Looking to add a touch of something whimsical to your spring wardrobe? Fringe fever took the fashion world by storm last year and looks like it is sticking around as a wardrobe staple. “At this point, I wouldn’t even say that fringe is a trend,” explained Rachel Riss, of the fashion blog @the_coverist. “It’s everywhere and is now totally acceptable as any wardrobe piece.” Riss has followed fashion intently as both a fashion fan, and now a designer of her own fashion line, www.linearcollection.com. She explained the general trend of fashion: the very high-end designers unveil the trends for six months down the line, and eventually it trickles down to become available to everyone. Indeed, a quick search for “fringe” turned up clothing and accessories from Barney’s New York and Bloomingdale’s at the pricier end, to Zara and H&M for the masses.
“Fringe has staying power because it combines ease in a wardrobe, with getting wardrobe noticed. It’s the outfit that adds pizzazz, but is completely wearable for carpool time,” Riss said. With fringe-forward fashion making waves, it was then not surprising that children’s clothing would be next in line for this style. Carter’s has shirts and bathing suits for girls with fringe, with Children’s Place, Old Navy, and other children’s stores offering a collection of fringe apparel and accessories for all ages as well. Even baby sandals get an extra pop with fringe on top.
Whether fringe is a new experience, or a tried and true fashion staple, Riss offers tips for how to make the most out of fringe. “Remember not to overdo the fringe,” she advised. “You don’t want to pair a fringe vest with a fringe skirt and tassel shoes. Better to pick one accent piece with fringe, and work the rest of the outfit around it. As paillette sequin are becoming increasingly popular this season, Riss advised wearers to pay attention to other attention-grabbing parts of the their outfit, cautioning fashionistas to avoid a fringe-sequin headache. Riss gave an example of pairing a fringed skirt with a crisp, button-down shirt. “The simple, clean lines of the shirt really allow the fringe to work for the wearer,” she explained.
“Fringe was seen so much with dancers, where the slightest movement lent so much expression to the tassels of the dancer’s outfit. In everyday fashion, it adds something extra for a spring in your step,” Riss explained further.
Of course, if one is not ready to wear a fringed outfit, there are plenty of accessories available to fuel the fringe love. Bags in all different sizes—from wristlets to hobo bags to cross-body bags—come fringe-fully done. Earrings and even necklaces have fringes worked into their design, and all different shoes—boots, sandals, and heels—are in on the tasseled trend. Still too daring for some? Home decor, such as towels, blankets and throws, boast exaggerated fringes as well.
And if the men feel slightly left out in all the fringe fun? Well, scarves have always been a wardrobe staple, and are fully fringed too.
By Jenny Gans
