There's a major difference between festival-chic fringe and the kind of fringe we can get away with at work: One is a borderline "anti-establishment" costume and the other has just enough laid-back spunk to elevate your classic staples.
"We all have a tendency to get overanxious and toss on a trend head to toe — only to find that the trend doesn't really "suit" us — or we don't like it after we spent a lot on new styles," said Stylist Kimberly Anderson of American Road Trip Style.
In order to ensure you don't break the bank or look anything less than fab in fringe, follow these seven tips.
There's no better way to test drive a trend and get the most use out of it by wearing it with multiple outfits you already have in your closet than by incorporating one fringed hobo bag, scarf or pair of boots into your wardrobe at a time, Anderson said. Just make sure the rest of your look is clean and simple (Macy's, $69).
"Fringe itself is enough of a statement," Anderson said. "Unless you are western or boho-chic to the core and this look is your wheel house, pair your fringe with clean, simple styles, which will allow for the trend to speak for itself."
Want to be the ultimate in chic this summer? Kill two amazing fashion birds with one stone by adding a fringe kimono to help you ease into this style. "A fringe kimono or cardi is the perfect way to transition into this trend because it is easy to pair with styles in your closet," Anderson said. "You can pair a fringe kimono with a dress, denim, shorts and more!" (Victoria's Secret, $80).
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"Skirts can be the perfect introduction to fringe — fringe hemlines are flirty and fun," Anderson said. "The best part: Toss on a cool tee or button-down shirt and your outfit is complete." If you aren't confident you can pull off a fringe mini, no worries: The midi skirt, which hits just below the knee, is hot right now — and super forgiving (Pink Mascara, $44).
On the heels of our accessory tip (OK, I'll stop), sexy fringe heels in a knockout color like yellow or fuchsia are an unexpected and super-cool way to make a statement — one that isn't: I'm trying to look like I rocked out at the original Woodstock. Wear these heels with a simple LBD and no one will ask you to go running through a muddy field any time soon (Macy's, $129).
More: You can wear this one shirt 24 ways — no joke, folks
If you layer a fringe jacket over a fringe blouse over a fringe skirt, you're going overboard with the bold statement design and not allowing each piece to get the attention it deserves. "If you wear two or more fringe pieces, the focal point will be confusing and so will the rest of your outfit," said Style and Savings Expert Nayri Leanna Gregor at Sointheknow.com. Gregor suggests pairing larger statement pieces like a fringe jacket or dress with nude or solid colors to tone it down and keep it classy (Shopbop.com, $225).
Still think fringe is strictly an autumnal trend that works best on a suede jacket? Not when it looks this insanely hot on a simple black bikini. "You will definitely not look like a hippie in this," said Personal Stylist Megan Brandle of Best Kept Self. A bit 'o fringe along a bikini bottom is equal parts hip and sassy (Shopbop.com, $73).
Picture this: a black tailored suit, cream blouse, pumps and this stunning gold fringe necklace. It's the one piece — the only piece — you'll need to catapult your entire look from safe to sensational (bcbg.com, $98).
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