Florals for spring might not be groundbreaking, but velvet for summer actually is. And, of course, the celebrities breaking this new sartorial ground are none other than Amal Clooney and Beyconcé.
Earlier this week, Clooney attended the WAAAUB UK Chapter Gala Dinner in London on June 16, wearing an exquisite burgundy velvet Alberta Ferretti draping gown. While the cut of the dress was warm-weather appropriate (meaning sleeveless) the color and of course fabric are more closely associated with winter or fall styles — rich, sumptuous and warm — making the choice all the more unexpected for a balmier and sunnier month. But Clooney, who is no stranger to daring fashion decisions, doubled down on the richness of her look by also wearing a berry lip that was a touch lighter than the frock Also adding to the season-less chic factor: black pumps, a silver clutch and diamond drop earrings.
Then, Thursday, June 21, Beyonce was spotted out for date night with her husband (and On the Run II touring partner) Jay Z, wearing a long sleeve black velvet Michael Costello mini bodycon dress with a waterfall train attachment. The look could have easily been worn in the winter (with or without tights) paired with boots or heels, but it was Queen B’s strappy wrap-around Saint Laurent sandals that give the outfit a touch of warm weather vampiness.
In both cases, Amal and Beyonce effectively proved that velvet shouldn’t just be a wintery cold weather textile but a chic way to add dimension to a simple look year round. With an endorsement from some of the most fashionable A-listers around, velvet is well on its way to being seasonless. For more of Amal Clooney’s show-stopping fashion moments, see her all-time best looks here. Or, if you can’t get enough of Bey, see her epic ‘On the Run II’ Tour costumes!