It’s sensual, sexy and inherently feminine; velvet was a reoccurring trend on the runways for fall/winter 2010. We saw it at Zac Posen in bright dresses, at Alexander Wang it took a sexier form and Burberry showed its versatility with military coats.

Who wants to wear skimpy silk when the temperatures dropping? Velvet is a heavier fabric that hides a multitude of bodily sins in addition to be extraordinarily flexible (layer up a dress for work or strip down for the evening).

Velvet dresses for every budget:

Feeling flush with cash? Antonio Berardi strapless dress £1,070 at Net-a-porter. Got the urge to spend abit? Valentine velvet dress £120 at French Connection. Strapped for cash? Velvet bandeau tunic £45 at Topshop.