The new way to wear fringing for spring

Yee-ha! Fringing makes a grown-up return to the catwalk and the high street

Saturday 28 April 2018 20:13 BST

(AFP/Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Fringing is one of those enduring trends that cyclically returns to the fashion fold season after season.

And, with Western-inspired fare dominating both on and off the runway, it should come as no surprise that everyone’s favourite embellishment is back in abundance.

This time round though fringing has forgone its tricky associations with cowboys, showgirls, Cher and Tina Turner in favour of a more grown-up guise.

No longer the reserve of festival fashion culture, fringing now has a modern appeal that means it’s swinging harder than ever before.

It’s no surprise then that designers should elect it as this season’s decoration of choice.

Swarming spring/summer collections, Calvin Klein adorned dramatic dresses with long strands in an homage to all-American cheerleaders’ pom-poms, while Acne Studios trimmed everything from floor-length numbers to oversized leather shackets.

Elsewhere, Balenciaga opted for leather totes, Balmain festooned cardigan sleeves and Dior’s Maria Grazia Chiuri gave it the denim treatment with shredded midi skirts and tiered jackets.

But, just how easy is it to wear fringing without looking like Dolly Parton?

The trick here is to make sure yours, whether that’s on a flapper-style dress, a pair of mules or a seasonal jacket, are crafted from luxe or modern fabrics to help give the embellishment some refinement.

Of course, if you’re not ready for full-on fringe, begin by subtly incorporating tasselled accessories into your wardrobe.