Celebrities Are Trying to Bring Back This Fashion Trend From 2016 — And It’s Working

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As someone who’s had her head in the beauty space for most of her career, when I hear the word “fringe,” I’m conditioned to think of the choppy haircut, not the fashionable embellishment. However, as of late, the latter is all I think about, thanks to the sudden resurgence of the tassel detailing.

Fringe became popular in the 1920s as part of the flapper’s uniform and has since trickled in and faded out of fashion throughout the 1960s, 70s, and 90s. It came back in a big way a few short years ago, circa 2016, where we saw this detail on leather skirts, kick flare jeans, clutches, and earrings, but last fall, fringe began popping up on social feeds once again.

Christian Vierig/Getty Images A fringe skirt in 2016.

My first sighting of the trim this time around was when fashion influencer, Taylor Hage wore a black crew neck sweatshirt with fringe detailing that spanned from one sleeve to the other. The Ford Digital model paired the embellished cozy top with baggy, blue denim, black combat boots, and a Chanel purse. It was such a cute style, I bookmarked it for future outfit inspiration.

But Hage wouldn’t be the only influencer experimenting with fringe in all its forms. In the months that followed, I was constantly spotting fashionistas embracing the playful detail on sweaters, tank tops, skirts, and accessories.

Celebrities have since adopted the tassel trim, too. Back in March, Selena Gomez posted a series of photos to her IG in a black, cropped jacket heavy on sparkling fringe details. The Only Murders In The Building actress gave us Selena Quintanilla vibes, pairing the jacket with a black, lace bustier, bootcut jeans, black and white combat boots, and thick heart-shaped hoop earrings. Ashley Graham paid homage to the nostalgic trim on IG, too. In April, the model posted two throwback pics to her feed, in which she can be seen rocking a denim skirt with a subtle fringe hemline. The separate photos painted a picture of one simple early aughts ensemble: The denim skirt paired with a simple tank top and black belt.

“If nobody got me i know my fringe-hem denim skirt (and belt) got me,” the caption read.

Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic Tess Holliday carrying a fringe bag.

Tess Holliday was also photographed accessorizing her formalwear for The DiscOasis VIP Night at South Coast Botanic Garden with a glittering fringe handbag, proving tassels aren’t exclusive to casual wear. Bella Hadid sent a similar message on day one of Paris Fashion Week, when she wore a dress with tulle fringes lining the hem.

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images Bella Hadid wearing a fringe dress.

How to Wear Fringe for Fall 2021

It looks as if fringe will be sticking around throughout the fall and winter months, although it’s understandable if the over-the-top ways celebrities wear it don’t resonate with your day-to-day look (see: Jennifer Aniston’s gold fringe pants for her InStyle cover shoot). In fact, Tobi head stylist Joanna Angeles tells InStyle there are many different avenues you can explore when styling an outfit with fringe, from western flare to a touch of glam.

MEGA/GC Images Miley Cyrus wearing a fringe jacket.

“Fringe is heavily associated with western wear so take it up a notch by pairing a suede or leather fringe jacket with a quality pair of shorts or jeans, cowboy boots — bonus points if they have fringe on the side! — and an elevated crop top,” Angeles says.

The detailing is also associated with the fashion stylings of the 1970s, she adds. To channel groovy vibes, Angeles suggests pairing a fringe jacket or purse with flared knit bottoms, a halter top, and platform sandals.

Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

Should you be heading out for date night or drinks with friends and want to add a touch of glam to your outfit, Angeles says there’s a fringe for that, too.

“Opt for a fringe that is made out of beads, pearls, or rhinestones and pair the accessory with a bodycon mini dress so the focus goes towards the flair of the fringe,” the stylist tells InStyle.

However, if your look is less fashion-forward and more punk, “grab a fringe accented leather skirt, fishnets, combat boots, and a fun tee — don’t forget to choose black pieces for that extra edge!”