2023 Fashion Trends: A Stylist's Guide To Easily Wearing and Styling Fringe
It’s that time of year again! We’re looking at what is trending in the world of fashion, both for the new year and the new season.
I look at trends from a place of duality - not quite a double-edged sword, but from two opposing views that can be held together at the same time.
It’s like this… on the one hand, who wants to be ruled by trends - they’re always changing, and to feel like you’re chasing them and it’s a moving target is a crappy feeling. It takes the fun out of fashion.
And yet, being aware of what is trending or “in” can help empower your fashion-related decisions. Knowledge is power. Having a handle on what is current (i.e. on trend) allows you to make fashion choices that are right for you.
My goal here is to shift the paradigm - to take back the power by letting you know what is on trend and how to wear it - in a real person for real-life way. IMHO that is what can bring back the joy when it comes to shopping and getting dressed. Knowing what is trending, and at the same time, knowing you don’t have to partake if it doesn’t feel right. Ultimately, it’s you that gets to decide - and that is fun!
Now, on to the 2023 trends…
As I’ve read and watched, and observed, there are seven main trends that I am going to focus on this year. And I will give you the list here and now - but dive deeper into the specifics of each trend in the coming weeks.
2023 Fashion Trends
Fringe
Sheer
Maxi Skirts
Tall Boots
Silver
Cobalt Blue
Magenta
Mind you; this is my list. There are other trends you might read about elsewhere or hear about on social media, but for me, they did not feel like something I’d wear and feel great in. And, honestly, they also did not feel like something that would resonate with you either. Here are some of the “trends” I am passing on right now.
2023 Fashion Trends I’m Passing On
Low rise jeans/pants
Stomach showing cut outs
Baby doll dresses
Bras as shirts
And, there are also some we’ve talked about here before - because trends cycle, and it can take time for a trend to gain traction. So if you were an early adopter, keep going with these. And if not, maybe they feel right to you now. Just know these trends are still going strong.
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Trends That Are Still Going Strong in 2023
Lug sole loafers
Asymmetry
There are also a few trends I am seeing, but I’m not quite sure about yet. They’re not a hard pass for me, like low-rise pants. It’s more that I think it’s too early to decide.
I’d call this my watch-and-waitlist. That being said, I might play around with this section of trends and see how they feel. Meaning if I have an item like this in my closet already, I might break it out now and try it with an outfit. Or if I find one of these trends at a really discounted price, I might buy in. But I do not recommend investing heavily in these… yet…
Watch-and-waitlist
Extra long earrings
Motocross
Platform heels
This week, let’s talk about fringe
Fringe is super fun and can be worn in so many ways. It might be my favorite trend this season and one I am going to integrate ASAP. I love that fringe is being shown on all different pieces, allowing you to wear it in a way that feels authentic to you. Bags, shoes, tops, dresses, bathing suits - they’re all showing up with fringe and it’s fun.
I had a blast trying on fringe pieces and making the fringe shimmy - it reminded me of being a little girl and twirling in my dress.
How To Wear Fringe: 3 Pro Tips
Only one piece of your outfit should have fringe
Pick one fringe item and let that be the hero of the outfit. Too much fringe is like an overly salted dish - it’s just too much of a good thing.
Don’t go full costume
Fringe this season is a detail, not a costume. So, if your fringe has a cowboy vibe, don’t wear it with a cowboy hat and boots unless you’re going to a western-themed party. If your fringe has a flapper vibe, don’t pair it with long pearls and a headband. Pair the fringe with your current pieces of clothing to make it feel cool and modern.
Fringe a part you like
Make sure the fringe is on a body part you like. Because the detail will draw attention there. And conversely, do not fringe an area you want to downplay. If you have a large bust and don’t want to draw attention to it, opt for a fringe at the bottom of your skirt, not right across your girls.
5 Fringe Outfits I LOVE
Let’s start with this glammy, sequined skirt. Personally, I love that the fringe starts at the knees making the skirt modest and still fun. On me (I’m 5’4”) the fringe goes to my ankles so I would 100% wear this to a black tie optional event. I paired it with a crisp button-up (from Kal Reiman) because I really like the feminine/masculine juxtaposition. It would look equally wonderful with a silk camisole or even a chunky sweater.
Bonus points that it’s silver (and another trending style) so it’s kind of like a twofer. At $70 it’s a no brainer, fabulous wardrobe addition.
How to wear fringe on a Tuesday!! This sweater is so soft and cozy. And shows how wearing fringe does not need to be dressy. It could, of course, be dressed up by pairing it with leather or satin slim pants and heels.
STYLIST NOTE: Because of the shape of this sweater, it will look better paired with slim or skinny pants, than a wide leg.
I particularly like how the fringe is asymmetrical so it visually accents my sometimes self-conscious area, but in a flattering way.
This sweater feels richer than the under $40 price tag. And it is selling quickly.
A fringe-y sweatshirt for the win. The fabric of this piece is a scuba-like material. So it feels like a dressy sweatshirt - if that’s not an oxymoron, I don’t know what is!
In all honesty, this one is great but was a little challenging to style. More because it was a sweatshirt but with sequined fringe - so should the outfit be going out (lie with heels) or more casual (with sneakers).
I do like how this outfit turned out - I’d wear this to a GNO or a Cavs game. I’m working on a video that takes you with me on the creative process of putting together this outfit so you can see how to recalibrate when it doesn’t work.
I mean, come on. A vegan leather, fringe cocktail dress. Jonathan Simkhai is kinda genius.
Full disclosure - it took a few hands to zip this bad boy up. Once it was zipped, it was comfortable (and the ruching detail helped camouflage my tummy). But if you live alone, you might need a friend to come over to help you get zipped!!
This skirt might be my favorite of this fringe haul. It is still technically fringe, but I’d call it more of a carwash fringe. It reminds me of something Eva Chen wore to fashion week. I love it with the silk sheer blouse (also a trending style). And I can see it with a graphic tee or sweatshirt. Or a chunky knit too. This one is an investment, even on sale. And I am going back and forth about keeping it…
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