Fringe is In: Clothing Swinging Every Which Way

It looks as though one of this year’s trends is leaning towards a fringe frenzy.  The funny thing is that I have been seeing fringe for a while now.  There’s definitely a difference between the time a trend hits the runways and when it hits the retail stores.  Normally, the runway takes precedence and is supposed to set the trend…which it usually does, but I feel like sometimes, the department store beats the runway to the punch.  Perhaps it’s the buyers, they get a little glimpse of what’s going to be good, buy up a storm and suddenly the racks are full of what has been foretasted to be the next trend.  In this case, it’s fringe.  I like fringe, its free, flirty and it’s a great risk to take fashion wise.  I bought a long tunic with one strip of black fringe down the middle a few months ago.  I loved it when I first saw it, it seemed like the perfect top to wear on a night out of dancing, yet simple enough to pair with shorts and sandals.  It made for a great layering piece, unfortunately I didn’t end up keeping it because I never ended up wearing it.  And gone are the days where I’ll just keep clothes in hopes that one day I’ll find a place to wear them–thus the tunic went back to the place it came from.  Fashion forecasters are encouraging the fringe trend, but to only stick to a black, white, or grey color theme.  The look is chic, minimal, kind of dark, but yet a bit wild at the same time.  See below for Jil Sanders’ take on fringe for Spring 2009…

I also feel like last year was a big year for fringe.  I guess it comes and it goes like most trends often do.  And it will probably make a resurgence this winter right before Christmas and New Year’s Eve because fringed clothing can be made to look festive.  It is supposed to look best on dresses, skirts, or camisoles.  Fringed slips aren’t bad either.  Those would look great with either some really skin tight skinny pants, or shiny leggings.  Chunky heels of course, or ankle boots.  Forecasters have warned to not try to rock pants or jackets with fringe, otherwise you risk looking like a vaudeville performer.  Or a country western superstar…I might not be opposed to that though…here’s a couple of cute fringe pieces to get the wheels turning.

Free People ‘Shake It’ Fringe Trim Dress $138

Chelsea Flower Beaded Fringe Silk Dress $107.95 on sale!

Image Source: elle.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more fringe dresses.