Just how does one wear fringe over 40?
Find something you like with a bit of fringe on it and put it on.
That’s how it’s done folks.
Same way you wear anything over 40, over 30 or over 20 for that matter.
Write this down…a guaranteed no fail way of choosing clothing that works for you.
- You’re attracted to the garment.
- Try it on, does it fit?
- Does it work with your body type?
- Does it focus on the areas you want to accentuate?
- Do the colours/pattern look good with your skin tone?
- Does it make you feel happy and good about yourself?
If you answered yes to all of the above put it on and wear it with confidence and a big smile.
It’ll work every single time.
Last week I wrote about my thrifted leather obsession and this week I’m starting off with another purchase I made at the Toronto Vintage Clothing show, a black fringe suede skirt.
This is a wrap skirt which you can’t really see in these photos. The fringe goes all the way up the front closure of the skirt which has a wonderful curved shape.
I am a sucker for unique clothing, especially when it fits me so well.
I know a fringed suede midi skirt isn’t going to be on any “Must Have” lists and to be honest that is part of why I like it so much.
Owning the same items as everyone else isn’t what thrills me about fashion. It is finding those one-of-a-kind, totally wild, off-the-wall, unique pieces that get my blood pumping and stimulate my creative brain.
Added bonus…I don’t risk walking into someone wearing the same outfit. Like, EVER.
Here are some more ideas how to wear fringe over 40.
I own two great fringe handbags that I adore. Sometimes just a little dab will do ya.
I thrifted these great fringe suede boots.
I went ahead and added a bit of fringe and some pompoms to this kimono…
Fringe/tassel necklace I made and fringe sweater.
More fringe/tassel necklaces I’ve made.
Fringe wool skirt.
About 25 years ago my then brand new husband bought me a jean jacket for Christmas. It was acid wash with white fringe leather down the arms and across the back and looked a bit like this…
Only worse.
I hated that jacket.
I may have thrown up a bit in my mouth when I saw it.
I’m not one of those people that smiles nicely and then accepts the gift while inside I’m silently screaming,
“What the Hell? Who does this guy think I am? “
I’m more the type that asks immediately if he has the receipt so it can be taken back and exchanged for something I’d actually wear.
Yep.
Sorry. Not sorry.
We only had two dimes to our name I wasn’t going to waste a perfectly good Christmas present on some oversized cowgal pimp jacket.
True story.
The irony is that I remember full well the jacket I hated but have no memory whatsoever of the item I replaced it with.
Funny how the brain works.
What kind of person are you?
Do you smile and accept a gift and then quietly regift to some poor unsuspecting sap? Or do you come right out and ask for the gift receipt?
Please tell me so I’ll know what to expect at your next birthday. You like VHS tapes right?
Linking up with Visible Monday, I Will Wear What I Like, 52-pick-me-up
Vix says
When I saw your blog title I thought you were talking about hair styles and there’s no way I’d ever have a fringe again. I spent most of my 30s looking like a deranged serial killer.
You know I love a fringe trim especially when the garment is over 40 (I don’t mind about the age of the wearer). That skirt is absolutely gorgeous and suits you to a tee. I’ve admired all your other fringed clothes in the past and it’s great to have a recap.
That jacket! Probably one of the reasons I spent the 1980s wearing vintage. My Mum had a pair of white fringed cowboy boots, I used to cringe with embarrassment every time she’d stride out in them. xxx
suzanne carillo says
Ha! No we call them bangs over here : )
I thought you looked great with bangs, although I must admit I adore your dark hair compared to your blond tresses.
I too had white fringed boots that I actually wore the crap out of. I didn’t mind them. The jacket though…that was WAY over the line.
jodie filogomo says
I so laughed at that acid wash fringe jacket picture—it just brings back such memories!!
Your skirt is marvelous although I’ll be walking down the street looking just like you in the one I DIYed!! (of course, mine is a tad different–not a wrap and I made the fringe go up to my knees) 🙂
I’ve heard some women say they’ve done it once, so won’t wear fringe again….but it’s so fun—it moves, it’s interesting! I’m glad you’re promoting it too!! jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
suzanne carillo says
I’ve also heard that.
The thing is, everything has been done before. I don’t want my choices narrowed.
Susan B (une femme) says
Bravo! Oh lordy, I remember those acid wash fringe jackets/jeans/shirts. Yikes! Love your attitude and all of your (good) fringe pieces!
Gemma says
That kind of boho style looks amazing on you, I love it! Fringing is the kind of thing that I always find looks amazing on other people, but when I try it I look like I’m going to a fancy dress party as a Cow Girl, and not in a good way! I was really eyeing up a pair of suede fringed over the knee boots the other day, but I just knew I would look like Jessie from Toy Story in them!
suzanne carillo says
No way! I bet you’d look amazing in those boots. You’re bad ass and could pull off anything you set your mind to.
Patti says
Rocking skirt – and I love that it’s a wrap. It suits you perfectly. I love fringe, it makes movement and sass. But oh that jacket Robert bought you – it was truly an act of love, but . . . . Sandy hasn’t bought me a piece of clothing (some lovely earrings though) in over 20 years. He is not so brave as your man : >
Thanks for linking, xo
Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Theresa Campbell says
Fringe is a wonderful thing! Love all your fringe infused outfits. But that 80s acid wash mess is frightening. That is one style that should never, ever come back.
As far as clothing gifts, luckily my husband now knows better than to try to pick out something for me. The few times he did, I was completely astounded as to just how clueless he could be about what I like. And, yes, I did nicely ask for the receipt, claiming the item didn’t fit properly, and hightailed it back to the store for something I would actually wear.
suzanne carillo says
Ha! So I’m not alone in wondering why my man is so clueless when it comes to buying me clothing. Mind you, I must say over time my husband has improved immensely. I’ve trained him well ; )
Samantha says
Best opening advice EVER!
XXX
Samantha
P.S. It depends who bought the gift….sometimes it’s polite acceptance (and donation to charity), sometimes “gift receipt??” Yes please!
Anna Parkes says
Totally love fringing myself and have a driving need to find my perfect fringed bag for the summer ahead. I think the suede skirt is divine, as is the woollen one. I’m with you all the way about preferring something unique, that wonderful one-off that gives you a sense of individuality. We none of us want to look like a fashion clone, surely? Not that you will ever, I mean ever, be a fashion clone Suzanne!
Anna
Anna’s Island Style
suzanne carillo says
You and I are kindred spirits on finding unique pieces.
Curtise says
Ooh, that skirt – what a find, it’s fabulous!
I don’t have many fringed pieces, not because I don’t like them (I do!) but when I wear the couple I do own, I seem to catch it on things all the time, or pick up small items as I go… It must be me, I’m terribly clumsy.
Your fringe-y round-up is great! xxx
suzanne carillo says
I do find that my kimono catches things. I just have to slow right down when I wear it.
Connie* says
VHS tapes. Snort snort. That’s pretty funny. I actually a box full of them. Perhaps you’d like some Beanie Babies? Wow. I had no idea you were so fringey. As a dancer I know you know exactly what to do with it. I love that shot of you running off to jump in the lake with your fringed purse. Gift receipts are the name of the game.
suzanne carillo says
Oooh…you’re the lady hoarding all the Beanie Babies! What about Cabbage Patch Kids? Got any of those gems hidden away under the staircase? That’d be freaky. Like one of those Chucky Dolls.
Ha ha! Yes, my dancer ways are coming back into focus aren’t they?
Just call me by my stage name from now on, Crystal Champagne.
Cherry* says
I LOVE your stage name. You always inspire me. If you’re Crystal Champagne then I’m Cherry Martini. Cheers!
Happiness at Mid Life says
What a great skirt. I love the idea of of fringe and the movement it makes but I only like in small doses for me. I bought a fringe floral kimono that I wore only once and washed it and the fringe got all messed up. Since then, I really try to avoid it.
In regards to gift, most people tend to give gifts with gift receipts and 99.9% of the time, I end up returning it. I don’t really like the idea of someone shopping for me.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
suzanne carillo says
That is too bad about the kimono.
Trina says
Just read this to Par and we’re both still laughing, he said to tell Robert he’s right there with him but has also improved A LOT over the last 29 years. Although, he has had lots of help from Tori and Robert hasn’t. I’m with you girlfriend, especially when it comes to hubby, I just give hime that look (what the hell were you thinking) and he just hands over the receipt. He usually cheats and just buys anthro gift cards.
Now for the fringe, love it like I seriously love it! Your unique and creative way of dressing is amazing and yet you still stay on trend. You also make me feel so much better because I know for a fact your closets (yes plural) are a way more crowded than mine. Keep the creative (fringe) dressing my friend.
Lana says
I love fringe, and all of your fringe pieces! I’m on the lookout for a bag with fringe. As for the gift – it depends on who gives it to me. I’m pretty bold with some people, and my husband has pretty much given up trying to buy clothes for me.
Darlene Fadem says
I’m STILL on the lookout for some fringe! Yes, I too would ask for the gift receipt if the gift came from my husband.
Señora Allnut says
obviously, I’m in love with your fringed skirt, it looks stunning!, but also loving all those beautiful pendants and fringed bags!.
And I’ve been shocked by the picture of that acid-washed jacket, mwahaha
besos
stylentonic says
fresh ideas dear! kiss
stylentonic.com
Val S says
That skirt was a lucky find – leather, fringe, and also very flattering. You have so many great clothes, but I think my fave outfit here is the sort of boho/beatnik look with the hat, the long vest and the fringed boots. You are the queen of fringe!
On my last birthday my husband gave me an orchid. I couldn’t believe that after 20 years he hadn’t noticed that I have no great inclination to tend plants! Also, we’re moving across the pond, so why buy a plant? Needless to say, I managed to kill it within two months. But I was gracious – to some degree – when he gave it to me.
Shybiker says
I must have missed a meeting ’cause I don’t understand why age should limit how we dress. I believe we should shine our individuality at all times.
Shelley@ForestCityFashionista says
All the fringed pieces you’ve shown in this post look fab on you – you really suit the boho style. Excellent skirt score at the Vintage Show – a fringed suede midi skirt may not be on any “must have” lists, but that’s what makes it so cool. I like to have unique pieces in my wardrobe (most purchased at vintage shows or thrifted) that no one else will have.
It would depend on who the gift was from as to whether I would ask for the gift receipt. Most of the gifts I’ve received lately have been handmade, and I’ve loved them (Carmen’s Valentine wreath, for example).
Sybil says
totally made this work!! love your style!
Have a great day!
Animated Confessions
beate says
“Owning the same items as everyone else isn’t what thrills me about fashion. It is finding those one-of-a-kind, totally wild, off-the-wall, unique pieces that get my blood pumping and stimulate my creative brain.”””
where can i sign?!
not even as a teen i did want what others whore – except the clothes of boy george 🙂
thank you for the lovely comment on my yellow skirt post! from a pro like you it means a lot to me!
xxxxx
p.s.: that jeans jacket is a nightmare! 🙂
No Fear of Fashion says
Hahaha, no I don’t like VHS tapes. And I am so like you. Very direct, very honest. Is that why I like you so much? I have to say that Daniela is trying to smooth down the rough edges a bit. “Think of the other person. No need to hurt them”. She is right of course but I cannot change too much.
Greetje
Andrea@WellnessNotes says
Great fringe skirt! And I like all your other fringe items, too. I have a few necklaces with fringe that I love.
I can see why you didn’t like that fringe jacket… I don’t think I’ve ever gotten anything I didn’t like at all. I guess I deemed them usually “okay” – which really means it would have been better to ask for the gift receipt… My husband is very outspoken when something isn’t “perfect” and really shocked me when he returned gift after gift when we first dated…
Kristian says
Wow- I love that skirt. I don’t do fringe- probably because of that rule about does it feel like you. Where I live fringe is something very…. cowboy (cowgirl?) ish, which makes me feel like an impostor wearing it because that is definitely NOT who I am. But you are rocking the fringed look, and it reads as a bit bohemian rather then western.
Natalia Lialina says
Gorgeous fringed skirt – and yes, very similar to my suede skirt indeed! And so is the leo fur coat. 🙂 I also love that black and white bold geo pattern skirt – what a beauty!
Happy New Year, Suzanne!