5 Tips for Styling Tasseled and Fringed Clothing

Fashion is an ever-evolving art form, and one of the trends that keeps coming back around, like a carousel of chic, is fringed and tasseled clothing. These pieces have a unique way of adding an interesting texture and sense of movement to your outfit, providing callbacks to the Wild West, relaxed Bohemian fashion, or the chic flapper style of the Roaring Twenties—depending on what kind of pieces you choose.

However, it’s no secret that fringes and tassels can be a bit daunting to style. With their bold appearance, they run the risk of overpowering an outfit if not done right. But with a focused approach and a sprinkle of fashion creativity, you can effortlessly incorporate these pieces into your wardrobe. Here are five indispensable tips to help you style tasseled and fringed clothing:

Look for Well-Made Pieces

One crucial part of pulling off fringed and tasseled clothing is ensuring you invest in high-quality pieces. You might be shelling out more upfront per item, but you can at least be certain that your money’s going to a well-made piece that will last you a long time and won’t wear out easily. 

The craftsmanship in the best fringed and tasseled garments often reveals itself in the form of careful stitching, evenly cut fringes, and a proper finish. These pieces hold up well even after numerous wears and washes, keeping their shape and making you look polished and put-together.

Equally important to any piece with tassels or fringes is the quality of the material used. Quality pieces will usually be created from fabrics that feel good against the skin, have a nice drape, and are durable enough to handle the extra weight and movement of the fringes or tassels. You’re not just looking for longevity—you also want a garment that looks and feels great to wear.

Match Your Fringe with More Streamlined Pieces

Pairing your fringed or tasseled item with more streamlined, structured pieces can help balance the Bohemian and free-spirited vibe that fringe often brings. It creates a visually interesting outfit by merging two contrasting fashion elements: the movement and texture of fringe with the sleekness and simplicity of structured clothing.

For instance, a tasseled cocktail dress already makes a bold statement all on its own. Buy high-quality black tights and some dainty kitten heels to balance it out and complete your overall look. Similarly, a fringed jacket could be nicely contrasted with a pair of slim-fitting jeans or a bodycon dress. This way, you not only create an aesthetically pleasing balance, but also ensure that the fringes or tassels don’t take away too much attention from the rest of your outfit.

Choose Only One Fringed or Tasseled Item Per Outfit

In the realm of fashion, fringed and tasseled clothes are generally considered statement pieces. This means that they’re naturally attention-grabbing and will likely dominate your overall look. That’s why it’s advisable to limit yourself to just one fringed or tasseled item per outfit. By letting the tassel or fringe take centre stage, you can create a chic focal point for your ensemble and keep it from becoming excessively busy.

To illustrate, if you’re wearing a pair of fringed boots, keep the rest of your outfit simple. This could mean matching them with a plain tee and jeans or a simple, solid-coloured dress. By doing so, you’ll allow the fringed piece to shine while ensuring that your overall look remains balanced and stylish.

Accentuate Body Parts That You Like

The eye-catching nature of fringes and tassels makes them perfect tools for highlighting your favourite body parts and creating a flattering silhouette. If you want to draw attention to your legs, for instance, consider wearing a dress or skirt with fringe detailing along the hemline. The movement of the fringe as you walk will naturally pull the eye downward, creating the illusion of longer, leaner legs. 

On the other hand, if you’re fond of your collarbone or neckline, a tasseled necklace or a top with fringe detailing around the neckline could serve to highlight these areas beautifully.

Don’t Be Afraid of Bright Colours

While it may be tempting to stick to safe, neutral colours when dealing with statement pieces like fringed or tasseled clothing, there’s no reason to shy away completely from incorporating some vibrant hues into your wardrobe. Bright, bold colours can make your outfit pop all the more and turn it into a memorable fashion statement. Experimenting with colour is also a fun and fulfilling way to express your personal style or communicate your emotions.

Imagine a tasseled top in a brilliant turquoise paired with white skinny jeans for a summer outing, or a bold, red fringed dress for a night out. These combinations can be both eye-catching and fashionable, and chances are that wearing such bold colours will make you feel confident, too. If you’re unused to putting yourself out there and presenting yourself in a way that stands out from the crowd, embracing more color as well as texture into your wardrobe is a great place to start.

In conclusion, while fringed and tasseled clothes can feel like bold fashion choices, they’re also a fantastic way to add texture, movement, and personality to your wardrobe. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different items and clothing combinations, and just have fun. Who knows—fringed and tasseled clothing may be your next fashion go-to!

Streetstyle images by Sherion Mullings