5 Ways to Wear Fringe So It Doesn’t Look Costume-Like
Fringe is in fashion, as you read in my Fall 2024 Fashion report. I’m seeing all kinds, including:
- wide, car wash fringe on dress hems and jackets
- cozy knit fringe on sweaters and knit jackets
- lots of suede and leather fringe, especially on boots and jackets
- skinny delicate beaded fringe on cocktail dresses and eveningwear
Embrace the Fringe Trend
If you’re ready to embrace this playful trend and want to know how to style a fringe outfit, here are some things to think about.
Fringe is tempting for mature women because we want to be open to trying new things, and we need to add some creative items to our wardrobe to keep us looking young and hip.
The problem is that it is easy to get seduced by the cute factor and go overboard. No one wants to look like they’re wearing a cowboy, hippie, or 20s flapper girl costume.
It’s good to be thoughtful about any fringe piece you add to your wardrobe.
Check out these styling tips for wearing fringe to look modern and classy, and not over the top.
shop the look
1. Don’t Overfringe
Too much fringe is cringe! A fringe top, pants, or dress instantly attracts attention, so it’s best to stick to one fringe piece per outfit as your focal point.
For example, a fringe sweater like this black one makes a statement. Piling on more fringe will overcomplicate your outfit and confuse the eye.
Less is more when trying to incorporate fringe or any other trend in a classy way.
shop the look
2. Pair Fringe with Streamlined Pieces
Fringe can be busy. To balance it and look modern, pair fringe with sleek, unfussy pieces.
For example, wear a fringe sweater with something that has clean lines or is more tailored and doesn’t have a lot of detail. Another idea is to wear wide-leg jeans with sleek, pointy booties and a structured bag, like in the outfit above.
The fringe on this navy sweater jacket is also small and subtle. It doesn’t overpower and gives a more elegant look. A chic fringe tweed jacket is one of my favorite ways to way fringe.
3. Avoid Fringe Costume Formulas
This goes along with everything I’ve been talking about.
Think about Halloween and what you would wear if you were trying to dress like a cowboy, 70s hippie, or 1920s flapper girl. Then, do the opposite!
Cowboy -Want to wear western fringe boots? Don’t wear a Western fringe jacket, fringe pants, cowboy hat, or anything else with an outright Western feel. It’s too matchy and will make you look like a wannabe cowboy.
Hippie – Avoid wearing a Boho fringe skirt or pants with a crafty crochet vest, tie-die top, or feather earrings; you will look like an old hippie from the 1970s.
Flapper – If you want to wear a sparkly, beaded fringe cocktail dress, don’t accessorize with a long string of knotted pearls, T-strap heels, or a headband. Otherwise, it will look like you hopped on a time machine and went back to the Great Gatsby era.
Instead, in all these cases, mix fringe with modern, non-costume-like pieces to create contrast and an updated look.
Try a crisp white dress shirt with a slinky beaded fringe skirt or a fitted, tailored blazer with a fringe-hem sweater dress. What about an asymmetrical fringe sweater with some faux leather leggings?
Experiment and find your fringe style to look more cutting-edge!
4. Be Mindful of Fringe Placement
Some of the newest fringe clothing has unusual placement, like suede fringe on pockets or beaded fringe on collars. This makes fringe clothing look more modern and less costume-like.
But remember that fringe highlights the body part on which it is placed. A fringe skirt draws attention to your legs, a fringe neckline puts the focus on your bust and a fringe trimmed top highlights your middle.
When choosing fringe clothing, consider the parts of your body you want to highlight or camouflage.
5. Wear Fringe Accessories
A touch of fringe is often all you want or need. Fringe accessories are great for this (and you’ll never have to worry about looking like an extra in a Wild West film – Lol).
Wear a plain outfit and then add a fringe ruana, boots, bag, or jewelry as a nod to the trend.
Lately, I’ve seen some unusual fringe items like fringe pants and fringe leather leggings. There are also strange fringe accessories, like these open-toe fringe socks– for yoga? (lol- great stocking stuffer), and fringe pumps. Talk about drama, and check out the price!
I did say fringe was playful! (Lol!)
The Fringe Benefits of Fringe
There are fringe benefits to wearing fringe outfits at 40, 50, and 60, including looking more updated and youthful. Follow these style tips so you don’t look like you are wearing a costume, and it’s easy to pull off this fun trend!
More Fringe
Check out these other fabulous fringe finds!
Oh, my! Those fringe pumps are awful! I can’t imagine why someone would wear those, much less spend that much money on them. I guess I am just a simple girl!
Otherwise, I love fringe detail and have a few jackets with fringe that always bring me lots of compliments.
Thanks for all you do to make us stylish.
Oh, my word, those fringe pumps (on top of being quite pricey) would make you look like you have two Shih Tzu dogs on your feet!!! Otherwise, these great finds are very wearable!
Exactly Carolyn! I just had to include them because they’re so funny! looks like you might trip on them!
I am 43 and got a pair of Minnetonka five-layer fringe knee-high boots for Christmas (black) by request. I love them. I have worn them to work, church, and out and about. I live in Atlanta, Georgia.
Granted, I am a designer and a dancer, so I tend to be unconventional, but I have older friends who wear lower cut, tighter, shorter and sparklier clothes than I do. Ultimately, I advocate going with what makes you feel good and flatters.
I read with great interest all the comments about wearing fringe, particularly for women over 40. While I admit that some items might make an older woman look silly, some look just fine. I am 63. I have two fringed skirts (not mini, of course!), but midi. I have worn them with a simple shirt tied in the front, a pair of heels, or perhaps a simple jacket. Fringed pants are a little harder to pull off; you must be careful not to venture into teenage territory. I find that a darker color for these items is better for someone my age. I just ordered a dress with fringes, and not sure how I will style it. I am petite (size 2 ), so I can’t wear anything too overpowering. All this being said, I think a woman should be true to herself. If she feels old at age 40, she probably should forgo the fringe. If she is a young 63, then go for it. If you have confidence in your style, it will show to others. Anyone who will offer a disapproving look toward you probably doesn’t have the self-confidence to experiment with their style. Now that is depressing!
I agree! Thank U.
I think whatever your personality is has something to do with it also. I tried on a fringe sweater after a friend I worked with tried the same one, which looked different. She didn’t like it on herself because she was the classic, smooth-haired, ultra-slim lawyer’s wife, and on me, it looked diverse as in petite, personality, and fabulous! I got more compliments everywhere I wore it. If I tried wearing what was flattering on her, I would probably have looked like I was put in a straitjacket; we are all unique and need to find our best looks. She was beautiful in her classic smooth looks and me, sassy & cool in mine. LOL!
I agree that fringe can be worn no matter what age you are! My favorite way to incorporate edge into my outfit is to wear a long fringe suede cardigan with heels. Suede adds the perfect touch of chic and elegance to any outfit.
I think it is beautiful, very feminine and lovely. I think it could work at any age.
I love the fringed pants and would wear them anywhere with a bright tee, a dark gray denim jacket, or a long black long-sleeved tee with a picture of a giant silver eagle. I have a collection of Western boots and hats and love Country music and log cabin furnishings. I am 67 and will probably wear a long fringed vest with fringed Western boots, leggings, and a tunic to my 50th school reunion this year. People live much longer today than ever before, so this is a chance to try daring fashions and anything else we haven’t done before for fun.
I so agree. I have black fringe boots I wear with shorts. Skirts (dressy), plain simple blouse.
I am over 50. And enjoy my freestyle.
Fringe is lovely if used in moderation. I don’t know how it will look on a teenager because, quite frankly, I have not given it much thought. I wouldn’t say I like fringes. But I will wear it if it is in the form of a tassel hanging from a bag or a pair of moccasins. Deborah, do tassels qualify as fringe?
My two cents.
My first thought when I heard “Fringe Leggings” was I imagined someone ( over 40) at the local grocery store pushing a cart wearing them as they rounded up their groceries in “Boho Cowboy” style…”Git along, Lil doggie.” YEEHAW.. lol!
Fring leggings are very costumey.
Please do not be offended by my sense of humor about how silly such things seem to me.
But I wouldn’t wear these “Giddy Up” leggings to a Rodeo.
However, I would wear both outfits suggested as tasteful nods to the Fringe… They are Fabulous, Timeless, and would look fantastic at any age. It’s not about being over 40. It’s about not dressing” goofy.”
I need that bracelet from Nordstrom.
Wow…J’adore!
I agree that fringed leggings/pants are a mistake on anybody — young, old, tall, short, curvy, stick-straight. Since they don’t look good on the young model, why do we think they will look good on anyone else? I have a fringed scarf that my seamstress mother made about 40 years ago that I occasionally wear. Fringed shoes, accessories, and t-shirts are acceptable, not pants.
Not! No fringe, no way. Especially on trousers! Ugh! I don’t like them on the skinny model; as others have said, they would make our legs look more prominent. Even if you can rock them, I think it would still look like you’re trying too hard when over forty and beyond. A purse, maybe, or a scarf, and that’s it! The tops are not too bad if they have a silky fringe at the bottom, but it’s a no-no for me. Sleek, sophisticated is the word, and I’m sorry, but frames are not that, in my opinion.
LOL. Are they trying too hard to what? Look nuts? Sorry, that term always tickles me “trying too hard.” Too much fringe is just hideous! We can forgive teenagers because they have no idea who they are or what they’re doing, but grown-ups should know better. I agree with keeping the fringe to a minimum just because it looks like a costume and junky, not in an exciting and eclectic way either, just over the top in a Gray Gardens way, as if you’ve lost your marbles.
While I appreciate and find this post interesting, I’m not a fan of the fringe trend this time. But shoes with fringe tassels are adorable…and I’d wear them! It was a big trend in the 70s, and I rocked it back then. Thanks again for your fantastic website…you’re my style guru!!
No fringe. No how, no way. Never been a fan of boho anyhow, but this stuff looks silky. On older women, it just screams, “look at me; I am still a wild child.” Of course, that makes it depressing.
It’s only depressing if you have no taste and don’t know what you’re doing! I dare say no one is depressed by any woman of age who knows how to put together a decent outfit, whether boho or classic. Have you seen http://advancedstyle.blogspot.com/?
What I find depressing is an older woman with no sense of style which has given up on herself and is too afraid to express herself because she may be seen as “trying too hard.”
I am considering buying a Serena Williams fringed jacket. It is cut very simply, much like an open cardigan, and uses the fringe as embellishment all around in tiers. Am I crazy at age 57?! I don’t want to look foolish ….help!
Hi Deborah,
A jacket like this can be great, but it is hectic! The key is to keep the rest of your outfit very plain and streamlined, so the jacket is the focal point. For example, wear black outfits such as black pants and a black top with a taupe fringed coat. This is a fun piece and should be worn casually. It’s not a workpiece, so keep the mood light and have fun. Cheers, Deb
Yes, I am a fringe fan, and I’m 60 yrs old. Of course, I just bought a pair of grungy moccasins to wear with pants. Get your fringe on, I say!!!
I think fringed clothes look ridiculous on anyone at any age. Please don’t wear it unless you’re going to a roaring 20’s party. Don’t some of you 20+ers shouldn’t wear cropped tops, statement T-shirts (Express T-shirts with ridiculous sayings on them), low-rise jeans, or bikinis unless you’re a fitness fanatic? Leggings are great if you’re going to the gym-otherwise, no. Wear quality Jeggings instead; it hides a multitude of sins. Leggings are just too flimsy. I am 60 years old, and a size 4-does doesn’t mean I should try to get away with any of the fashion trends that pop up yearly. You can still be fashionable and not look ridiculous-use your mirror and common sense.
I hate to reply with this, but it seems stuffy and somewhat crabby not to allow fun fashion into your life when you are “older.” I love seeing older men and women wear out-of-the-norm fun clothes and accessories! It makes me smile to know they are having fun and enjoying it!
So agree with you! The fashion police will a woman if she wants to dress “outside the box” for her age. For years I dressed so carefully because I am under 5 feet tall. When I retired and attended more fun group meetings, often people didn’t even remember I was there because the details of my outfits were so small. I now wear bright colors, huge earrings, and a different wild purse daily. For the first time in my life, women come up to me everywhere I go and say they love how I dress and want to know where I bought this or that article of clothing! I am now 67 with a new husband and recently lost 30 pounds on a diet and feel fabulous! My latest fashion buy is a knee-length, black macramé, a fringed vest that I am considering wearing to my 50th High school reunion over red leggings with a red silk tunic. My second choice is a dark purple sari with silver accents. So there!
I own black fringe leggings. I am 20 years old, and my style is very bold; I like wearing daring pieces. I have worn them every day and night out. For the day, I have worn them with combat boots and a long oversized cardigan to play them down. At night, I’ve worn them with black suede wedge booties, and a hi-low top with gold or silver studded accessories keeping to a more edgy or rocker theme. My mom is over 40, and I’d laugh if I tried to see her pull any leggings off.
Nope. No fringe leggings unless my name was Sheryl Crow and I was about to go on stage to perform, “If it makes you happy”…
Touché!
Some women wear fringe leggings! Fine, while doing housework, but don’t go outside the house.
I think a fringed scarf is a great idea.
Congrats on the new look Wanda!
I have a pashmina with a fringe on the ends, which I love. And I like a bit of edge on a soft, slouchy handbag. But I would not be caught dead in those leggings. They look like heck on the girl in the photo, so they will not look any better on my curvier, shorter, older body, guaranteed.
That said, having recently lost nearly 50 lbs, I did buy a pair of black leggings. Fleece-lined ones, mind you, partly because of the frigid temps here in northern Alberta and partly because I felt it would help guard against any kind of ‘show through.’ I wore them on Saturday with a wool, cowl neck sweater/tunic. I wore black shoes with a shallow block heel. This is my version of a flat, as actual flats look terrible on me, and I wouldn’t say I like kitten heels.
At any rate, I had to go to the tailor to get a suit jacket altered on Saturday. I went into the shop and discovered that the coat would not fit over the tunic. I was wearing a sleeveless silk undershirt under the tunic, so I pulled off the tunic and put the coat on over the undershirt. The skin came down over my hips and bottom, and as I stood there in the shop, I looked in the 3-way mirror and thought, “I don’t look too bad for someone pushing 60.” Thanks for giving me the courage to wear leggings. I got many compliments on the look – with the tunic, not the suit jacket. :)
Hi Susan, you are right about that.. but she did say the pants fit and so they did look like a small size. It would not be an everyday look for sure!
Dear God no!!! That fringe would make my thighs look twice their size, which would not be a good thing!
I agree with you guys that only a hard core fashion maven with a killer body could pull that look off and unless Colleen is that (and if so she would know exactly what to pair them with) she should just chalk this up to a boo boo and give them away!
She didn’t mention how far over 40 she might be, or her body type (tall, petite,curvy, slender, etc), but if she were tall and thin and not too much over 40, I would think she could wear these out in the evening with maybe a black or jewel toned silk shell, or tastefully beaded tank (something simple and low key), a jacket and maybe some black heels/platform sandals? I don’t think I would try wearing it in my area (Midwest), but in a more urban setting she might be ok.