Ask Angie: Can you offer a recommendation of the velvet leggings on offer at Nordstrom?

April

I love the idea of a pair of cozy black velvet leggings to wear under big sweaters this winter, bur I'm fussy about velvet. I want it to look luxurious, not to pick up every bit of lint (if possible), and to fit without falling off (my weight is low at present).

Here's what I see on the Nordstrom site:
Sanctuary; Eileen Fisher; Lysse; Topshop (crushed velvet, that might rule it out); and James Jeans.

Angie (or anyone else), have you seen any of these in person and can you comment or recommend?

9 years ago

General

5 replies

Latest reply was from April

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm afraid that the lint thing is inevitable, April. It's the nature of the beast.

I'd give the Lysse a bash first. They have the best track record.

9 years ago

April

Veteran

Agreed to a certain extent on the lint -- but you know how a cheaper, rougher cotton velvet will pick up everything, while a softer velvet will be slightly less lint-attractive?

Lysse first it is. The reviews are certainly positive!

9 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

I just found an awesome pair of velvet leggings at Target for $12. They are soft and silky with a bit of sheen. And they have a smoothness that does not pick up lint or pet hair! I can wear them as leggings or tights. The waist is not too low or too high, and they are not too long for us shorties.

http://www.target.com/p/women-.....33?lnk=rec|dlp|s

9 years ago

April

Veteran

I will certainly check those out, Una -- thank you! It would be good to have duplicates to leave in the city, where my wardrobe remains quite tiny and inadequate.

9 years ago

April

Veteran

For anyone thinking about getting a pair of black velvet leggings this year, here is my two cents on the Lysse velvet leggings, which I'm wearing right now.

First, they are in the dreaded "no longer available" category at Nordstrom, but are available at Zappos http://www.zappos.com/lysse-ma.....ings-black . Nordstrom sizing started at S, (not XS) and my guess would be that is because they run a little small. I normally would take an XS and right now am at a much lower weight than usual and the XS is still pretty snug on me. I would say size up one size unless you're after a super tight fit.

The fabric has a sheen to it, almost twinkly in sunlight, the way synthetics are. If you're after the deep dull black of a heavy cotton or silk velvet, you may not enjoy this.

The snugness of the wide Lysse waistband has a girdling effect that you may find useful under sweaters and tunics.

Overall, I am pleased with these and would purchase again. They did not drive me crazy by picking up every thread and bit of lint. I lint-rolled once during the day, which I would have done with any pair of black bottoms. (I don't have pets at the moment -- if you do, might want to consider that in your decision-making.)

9 years ago

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