1995 was a big year. Windows 95 was launched; the first PlayStation was released; and Tom Ford, then 34 and creative director of Gucci, sent models down the autumn/winter 1996 runway in midnight-coloured velvet – all slicked hair, golden eyeshadow and cinched-in waists. At the time, dubbed the show the “fashion equivalent of a one-night stand at Studio 54”. Sales for Gucci soared by 90 per cent.

Consequently, the latter half of the ’90s became defined by velvet trousers. See also: Jean Paul Gaultier’s autumn/winter 1995 “cyber” collection, or the draped velvet suiting on Giorgio Armani’s autumn/winter 1998 runway. Everyone from Gwyneth Paltrow (famously) to Sarah Jessica Parker was on board, with the decadent fabric giving red carpets and A-list parties an almost gothic feel. Even now, throw on a bit of velvet, and it screams ’90s.

Gwyneth Paltrow at the 1996 MTV Music Video Awards in Tom Ford for Gucci.

Kevin.Mazur

Velvet trousers found their way back into hearts, minds and wardrobes in the 2010s – around the same time that everyone got obsessed by chokers and creepers – before promptly disappearing again. But, lo and behold, velvet trousers are now inching their way back again. From the straight-leg polished styles for Giorgio Armani Privé’s haute couture offering, to Burberry’s rock star-ready crushed velvet versions and Zimmermann’s sweeping wide-leg cuts for autumn/winter 2026, it’s like they never left.

Burberry AW26.

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Zimmermann AW26.

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It shouldn’t really come as a surprise that velvet trousers – divisive, yes, but also a party season classic – appear to be cropping up everywhere from the catwalks to London’s many cocktail bars as of late. Culturally, the ’90s seem to have a vice-like grip on us, ebbing and flowing every few years, but never truly leaving. Add a sprinkle of 2010s, Tumblr-ish nostalgia and a return to OTT party dressing, plus a move towards second-hand purchases, and the resurgence of velvet trousers makes perfect sense.

Odessa A'zion attending the pre-BAFTA Party in London, February 2026.Ricky Vigil M / Justin E Palmer

Michaela Coel in New York, April 2026.

When it comes to how to style this party favourite, I’d suggest looking to the greats. Think: less “works at Urban Outfitters in 2016 and wears winged eyeliner” and more Tom Ford for Gucci, so silk shirts and low-slung velvet pants, full velvet suiting and, yes, the “fashion equivalent of a one-night stand at Studio 54”.

The -approved velvet trousers to shop now…