fringe | Fabulous After 40

How to Wear Fringe after 40, 50 and Beyond…

March 7, 2012 | By Deborah Boland | 11 Comments

Hello Glam Gals!

I purchased a pair of black fringed leggings because “they looked cute” (they, fit me too…) BUT I have no clue what style of top or footwear to wear with these! HELP!

Thanks, Colleen

Hi Colleen,

Here is a typical “temptation” many of us fashionista types fall into:

You want to be open to try new trends
You try to buy ”creative items” to add to your wardrobe.
When you see something that has “the cute” factor you grab it with out thinking through what you are going to wear with it.

We can pretty much bet that you justified your purchase because it was a dark color and you thought for sure you would have something to go with it at home…right???

While you probably have seen a lot of fringe in the fashion magazines, you want to be careful about how you add it to your wardrobe when you are over 40. These pants at first glance look almost like a cowboy costume. Even if you were to pair them with a simple top and boots, we are afraid you will still end up looking like a wanna be cowhand!

On a mature gal, these pants would only work if the woman had a really strong fashion personality and she was going somewhere where like a nightclub or rock concert. You could make it look “rock and roll” with an oversized leather coat , simple silk shell and thick strappy, platform shoes. Even then…

Fringe tends to look very junior and so if you like the bohemian look of fringe we suggest you try just a “touch of it, in a purse or scarf! You would never want more than one piece of fringe at a time (just like the one animal rule…)!

We are all for having some fun with your wardrobe, but these pants are just over the top in our opinion! Here are some ideas to add this trend in to your wardrobe in smaller doses.

Say it with a scarf! This fringe scarf would be a perfect pick me up to any casual outfit (Nordstrom)
Tie it up with this fringe necklace! Updating your casual jewelry with this type of fringe necklace would work! (Nordstrom)
Works for us! The way the fringe is angled on this wonderful handbag gives it a new twist! This would be a keeper! (Nordstrom)
Too young! You will be seeing different versions of this type of sandal, all over for Spring, but we say just say NO! Think about it, if your daughter would wear them, you should not! (Nordstrom)