Before this season, it was rare to see velvet on the red carpet. But then designers like Ralph Lauren, Diane von Furstenberg, Kenneth Cole and Emporio Armani predicted it as being the hottest cold weather trend of the season.

From the velvet pantsuits, dresses and jackets that debuted on the fall/winter 2013 runways, the plush fabric has since made its way into the accessory realm with luxuriously modern scarves, shoes, hats and bags that all but shatter past associations of the fabric as something more fitting of renaissance fairs and pirates.

Consider it the best way to turn a cozy essential into a swanky everyday staple you can cling to all season long.

At her Fall/Winter 2013 runway show, Diane von Furstenberg demonstrated just how versatile velvet can be ... especially when paired with leather. From the crushed velvet trench coat with leather sleeves right down to the classic velvet handbag with leather detail straps, the look is both sexy and structured.

Kenneth Cole also predicted velvet as the season's must-try trend with these peep toe lace-up booties from his Fall/Winter show. Our thoughts: the velvet fabric gets more stylish than antiquated with the lace up detail.

Kate Middleton was spotted wearing this jewel-toned fascinator this past Christmas. Paired with plaid and a fierce blowout and this look has trend-worthy elements written all over it. Plus, we'll gladly take a style cue from Britain's number one beauty icon for the third year in a row, NBD.

Style enthusiast Tonya snapped a pic of these velvet Chelsea boots for her blog, The Mop Top. Worn with neutral colored pants, these kicks add a pop of color that's just winter-perfect.