Velvet Kurtas for Women: The Edit

Velvet is the fabric for the cold end of the festive season: Diwali dinners, winter weddings, evenings outdoors. Four of these are new this month; three are from the earlier velvet trios, each picked for a different kind of handwork.

New this month: embroidered yokes

Deep purple silk velvet with a silver geometric yoke running down from the mandarin collar, and embroidered cuffs to match. Silver or oxidised jewellery suits it best.

The dark blue takes the same idea to a V-neck: hand embroidery around the V-neck and cuffs, with side slits so it moves when you walk. Beige or gold pants keep it festive without competing with the neckline.

Black silk velvet with gold hand embroidery at the yoke and cuffs is the classic of the four. There is a set with matching tulip pants, or wear it over slim black trousers.

The pattern piece

Maroon velvet covered in a gold lattice of embroidery, with pearl-like buttons at the V-neck and plain velvet sleeves for contrast. It is flared, so it sits more like a tunic than the others.

From the earlier trios

Mirror lace at the cuffs and hem on maroon silk velvet: the most celebratory of the seven, made for sangeets and wedding evenings.

Teal micro velvet with floral embroidery at the neckline and a spray at the hem. Teal reads well under evening light, so keep the jewellery minimal and let the colour carry it.

Yellow ochre with a golden yoke is the quiet one: the gold thread sits close in tone to the base, so it reads rich rather than bright.

All seven are made to order in XS to 8XL and are dry clean only. Wear them over straight pants with embellished heels, or with the matching pants where there is a set. For more on wearing velvet through the cold months, see our guide to velvet outfits for winter.