I've had Amal Clooney's burgundy velvet dress bookmarked for months - it's the pinnacle of festive style
She might have worn this dress in June 2018, but Amal's velvet dress has got Christmas written all over it


Amal Clooney is our year-round style icon, but when searching for festive outfits, hers is far and away our favourite wardrobe to rummage though.
If you're as last minute as I am, you might still be thinking about what to wear on Christmas Day, and if you're going for glamour, it's got to be velvet. I've been obsessing over velvet trousers lately, but if you've got a winter wedding or a big New Year's Eve bash in the diary, a dress like Amal's should be a contender.
She showed her soft side back in June 2018 when she wore this square neck number by Alberta Ferretti to a charity gala in London. It features a slight cowl in the neckline, as well as flattering ruching at the waist and a flowing floor-length skirt.
Add in a pair of Gianvito Rossi heels in black, plus a silver Alexander McQueen clutch bag and dazzling diamond earrings by Chatila, and it's just the epitome of sophistication. So of course I'm keen to copy!
Shop velvet dresses
Willing to splash the cash? This Polo Ralph Lauren dress is dreamy, and will really go the distance in your winter capsule wardrobe.
Check out our favourite affordable jewellery picks for some sparkle that will complement the rich burgundy colour of this dress. It's also available in black or emerald.
Talk about the best of both worlds. This one sleeve dress is so striking, and it features a thigh high split to show off your shoes. There's a petite version too.
This one might just be my personal favourite. It's a great match for Amal's with the draped detailing. Stick to classic black, metallics or nude hues when it comes to accessories.
Ali Lees, Founder of Inspired Styling tells us why velvet is so fitting for Christmas. She says: "whilst the glitz of sequins and glitter appeal to many, a more elegant, understated way to dress for Christmas is to opt for a gorgeous texture instead. A velvet dress or trouser suit is a statement piece that stands for grown-up glamour, making it perfect for the party season. Velvet’s soft sheen looks sumptuous as it catches the twinkling Christmas lights and brings a tactile touch that warms up the coldest of winter evenings.
"As a stylist specialising in colour analysis, I’m excited to see velvet occasion wear in so many gorgeous shades this year. If you want to go all-out with the Christmas theme, red velvet is the one for you. Plump for burgundy to be on-trend, emerald for luxurious energy, midnight blue to give a mysterious feel and black for a chic, timeless appeal."
How to accessorise
When it comes to Christmassy jewellery, take my word for it - more is more. Wear your hair up to really show off these beauties in all their glory.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
Caroline is Fashion Editor for woman&home.com, and has been a fashion writer and editor for almost twelve years.
Since graduating from the London College of Fashion, she has spent more than a decade tracking down and writing about celebrity outfits, covering events ranging from the Met Gala to the King’s Coronation.
She has an encyclopaedic knowledge of brands, but always likes to know about new and under the radar labels. She’s originally from Liverpool, and outside of work, her great loves are leopard print and her lively but adorable cocker spaniel, Ghillie.
-
The viral M&S suede loafers are finally back in stock in chocolate brown - they're super comfy so don't miss out
This is not an April Fool - the £55 shoes are online now
By Caroline Parr Published
-
The easiest sandal you’ll ever slip your feet into: Skechers Slip-ins are back for a fuss-free summer
Ideal for mobility issues, mums-to-be finding shoes tricky or even anyone with a hectic schedule
By Caroline Parr Published
-
The viral M&S suede loafers are finally back in stock in chocolate brown - they're super comfy so don't miss out
This is not an April Fool - the £55 shoes are online now
By Caroline Parr Published
-
Spice up your swimwear - Jasmine Harman shows how to make leopard print sensational for summer
If you've never tried wearing leopard print before then Jasmine has proved why swimwear is an easy way to try this trend
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Chocolate brown is everywhere but Ranvir Singh's Reiss sale dress stands out from the crowd
Ranvir Singh has made us fall in love with deep cocoa brown all over again and her Reiss midi dress is more than 50% off
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Victoria Beckham rarely ditches her heels, but when she does adidas is her go-to – we've found similar trainers in the Amazon Spring Sale
Shop similar white trainer styles from as little as £30
By Molly Smith Published
-
Gwyneth Paltrow’s classic pinstripe pyjamas will keep you cool and comfortable on warm nights
Chic and comfortable? Her stylish pyjama set is our new go-to
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Pistachio green is the pastel to wear in 2025 – do it with white shoes like Amanda Holden
The soft green shade is perfect for spring
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
I've never bought jeans on Amazon before, but this £30 pair really impressed me
The Belle Poque high-waisted jeans are currently reduced in the Amazon spring sale
By Caroline Parr Published
-
Trinny Woodall's easy styling tricks are helping us get the quiet luxury look on a budget
You don't need to break the bank to get a high-end look
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published