It might be the height of (a very humid) summer, but our minds are already starting to wander into the autumn season ahead. The one trend we can’t wait to take for a spin? Fringing. Whether falling gracefully over a Givenchy gown or glittering on the hem of a Burberry dress, fringing was one of the biggest takeaway trends from the autumn/winter 2020 shows at the beginning of the year.
While Bottega Veneta fringed everything in sight — from faux-fur coats to neon green skirts and bags adorned in waist-to-floor fringing — other designers took a more subtle approach; think Gabriela Hearst’s caped neckline with a mustard hued trim or Dries Van Noten’s shimmering golden tassels peeping under modest silhouettes. Elsewhere, Prada offered deconstructed pleats, Dior layered fine-cut fringe over sheer dresses and Jil Sander elevated monochrome, pared-back looks with swish-worthy silk.
Sure to lift our fashion spirits when autumn arrives, fringed pieces are fanciful and fun — and therefore exactly what we need to see out 2020 in. Start hesitantly, adding a fringe-trimmed bag and a slightly frayed cuff to your wardrobe, before going all-out with top-to-toe fringing in every shade on the spectrum. Keep the rest of your look minimal, allowing the fringe to draw attention, and if you’re daunted by the idea of dressing in OTT, highly textured tassels, opt for a simple fringed jacket (perfect for cool autumn nights) or a little fringed embellishment à la Givenchy.
Can't wait to try the new look? Think sustainably and upcycle tired clothes by adding fringing to the hem, or layer fringed pieces over summer staples to give them a fresh feel that will last into another season and beyond. Scroll through the gallery above for all the fringe looks to bookmark for autumn.
