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Add some flair to your fashion game with the resurgence of this stylish edging.
By Ashley Ryan
Fringe isn’t new. In fact, it has been featured prominently in apparel from ancient Mesopotamia to the tribes of North America. Later incorporated into flapper dresses in the 1920s, leather motorcycle jackets in the 1950s and hippie-style vests and bell-bottoms in the 1960s and ’70s, this trending trim has traversed decades, and is making a resurgence once more—this time on the runway.
“We’ve seen fringe make a huge comeback in the past year,” says stylist Molly Downing, who splits her time between Newport Beach and New York and is one South Coast Plaza’s personal shoppers. “The [2022] Met Ball’s theme of Gilded Glamour embodied the grandeur … of America, which really rang in our belated emergence … to the Roaring 2020s.”
There are a number of ways to wear this style, ensuring that you can incorporate it into outfits for every occasion. Dress it up with silk fringe on a dress or skirt or layer feather fringe for an effortlessly chic look, or go for a more casual look with a suede jacket adorned with fringe edging. “Silk fringe can give off an opulent, Gatsby style while leather fringe is laid-back and can be worn every day,” Downing explains.
A classic suede jacket is perfectly paired with denim cutoff shorts or a white LoveShackFancy skirt or dress; vintage sweatshirts paired with fringe skirts are also trending right now. Finish off these outfits with cute sneakers or structured leather boots. For dressier occasions, make a fringe dress the centerpiece of your look or consider pairing a silk fringe top with matching bottoms for a textured monotone style—and don’t forget the heels for added style. “Heels elevate every look,” Downing notes, recommending a black option with a pointed toe.
Put simply, fringe pairs best with denim, leather or white hues. And don’t shy away from matching pieces that both have this fierce edging. “Right now, the fashion trend is ‘anything goes,’ so layer everything,” she says. “Think fringe-on-fringe.”
Don’t forget to accessorize as well. Though it may sound intimidating, accessorizing with fringe can be rather easy, especially when dressing down. Grab a cowboy hat, some boots and an oversize bag and you’ve got a stylish, on-trend outfit with minimal effort.
Another option is to incorporate the trend itself in your add-ons, with designer brands like Louis Vuitton and Yves Saint Laurent producing fringe-adorned handbags and other fashion houses, such as Givenchy and Dolce & Gabbana, adding it to both ankle and knee-high boots. Elsewhere, the edging can be found on belts, hats and even jewelry.
The movement this type of trim presents is especially alluring for parties or dinners, Downing says. “I think the fringe trend just makes every occasion more fun,” she adds. Whether you’re going for cowgirl or glam, this style will likely be hanging around for a while.
On the Edge
Enhance your look with a trending trim, incorporated expertly into these locally available items.
