When people hear tassels and fringes, their mind often jumps straight to cowboy boots, suede jackets, and a full-on Western aesthetic. And while that look definitely has its place, I’m here to argue that tassels and fringe deserve a much bigger fashion playground.
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The fun part about fashion details like tassels and fringes is the movement and personality they bring to an outfit. As someone who has spent decades experimenting with clothes, I’ve learned that texture and motion can completely change how an outfit feels.
So my style crew and I decided to have some fun and show four different ways to style tassels and fringes. The funny thing is that none of us looks like we are heading to a rodeo. But we each got an award!!
This is part of our Ageless Style group, where Bo chose the prompt Spring Trends. There were so many to choose from, but since our last foray with fringe accessories was from 2016, I thought it was time to have fun with the detail again.
I talked about spring trends last week, and fringe fits perfectly into the idea of maximalism.
Before we jump into the outfits, let’s talk about why fringe works so well.
Fringe and tassels are one of those design details that instantly add interest. They create movement when you walk, texture when you stand still, and a touch of playfulness, no matter your age.
And honestly, as we get older, details like this become even more important. Instead of relying on tight fits or trendy cuts, texture, layering, and interesting elements help create outfits that feel intentional.
While I like the Western vibe since we live in the Southwest, there are easy ways to change the vibe if you want it to look more mainstream.
For example:
That’s exactly what we did, and I talk about it in more detail after our photos.
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Award: The biggest fringe
Lesley’s outfit is a perfect example of how tassels and fringes can elevate a simple outfit. I mean, with the long, flowy tassels on her scarf, she creates an entirely different look compared to if she hadn’t worn the scarf.
Stylist tip: If your dress seems a tad tight, this is a great way to “cover” it decoratively.
There is so much goodness in this look, from the movement of the scarf to the extra pops of color in her necklace and purse.
Accessories, like this scarf, allow you to experiment without committing to a full fringe piece.
Details:
-Lesley commented on how the “Fringe is fun, but it can have a mind of its own. Mine reached out to catch chair arms and even had an almost embarrassing moment after our restroom break.“
-I Love how the necklace and purse bring out a load of different and contrasting colors.
Award: The most fringe
My mom incorporated more than just 1 piece of fringe in her look. She has 3 fun fringy details and thus wins the most-fringe award.
This burgundy fringe skirt that I DIYed ages ago looks springy paired with a yellow top.
Wanna see how easy it was to make it? Here is the article, and then check out the skirt worn for a Western look.
Maybe you think that 3 fringe items are an overload, but I believe it works beautifully because of the styling choices.
This is one of my favorite looks for my mom lately. It’s such a great color combination and feels so modern.
Details:
-This yellow sheer blouse has been styled with olive green in the past. While it has a longer, hi-low hemline, I had my mom tuck it in for this look.
-Earrings!! Never let it be said that earrings can’t add fun and excitement to a look.
-And with the snakeskin flats, she’s print mixing like a pro.
Award: Most Inventive Origami
Valerie took a completely different approach with tassels and fringes, and I told her she gets an A+ with how she “Jodiefied” her clothing.
Instead of wearing a fringe skirt as a skirt, she used it as a scarf. Granted, the skirt was bought as a costume piece and a bit too short by itself, but what an inventive way to style it. None of us realized it was a skirt until she told us.
On top of that, her duster is really a shirtdress that she left unbuttoned over her jeans and shirt.
This look highlights something I love talking about: clothes don’t have to stay in their assigned category.
Details:
-Even with a look comprised of neutrals, there’s a wonderful pop of turquoise color with her accessories.
-Metallic sandals are such an essential since they go with everything.
Award: Most Whimsical
Now, I just made up this award because of the color combination, as well as the addition of the fun purse and hat.
I thought the grommets on the duster copied the polka dots in a fun way. And then I added a skinny scarf around my waist as a belt.
The shoes have a bunch of colors in them, and then I figured a denim hat was in order.
Details:
-This duster was gifted to me by my friend, Catherine, when we wore them together.
-I remember when these shoes were my ONLY floral item in my closet in 2015, yet now I don’t even consider them floral.
-There is a multicolored brooch on my hat for extra fun.
If fringe has ever scared you because you don’t want to look like you wandered out of a Western movie, here are a few tips.
Western fringe often leans toward neutrals such as tan, brown, and suede.
Switching to bold colors instantly modernizes the look and shifts the vibe completely.
Fringe becomes modern when it’s styled with unexpected pieces.
Think about what the opposite of Western items, including classic items or edgy clothing.
The contrast keeps things feeling current.
You don’t need an entire fringe outfit.
Sometimes a little detail goes a long way.
Try adding tassels and fringes through accessories.
Valerie’s scarf idea is the perfect reminder that clothes can be reimagined. Just because you bought it as a skirt doesn’t mean you can’t wear it other ways.
Try experimenting with pieces in new ways, and your closet will be much larger without buying a thing.
So the next time you see tassels and fringes, don’t worry that you’ll look too Western or even hippish.
There are so many other ways to wear fringe. I think we’ve shown that it has a way of bringing life and energy to any kind of outfit.
Sometimes the smallest detail (like tassels and fringes) is the thing that makes you smile when you catch your reflection.
And what you wear is definitely a reflection of who you are.
Welcome to the Ageless Style group. We all have very different styles, so I hope you check out the other women for their thoughts about outerwear.
We don’t all post at the same time, so make sure to check back if their post isn’t up yet.
Next month, we will be styling if anyone wants to join in.
Amy ~ Amy’s Creative Pursuits
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
Bo ~ Bo’s Bodacious Blog
Blog / Instagram /Pinterest / Bloglovin’
Joanne ~Â My Slice of Life
Blog
Jodie ~ Jodie’s Touch of Style
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Marsha~Â Marsha in the Middle
Blog /Instagram
Mireille ~Â Chez Mireille Fashion Travel Mom
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Thank you for visiting my space on the internet. I like to showcase how it’s never too late to look great for women of any age, size, or working with any kind of budget.
I feel I’m here to help move beyond the fashion rules of yesterday and evolve. Style and clothes are made to give you joy. Not cause us Stress because we are worried about what others think.
Jodie Filogomo is a retired cosmetic dentist and fashion blogger behind Jodie’s Touch of Style, where she has been helping women over 50 experiment with style in fun, creative ways for over 12 years.
Find out more about the crew, because I love to showcase all ages, body shapes and women who love different styles.
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