Trend of the week: Velvet

Fashion’s gone all touchy feely, says Annmarie O'Connor

Get ready to pile on this season’s plushest fabric – velvet. The grand dowager of textiles, velvet’s noble lineage (from China’s Qin and Han dynasties to 1920s high society) means it’s got serious staying power. Top tip? Invest wisely this autumn from a trousseau of devoré dresses, crushed trousers and Studio 54-inspired suits. Think of it as a long-term fashion love. Buy now, regret it never.