Friday, February 10, 2023

4 Easy Fringe Outfits To Replicate This Spring

After fringe reappeared on runways last year, fashion mavens were thrilled for the dramatic detail’s return. That meant more statement dresses to play around with and complementing accessories. Yet, the question at hand was if people were going to give it another try. Now, a year later, fringe is officially a spring 2023 fashion trend, and fashion enthusiasts are adding styles to their wardrobes left and right. So if you noticed a surge of celebrities wearing fringe attire at the 2023 Grammys — like Jennifer LopezViola Davis, and Harry Styles — you weren’t alone.

The playful detailing can be intimidating to style though. Where do you begin, and what’ll match with it? Will it even look good? Rest assured, we’re here to show you just how easy it is to incorporate fringe into your wardrobe. You’d be surprised by the transformation a fringe blazer can make to your work outfits — yes, you heard that correctly, a work-appropriate fringe blazer. However, balance is key to styling fringe. You don’t want to go overboard, so we’ve added various items like shoes, sunglasses, and handbags to complement the show’s star. There are also fringe accessories, from a mini tote bag to boots. So take another chance on this whimsical trend, and find easy tips on how to style fringe and outfit inspirations for the office, weekends, and vacations.

“Throwing It Back To The ’70s” Fringe

Introducing an ensemble that’s a blast from the past. While fringe is commonly associated with Western fashion, we’re highlighting the groovy, free-spirited vibe of the ’70s with its lively prints, quirky designs, and bold colors. *Color maximalists have entered the chat* Let loose a little and upgrade your off-duty ensembles with a playful statement look.

Take for example, Anthropologie’s adorable rainbow-cropped cardigan. It has a playful, laid-back fringe hem that you could style with any vibrant-hued bottom — or casually with a denim maxi skirt or jeans. To balance out all the shades, opt for a neutral-colored bag like Petit Kouraj’s crisp white Ecru fringe one. You won’t lose the buoyancy that comes with fringe, as this bag has the brand’s signature fringe detailing of long cords. Remember to take a picture moving the bag side to side to show off the flowing strands.

Dazzling Fringe Vacay Looks To Sashay In

When you’re on vacation, no one has time to waste indoors. Instead of pondering over what matches what, have a coordinating look on hand. Saylor’s Ellise set is designed for vacay nights with its sultry crop top and midi-length skirt.

Unlike the loose fringe strands of the Anthropologie cardigan, this one has a macramé design for a fashionable touch. If you’re planning on dancing and want that bit of pizzazz, look for a set that has double the fun with fringe touches. The top and bottom hem from Saylor showcase this point for a look you can sashay all night long in. Add a few shimmering accessories with a micro bag — Pakistani-brand WARP has tons of striking styles — and pumps to complete the look, and you’re ready to dance. 

A Spunky Cozy Fringe Office ‘Fit

Give your work blazers a flourish with fringe. It’ll take any simple office look to the next level while maintaining its professional appearance. There are various denim jackets with this similar flair, but you wouldn’t expect it from a blazer. This literal show-stopper’s front and back fringe detailing will have everyone asking you where you bought it. Don’t stop there, as chunky loafers such as Charle & Keith’s Buckled Platform Penny Loafers help elevate the ensemble, and a turtleneck sweater adds a cozy factor. Additionally, the brown hues laced throughout the loafers add a finishing touch.

A Dreamy & Airy Fringe Weekend Ensemble

Turn down the edginess with an airy ensemble for weekends. Torrid’s semi-sheer ruana comes in a blush pink that gives off a delicate silhouette with its floral pattern and wide sleeves. Meanwhile, the fringe adds that touch of femininity to it.

You only need a white top to let the limelight be on the ruana, so a matching bottom with similar hues would pair beautifully — like Find Me Now’s sunset-colored skirt. However, if you want to take it a step further and emphasize the fringe, a white knee-high boot with tiers is the way to go. The best part is you can match the boot with any of the fringe pieces above.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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Leg Warmers Are Back & TikTok Is Here To Prove It

Plenty of TikTok styles have made their mark, but the cozy girl aesthetic is a lifestyle that'll never disappear because of its timeless appeal. We'll gladly don any accessory that makes us feel even more warm and snuggly, like beanies, oversized scarves, and the trending accessory of the moment, leg warmers. With over 228.7 million views on TikTok, #legwarmers have sleuths scouring the internet to add the accessory to their everyday wardrobe. And no, we're not necessarily talking about the retro '80s look of styling leg warmers with electric-colored activewear and a headband. In 2023, we're favoring a mix of the New Academic uniform, balletcore, and the punk rock aesthetic. Olivia Rodrigo's fashion is a shining example. Kpop girl group TWICE and Blackpink's breakout star Jennie have also sported the piece for live performances.

Leg warmers are a global sensation, and if there's any trend to jump on the bandwagon for, it's this one. The functionality and affordable price make it easy to test out. If you're looking like a #TBT gone wrong, don't worry. We've got you covered with options from thigh-high leg options for warmth to mid-calf lengths for that scrunched-up touch. Peruse the 12 best options ahead to embody the cozy girl lifestyle with any aesthetic.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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Thigh-High Leg Warmers


To achieve that ultra-cozy vibe, opt for thigh-high leg warmers. You won't have to worry about pesky breezes or teeth-chattering chills, whether you're wearing them for a dance class or as part of your après-ski look.

Lululemon Women's Find Your Balance Studio Leg Warmer Online Only, $, available at Lululemon


Free People Movement Pirouette Leg Warmer, $, available at Free People


Alo Goddess Leg Warmers, $, available at Alo Yoga


WoolMN Camel Wool Brown Thigh High Leg Warmer, $, available at Etsy


Foot Traffic Cable-Knit Thigh-High Leg Warmers, $, available at Amazon

Leg Warmers


The leg warmers ahead are more for that cute scrunched-up look rather than solely for warmth, but we're not complaining. Consider styling your pair with an oversized sweater and cargo skirt — TikTokers adore the combo. 

cider Faux Fur Fluffy Leg Warmers, $, available at Cider


Urban Outfitters Distressed Leg Warmer, $, available at Urban Outfitters


AREBESK Classic Terry Leg Warmers, $, available at Nordstrom


Gobi Organic Color Leg Warmer, $, available at Gobi


Emmiol Color Block Cable Knit Leg Warmer, $, available at Emmiol


Daisy Street Leg Warmers In Black, $, available at ASOS


Acrobat Knit Leg Warmer, $, available at W Concept

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Peplum — The Trend Everyone Loves To Hate — Is Back & Better Than Ever

Last week, Florence Pugh attended the London Critics’ Film Awards, wearing a red gown by Robert Wun Couture that featured one of 2010s defining trends: peplum. Boasting a minimalist skirt and a sweetheart neckline, the dress’ centerpiece was the voluminous waist detailing — a look that ensued polarizing takes all over social media. And it seems Pugh is not alone in endorsing the return of the look: Global fashion shopping platform Lyst has saw a 10% increase month-over-month in searches for peplum styles in 2022. 

While Y2K styles have been dominating the fashion scene for almost two years now, the spring and fall 2022 runways proved that the trend cycle might be ready to move on. Looks from the 2010s, like colorblocking and high-low hemlines, made a big comeback for spring 2022, thanks to designers like Valentino and Giambattista Valli, before trickling down to street style. Last year, Nicole Kidman wore a custom Amarni Privé gown to the Oscars that featured a peplum detail. While the return of peplum has been slow, mounting evidence suggests it’s rapidly becoming a defining trend of 2023.

UNIVERSAL CITY, CA – JUNE 03: Actress Charlize Theron arrives at the 2012 MTV Movie Awards held at Gibson Amphitheatre on June 3, 2012 in Universal City, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images)
NEW YORK CITY – SEPTEMBER 01: Kim Kardashian is seen leaving a movie theater on September 1, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Alo Ceballos/FilmMagic)

All that despite the fact that, when the 2010s ended just three years ago, the trend landed on almost every list of fashion styles we should leave behind. (Even Refinery29 called it one of the “15 Trends We’ll Live To Regret.”) Why has peplum gone down in history as a questionable trend at a time when even thong-revealing pants are on the rise?

When you think of peplum in 2010, you likely conjure images of tank tops featuring a heavy layer of stretchy cotton fabric that looked like a cross between a glorified sports bra and a business-casual shirt. From Coachella to the classroom, we mixed the cringe-y top, which came in every print known to humankind, with colorful chandelier necklaces, mullet skirts, and gladiator sandals. All to say: The on-the-verge-of-an-identity-crisis look was worlds away from the fashion-forward take we witnessed at the Oscars last month. Instead, it embodied a juvenile aesthetic that made it a staple of Disney star red carpet looks and a day of shopping at Forever 21. 

While its most recent comeback might still give many nightmares, peplum’s history has a lot to show us about the resilience of the look. 

“Peplum” — or “peplos” — is a Greek word for “tunic,” according to textile conservator Margaret O’Neill. It’s associated with Greco-Roman dress, known for its layered effect created through a heavy piece of fabric, folded over the upper edge of the tunic. Despite its roots, fashion historians mostly associated peplum with the 19th century, when styles of dress accentuated a “full hip,” according to O’Neill: “But they would not have called that a peplum.” 

One of the first documented uses of the term is found in an 1860s issue of Godey’s Lady Book, an American women’s magazine published from 1830 to 1878, that showed bodices featuring curved hip extensions. In its early iterations, the peplum detailing was attached to an overskirt sewn onto the waist and, according to O’Neill, pointed — unlike most modern versions that are attached to the tops and appear to have a ruffled silhouette. It wasn’t until the 1930s and 1940s that the modern version became popular, with jackets being fitted at the waist and extending beyond the hips as an overskirt, as a result of the popularity of Christian Dior’s “New Look.” Soon after, peplum became attached to everything from dresses to tops and power suits.

Despite it being remembered as a cringe-y street style and music festival circuit trend, there were some notable examples in the early 2010s. Brands like Jil Sander, Peter Pilotto, and Alexander McQueen championed futuristic and geometric iterations on the runway with curvy overskirts, 3-D printed peplum tops, and asymmetrical peplum dresses. 

This season, it’s Givenchy taking the lead. The spring 2022 collection by Matthew Williams featured peplum jackets as the lineup’s centerpiece with heavy zippers, as well as corseted mini dresses with layered details. Meanwhile, Christian Siriano opted for a more sleek look with monochrome pantsuits with asymmetrical elements on the jackets. Dior’s take reminded the fashion world of the peplum’s 20th-century origins with styles reminiscent of the house’s “New Look” silhouette, this time styled with mini skirts. For fall 2022, Proenza Schouler also played with this style, creating a peplum-looking dress by enlisting contrasting fabrics on strapless dresses, as well as pointy, voluminous bulges on long-sleeve tops. 

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 07: A model walks the runway for the Christian Siriano SS2022 Fashion Show at Gotham Hall on September 07, 2021 in New York City (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Christian Siriano)

While peplum is often thought of as a “love-to-hate” trend, its place in fashion history proves that it’s a look that isn’t going anywhere. I dare say, it’s a classic. “I think there is something to be said about women historically using peplum as a way to create that hourglass silhouette,” says O’Neill, adding that, while we may remember its recent popularity as a cringe-inducing trend, there’s a vast history of examples that show how sophisticated and timeless peplum can be. 

To prove that, designers today are making sure that only the most innovative takes on the trends — from asymmetrical blazer hemlines to belted suits that embody a more grown-up aesthetic — make their way to our closets. And, more importantly, stay there for decades to come.

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