Is this velvet dress versatile ?

[Midlifemission]

Ordered some clothes from whistles Black Friday sale for my work Christmas party which is now not happening.
Love how this dress feels on and want to keep it .. would wear it for Christmas drinks and maybe Christmas Day .

[[https://www.whistles.com/product/cord-velvet-bust-detail-dress-32366.html#cgid=Velvet]]Selectionss_WW&is=false&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=cord-velvet-bust-detail-dress-32366&pos=1

I have some patent boots I can wear with it but am wondering what else might work as it's actually quite plain - could I wear it with trainers or something to keep it more casual ?
Any ideas from those more creative / stylish than me ?
Thanks

Sorry for my random pics !
I tried to upload a picture of the dress but seem to have added my only other MN pics instead oops !!

Lovely dress! The neckline and bust detailing stop this dress from being casual I feel. I’m sure someone could make it work with trainers, but it would certainly be ‘a look’. However if you feel good in the dress and can afford to keep it then do. An LBD is always useful, and I reckon you could wear this one for years.

Patent boots and a chunky cardi sound good

Thanks both! It is a lovely dress and I like the midi length as that's more current. I have chunky boots that's a good idea .
Maybe casual wasn't quite the right word but I don't necessarily want to be too tied to a classic LBD look as I don't get out enough these days !

To make that more casual, I’d wear it with clumpy boots - lug-sole Chelsea boots or DMs or army boots, and an oversized roll-neck jumper. You might be too hot in a pub though. Also, with an oversized tweed blazer and the chunky boots. Imagine it being like a rib-knit tube skirt or dress and style accordingly - it’s definitely a winter look but no reason not to go for it!

You could also try it with a denim shirt - & other stories has a couple of nice ones - or oversized white shirt over it (disclaimer: I can’t be trusted with white so might be talking out of my arse here).

Yes although I don’t wear velvet outwith winter but it is reasonably timeless so you could use it for years.

@nancybotwinbloom

Patent boots and a chunky cardi sound good

Weirdly I totally misread this as chunky boots and a cardigan ! That's maybe as you reminded me I have Chunky boots that I wear constantly and would probably work!

@MaryLennoxsScowl

To make that more casual, I’d wear it with clumpy boots - lug-sole Chelsea boots or DMs or army boots, and an oversized roll-neck jumper. You might be too hot in a pub though. Also, with an oversized tweed blazer and the chunky boots. Imagine it being like a rib-knit tube skirt or dress and style accordingly - it’s definitely a winter look but no reason not to go for it!

Thank you this is perfect I can imagine wearing this !

I was trying to think of a garment LESS versatile than a velvet dress with a sweetheart neckline. I’m still thinking. Sequinned feather trimmed cape, maybe? Anyway, if you like it and it flatters you, buy it. Just don’t expect versatility!

I agree with pp chunky ankle boots and I would wear an over sized jumper with it.

If it makes you feel good, then buy it. I purchased a velvet dress over 10 years ago and bring it out each winter, slightly dresser though but each time I feel absolutely wonderful and your dress would look great for that causal look but you could easy take it into evening. Go for it!

I think it's lovely. I'd also say it's very versatile. Fancy it up with jewellery and heels. Make it more casual with boots and a jacket.

Leather biker jacket, little boot shoe and a scarf. Long oversized cardi and black trainers. If you can get hold of one of those polar neck jumpers that are just the front and back bit but no jumper haha I know what I mean.

A dickie

Oversized jumper and ankle boots.

I missed these extra replies - thanks for further encouragement I have the dress and am keeping it ! Hope it gets to venture out over Christmas and isn't locked down for another year...
@Iamthewombat your reply did make me laugh I think you are right ! If I can't get the casual vibe going maybe I will just need to wear it with a sequinned cape while cooking Christmas lunch.