The Budget Fashionista

Natalie gives us tips on how to get British Style on a Budget
Make Pocahontas your new style icon this season, because fringing is going to be everywhere, and is set to carry through until Autumn/Winter, which might not be good news for all the fringe-haters out there. But fear not, here’s a few ways to make fringing work for everyone, from clean-cut business women, to hippies-at-heart.

If you’ve been willing the seventies to make a comeback, you’ll be jumping for joy at the sound of flapping tassels on D&G’s runway, where pea-hued, fringed dresses were paired with flared jeans and round, John Lennon-style sunglasses. Etro made similarly retro offerings in the form of knee-high, fringed sandals; fashionistas are fighting each other for the much-coveted £59 ($116) Zara version – grab yours if you can find them. Copy Balmain’s waistcoat at Topshop, where Kate Moss has designed a vest for £50 ($98), complete with hippie chic tasselling.

Whatever you do, a pair of suede moccasins are a must: fashionistas love their trusty Minnetonkas (£62/$122), but at £32 ($63), Kurt Geiger’s version are a star buy – click your way to the asos.com sale, fast! Alternatively, opt for a flirty fringed bag. Splash out on Miu Miu’s woven-leather, hobo purse if you have £720 ($1416) to blow, or save your pennies and flaunt your fringe with Peacock’s tote, only £10 ($20).

The Audrey Hepburns among us might not favour shaggy, seventies-style fringing, but instead should take style notes from Armand Basi, Bruce, and Jonathan Saunders, where the look was clean-cut and futuristic, offsetting neon orange and cerise pink with bright whites and pastel tones, and tassels added texture to neat, flapper-style dresses. Make fringing work in the office with subtle accessories, such as a chic loafer with detailing at the toe. After Alexa Chung stepped out in Russell and Bromley’s tasselled ‘Chester’ loafer (£110/$216), the shoe has been flying off the shelves. Recreate the look for £28 ($55) with a pair of patent red court-shoes from ASOS.com, and you’re sure to feel the fringe benefits.

Runway pictures courtesy of style.com and elleuk.com.