5 Fringe Pieces That Are Actually Chic

No matter how cute free-spirited stars like Nicole Richie, Vanessa Hudgens, and Rachel Zoe in their ’70s-inspired, boho-chic ensembles, I’ve never quite embraced the style for myself. That means no flowing maxi dresses, no gladiator sandals, no strand after strand of beaded necklaces, no pieces from model Alessandra Ambrosio’s new alé by Alessandra line, no music festival–ready ensembles, and definitely no fringe for me.

At least, that was my style rule up until I started seeing a slew of today’s most stylish stars wearing fringed details in the chicest — and yes, sometimes still bohemian — way possible, thanks to a luxuriously fringed skirt here and a fringe-embellished shoulder bag there.

And while the timeless, on-trend embellishment definitely adds a bit of a hippie vibe to just about any ensemble, fashionable celebs like Emmy Rossum, Amber Heard, Kate Bosworth, and more are proving that fringe can also be just as sophisticated as an ultra-luxe feather trim or beautifully beaded ensemble any day. Need a little extra convincing to start working fringe details into your everyday wardrobe? Here are five simple ways to wear the fringe trend this season, along with a handful of buy-it-now pieces to get you started.

1. With a sophisticated fringe hemline

For all you fringe newbies out there, there's no better way to experiment with the look than by picking a piece with small fringe embellishments here and there, like a fringed neckline or the fringe-trimmed hemline seen on Rossum's classic Stella McCartney dress.

2. With a draped-fringe dress

Keep your fringe under wraps by picking a piece with draped (rather than free-flowing) fringe, like the Stella McCartney dress Heard is rocking here. Pair it with a sleek silhouette for an instantly glam and totally sexy look.

3. With a full-fringe maxi

Take fringe into a formal setting by picking an all-over fringed ensemble, like the one-shouldered maxi dress Wilde wore to the 2014 CFDA Fashion Awards. Complement it with a glossy nude lip and flats for a more casual look, or amp it up with a sleek ponytail, red lip, and simple heel for something dressier.

4. With a tiered fringe skirt

Whether it's mini or maxi, make your summer skirt all the fancier with tiered fringe details, like those seen on Jaime King's Calvin Klein Collection dress. Pair it with a basic cotton T-shirt for a daytime-ready look, or take it out on the town with a sheer blouse and statement heels.

5. With chic fringed accessories

Don't just limit your fringe frenzy to your clothing! Make like Bosworth and work the embellishment into any number of accessories, whether it's a clutch, shoulder bag, shoe, or statement necklace.

Ready to take on fringe yourself? Check out some of these boho pieces to wear right now.

Get the look:

Kate Moss for Topshop long fringe dress, $185, topshop.com

Alice + Olivia fringe-skirt maxi dress, $368, cusp.com

Urban Originals fringed fold-over clutch, $60, neimanmarcus.com

3.1 Phillip Lim fringed chiffon skirt, $173, theoutnet.com

Loeffler Randall fringe flat sandals, $175, shopbop.com