Time-honored tradition and newfangled shimmer come together this season in this month’s trend report.
This winter, Western style is all about embellished fringe and flashy metallic tones — both have clocked in as defining trends this season. And when they come together in the same look, heads turn at any marquee rodeo or Western event.
Fringe, of course, has been around for centuries. While these days it’s a source of décor and added flair for everyone from rodeo stars to fashionistas to stadium-rocking pop singers, its practical uses were what made it a mainstay for early Indigenous Americans. Tribes often used pieces of leather or suede fringe to keep the rainwater from causing discomfort — it would trickle down the tassels. But its decorative properties were valued as well, and soon enough, beads and other embellishments became common.
Ja'Dayia Kursh in a dress from Boot Barn (Photography: Courtesy of Boot Barn).
From 1920s flapper fashion into the modern era, fringe has worked its way into designer couture and has become a favorite of the celebrity set.
Fringe by itself is timeless. What makes it particularly timely this season is to pair it with metallic textures or add flashy elements in other parts of a look. Read on for inspired examples of fringe and flash, and find out where to shop for your own winter looks.
Spotted at Paris Fashion Week: Leia Sfez in a black ribbed pullover, leather belt, black high-waist balloon shorts, a black leather and wool fringed cloak, black shiny leather Kelly handbag from Hermes, silk scarf from Hermes, shiny leather with gold metallic pointed toe-cap cut-out Western ankle boots (Photography: Courtesy of Edward Berthelot, Getty Images).
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE LOOK?
Yves Saint Laurent helped re-popularize fringe with flashy skirts in the ’60s. Cher single-handedly maintained its relevance with a long string of Bob Mackie looks in the ’70s. And modern country queens such as Miranda Lambert have demonstrated their devotion to it. Annie Oakley would likely approve of the fancier fringe rocked by Lambert and Western style influencer Pamela Tick. But she might marvel at how fringe has evolved over the years in material and design, as well as how metallic looks have become a staple.
[1] Hunter Paige in a set by Line & Dot, revolve.com [2] Zuzanna Isham in a Stetson Eureka hat, Golden Hills lariat from Wild Creek Accents, Wrangler denim dress, Idyllwind bootcut high rise jeans, and Corral rose hand tooled limited edition boots [3] Miranda Lambert in Idyllwind (Photography: Courtesy of EBM) [4] Annie Oakley vintage poster photo [5] Pamela Tick in a custom fringe suede jacket and Cos jeans (Photography: Courtesy of Pamela Tick)[6] Alex Bennett in a dress by 12th Tribe, (12thtribe.com) [7] Day Off Pink Metallic Leather Fringe Jacket from Idyllwind [8] Kadee Coffman Blair in a 500X American Hat Silver Belly, Rachel Zoe pant suit, vintage concho belt, Alexis Bittar earrings [9] Ashley Callingbull in a runway look from Stephanie Eagletail during Runway 7 Spring/Summer 2024 Collections at New York Fashion Week (Photography: Courtesy of Getty Images).
WHERE TO SHOP?
Peruse these stores and brands for more fringe and flash this season.
Texas Jack, texasjacks.com
Boot Barn, bootbarn.com
Cavender’s, cavenders.com
Old Gringo, oldgringoboots.com
Corral Boots, corralboots.com
Western & Co., shopwesternandco.com
Casey Curtis Designs, caseycurtisdesigns.com
Rockabilly Baroness, rockabillybaroness.com
Liberty Black Boots, libertyblack.com
San Agustin Trading Co., sanagustintradingcompany.com
[1] @alyssa_claiborne in Kitties Mea Mustard Felt hat, saintshatco.com; Royston Turquoise Ring, hallettpeakleather.com; Beaded Bandana, jhbeadwork.com; Rhinestone Cowboy Jacket, doubledranch.com (Photography: Courtesy of Norman Nelson) [2] Teton Ridge Fringe Bandana, store.tetonridge.com [3] Teton Ridge Fringe Joggers, store.tetonridge.com [4] Arizona Ridge Riders Cropped 1/4 Zip Fringe Fleece Sweatshirt, store.tetonridge.com [5] Corral Women's Embroidered & Studded Fringe Top Western Boots, sheplers.com [6] Wrangler Western Snap Shirt in Metallic Silver, maverickwesternwear.com [7] Silver Metallic Boots, kemosabe.com [8] Shyanne Metallic 3-Piece Buckle Belt, bootbarn.com [9] High Rise Extra Stretch Flare Jeans, rockandrolldenim.com [10] American West Women's Hair-On Studded Fringe Crossbody Messenger, sheplers.com [11] Consuela Wesley Metallic Crossbody Purse, cavenders.com.
This article appears in our January 2024 issue.
Photography: Courtesy of vendors
