perfect piece, and wear it with confidence. The new era of velour is waiting for you.