Velvet Tunics for Women: The Edit

These eight tunics are in silk velvet, for winter evenings when you want something easy that still looks dressed up. All are designed by Ramola Bachchan, with kaftan sleeves and a relaxed cut that goes over trousers or a slim skirt. Four are crystal-studded florals with a turtle neck, and four are houndstooth prints with a crystal-edged V-neck.

Floral velvet tunics with a turtle neck

The black and red tunic is the darkest of the florals, with large roses in pink and red across a black ground. Crystal studding picks out the print, and the turtle neck means you can skip the necklace. Over straight white trousers the print stands out most.

The beige floral is the same relaxed cut on a lighter ground, with red roses and small touches of blue. It sits close at the neck, so a shrug or a jacket layers over it cleanly on a cold evening. Slim black trousers keep it sharp.

This one is the coolest of the four, with blue roses and green leaves on a pale ground. It closes with buttons at the back, so the front stays unbroken, and that makes it an easy choice for a seated dinner. Keep the shoes simple.

The multicoloured tunic is the brightest here, with pink roses and green leaves running into each other like paint. It also buttons at the back. Plain white or black trousers let the colour do the work.

Houndstooth velvet tunics with a V-neck

The second cut is looser, with a V-neck edged in crystals and a houndstooth print that gives the velvet some texture. The red is the boldest of them and can carry an evening by itself, so black trousers, low heels and very little jewellery are enough.

The purple is deep enough to read almost as navy in low light. It is at its best against solid black, and drop earrings suit the open neckline better than a necklace does.

Teal is the coolest colour in this group, which makes it a good match for silver jewellery. It is shown here with white trousers, but black or grey work too. A single pendant is all the neckline needs.

The beige is the quietest of the houndstooth tunics, with the warm ground showing through a dark check. That makes it the one to choose for a cocktail dinner, worn over sleek trousers or a fitted skirt.

For how to wear velvet through an Indian winter, see our guide to velvet outfits for winter. For a shorter piece in the same fabric, see velvet tops. For a longer one, see velvet kaftans.