Wearing velvet to a wedding in March… What’s the right time to switch to spring and stop wearing velvet

Is it ok to wear a black velvet pant suit to a wedding in early March? The wedding is at 4:30 reception is at 6:30. It’s a rather ‘formal’ wedding. (Lake Zurich, IL)

That’s a tricky one. Velvet is most often considered a winter fabric. However, a softer, bare silhouette can go the mile into warmer times, as would a velvet jacket over jeans on a casual chic chilly spring night. Early March is still technically winter, so the appropriateness of the fabric really depends on the weather and the style of the suit.

If the wedding is in the south, I’d opt for a more breezy style. But, if it still feels like winter, go for the suit and make it modern. The sleek mix of a masculine suit—like a velvet tuxedo- with feminine touches is very hot right now. Pair the velvet pantsuit with a slip of a chiffon blouse and an open jeweled sandal to create a lighter look.

–January 24, 2004