They denote that it’s almost certainly time for a cocktail

Not for the first time I’ve had to defend the beslippered amongst us. The average fellow might be reticent about velvet slippers; they can look a tad dandyish and, in the case of the more ornate varieties, a tad ornate. They also require a certain degree of ceremony; you certainly can’t wear a pair with a suit. Evening wear is required – black tie or at least a shawl collar evening jacket with polo neck. The Prince also wears them with thin black socks; sockless would be better. And all too often, Britain in bleak midwinter doesn’t exactly lend itself to plush lustrous velvet – you have to choose your moments.

That said, a slick pair of velvet slippers deliberately sets an evening tone to proceedings. They denote that it’s almost certainly time for a cocktail and their innate impracticality is precisely why they are so fitting for the festive season; they’re decadent, unnecessary and worn to be enjoyed. No man in velvet slippers is heading to a meeting with his accountant. They are after-dark only, made for the clink of glasses and the crackle of a fire, rakish and ready for whatever the night holds. This more outre strata of men’s footwear is worth investigating; you’ll feel suitably princely too.