Let's face the music — it's really hard to find good fringed clothing. Most affordable fringed pieces lurking at our favorite stores employ the accent in all of the wrong ways, with the result looking poorly made or something that came from a Halloween costume. Worse yet, it can look like something that's straight out of the "festival-style" department.
But that doesn't mean fringe as a whole is for the birds. When done right, the trend can actually be really cool, adding dimension and texture in all the right ways. So, what are the best ways to do the style right now? Keep it subtle on skirts, barely there on dresses, monochromatic on shirts, thick on shoes, and big on earrings. And if you're still unsure of what that means, the picks in the slideshow ahead will help clear things up and convince you that fringe isn't all Woodstock or Wild Wild West.
For an intro to fringe, try some simple slides.
Mango Fringed Cross Strap Sandals, $59.99 $29.99, available at Mango.
These 3x1 jeans have been flying off the shelves since they first hit stores. The all-white version is a cool colorway for summer.
3x1 Mid Rise Fringed Jeans, $285, available at Moda Operandi.
Thick fringe bodes well on thick-soled sandals.
Charles & Keith Fringe Slingback Sandals, $49 $29, available at Charles & Keith.
Denim minis can feel basic. Tuck in a graphic tee and let the waistline's tiny fringe amp things up.
See by Chloé Jean Skirt with Fringed Waistband, $249, available at Stylebop.
Metal decoration gives these pumps a Western edge.
Toga Embellished Fringed Leather Pumps, $585 $176, available at Net-A-Porter.
Monochrome fringe makes for a low-key accent we can hang (literally) with.
Anna Quan Maxi Skirt, $295, available at Curriculum.
Let a dangly pop of color add some extra pizzazz.
Christopher Kane Fringed Maxi Dress, $2,295 $918, available at Net-A-Porter.
Slip on and go. What could be better?
Marni Fringed Two-toned Leather Slippers, $553, available Bagheera.
Wear these with a T-shirt and jeans.
Edun Fringe and Horn Earrings, $190, available at Moda Operandi.
This could be a shirt or a jacket, depending on your mood.
Raye Tog Fringe Denim Shirt, $128, available at WConcept.
Don't you want to dance in these mules? Or at least stand around in them?
Marco de Vincenzo Satin Fringes Sabot, $640, available at Moda Operandi.
On tops, the best way to do fringe is subtly. The ends of these sleeves are fringed, but you can barely tell.
Mango Openwork Sweater, $69.99 $34.99, available at Mango.
These could easily replace those black ballet flats you wear every day.
Loeffler Randall Kiki Flat Slide, $350, available at Loeffler Randall.
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