To fringe or not to fringe? - YouLookFab Forum

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To fringe or not to fringe?

Susie

Veteran

Am I too late in wanting to add something with fringe to my wardrobe? I thought a bag might be a good option but haven't seen one I love. So maybe a boot. The fringe on this style appeals to me because it doesn't look too boho or western. But is the fringe, combined with the heel, a "trying too hard" look for a 53 year old? I appreciate your thoughts.

Sam Edelman 'Kandice' Fringed Suede Pointy Toe Bootie (Women)

$174.95 $104.96

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Sam Edelman 'Kandice' Fringed Suede Pointy Toe Bootie (Women)

$174.95 $104.96

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27 replies

Latest reply was from Susie

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I think they are great! They don't look "trying too hard" at all to me. I like the fact that they are a little different from the fringed bag trend, and they are a sleeker option than the lower or chunkier heeled ones I've seen.

Oh, and I saw on your other thread the Pliner boots weren't quite right for you. I liked the other one you are trying. And maybe the gray fringed ones would work for you, too.

Joyce B

Veteran

Go for it as long as they are comfortable. I think they look fab and they must have nice movement with the fringe.

AviaMariah

Veteran

I think as long as you keep your outfit sleek and simple (which you do from what I remember), they'll be fine. Maybe the black with black straight pants?

always trying

Veteran

Go for it. I am seeing a lot of fringe footwear so far this autumn. I am looking for something with fringe in flat that is not so Minnetaka.

Anonymous

Can I be the one to say - mmmm, might be a try-hard way to do fringe? At least I think I know exactly what you mean. It just could come off a little cougar-ish, KWIM? I'd do a fringe bag over a fringe boot. I think on a casual boot it might be less fashion-y and have a more organic/real look to it. Just my own fears of looking like a try-hard coming out here though.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

As another 50 something, I have the same fears as Lisa. There is something about the combo of the very narrow heel and the fringe that feels a bit ... hmmm .... to my eye. Even though I know, as Aviamariah says, you'd style these to perfection.

Anonymous

After trying to have a nap but still mulling this over in my mind, I had to add this: and I'm purposely not reading anything posted after me until I finish writing: If I were the shoe designer, I'd have done this on a block heel . It's the stiletto plus fringe that takes it into cougar territory. I like fringe, but added to a bit of a dated boot shape ( I know, I know, a stiletto bootie may be considered a classic, but it jacked up with fringe, it gets into tacky club territory). And you know the reason I was still thinking about this is because you and I often /usually like the same things

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I seriously thought about them r cently because I liked this Kate Moss look. http://www.whowhatwear.com/kat.....inge-boots
But I think a sweater is as far as I'm willing to take it. I also agree on the idea that a blocky heel is a bit better than a spiky one.

Joy

Veteran

How about a tassel pendant?

Deborah

Veteran

Susie, your style is generally very clean, modern, a touch minimal and simple (in a very good way) so I think the boots would be great. If you were walking around in fringed suede jacket, fringed boots, a bit of animal print ... that reads at try hard to me:) I think Shannon has light coloured fringed ankle boots and they always look fab on her. Keep everything else at a minimum and they would work beautifully. My only hesitation is the heel. It's too high and spiky for me but that is just personal preference.

Edit to add: Just relooked the heel height. That would actually be fine for me, I just prefer a block heel. The more I look at them, the more I think they are very elegant.

AviaMariah

Veteran

After reading everyone's response I second Deborah. I almost thought they were too much when I first saw them but I think with your simple, clean style you could pull it off. But I could also very easily agree with the argument to wait for something with a lower or blocky heel. The problem with that is they can very easily go into cowboy territory which sounds like you're trying to avoid. Never hurt to order them up and try styling them. Could be a fun post!

AviaMariah

Veteran

I also think the gray could help them not to look so Va-va-voom! I'm just having a hard time envisioning how you'd style that color but I'm sure it could be done beautifully.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh, Susie would style that colour brilliantly -- it would really suit her. I like them a lot better in the grey. It seems the sticking point for a few of us is that heel -- and yet I also see the argument that a blockier heel could look too cowboy. Hmm. Tough call. Only way to know is to try!!

Stylinbyarrow

(website)

Member

Question:
But is the fringe, combined with the heel, a "trying too hard" look for a 53 year old?

ANSWER:
I think that the above style of boot isn't as ascentuating to the body as the block heel bootie-I included below.

I recommend this style of bootie because it is modern, and encourages the young person inside of each of us to come out.
The block heel style bootie is more toned down, but is adorable and is able to balance your outfit better.

Plus, the block heel fringe bootie is more versatile. It can be worn with jeans, skirts, dresses, and even certain styles of shorts. And-year round.

I personally believe, the block heel fringe bootie style is overall modern + doesn't speak "grandma".

So.....The skinny heal fringe boot isn't as classy. I wouldn't choose them.

Hope that helps!

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/sa.....ltback=935

I actually just yesterday published a post on Ultimate items for fall '15.

There are some cute booties to shop in that post here:

http://www.stylinbyarrow.wordpress.com/

catgirl

Veteran

The sticking point for me is the heel, as Suz said, but not because of age - it's just not a look I like. I think a tapered wood heel would be great here, like a 70s look. ADORE THE FRINGE!

Aida

Veteran

I like them (though, goodness I am clearly in the minority here!); I might even have to get them if the heel was 2" instead of 3"! Fringed shoes were a "MUST FIND" on my shopping list this season, and I still haven't found my pair *sniffle*. I like the idea of finding something for you with a blockier heel or perhaps something flat, which would look a little funkier and might be a better contrast for your outfits.

Susie

Veteran

I love when a question takes off into an interesting discussion with varying opinions!

I intentionally didn't add much to detail because I wanted gut reactions. And If I felt a need to ask then I guess that means that I somewhat agree that they could read as cougar. Part of me wants to rebel at that thought...why Is there an age cutoff for cool shoes? Yet i did question if others would see them as inappropriate, from an age standpoint.

As I mentioned, I don't want a boho or western look. And, no offense intended, but the low heeled Sam Edelman boot doesn't appeal to me because to me it's a basic boot with some fringe added. I don't need this boot to be versatile as I do have a nice variety of boots for 'everyday' wear. I envisioned this for more dressy or fun, going out looks. I recently got deep green velvet skinnies and pictured them with a black cashmere sweater with the boots for a holiday party. I also see them with jeans and a black jacket.

I usually prefer a block heel too; that's what most of my boots are. And I checked out the link from UmmLila and I do like this one, though I would wear it more casually:

http://us.asos.com/ASOS-RILEY-.....HMvUHJvZC8.

(I'm not even going to comment on how far a stretch Kate Moss looks are for me!!!!!!)

Your thoughts on the black vs the gray are interesting to me too. I' ve been enjoying my lighter colored shoes so the gray appeals to me. Yet most of my pants (I wear few skirts or dresses in the winter) are dark colors so it seems like the black could be less va va va voom as they would be a bit less statement-y with the lower contrast.

Any additional input is welcome, and finds / links too if you are so inclined

Susie

Veteran

How about this one?

http://www.zappos.com/product/8604037/color/586043

Eliza

Veteran

That's the answer, Susie. Equally appropriate at any age!

I don't think age is the critical variable with those booties; it comes down to styling and how many dramatic elements may be competing in one ensemble. The outfit proposed could be lovely. Very impressed that anyone can walk in stilettos, something I could never do!

AviaMariah

Veteran

I love your outfit ideas. They would be great for the holidays.

Susie

Veteran

Thank you to everyone for your thoughts...I've not completely rejected these from consideration and will need to ponder a bit more.

PS Are you still a cougar if you are out with your husband and not on the prowl?!

Anonymous

haha! I was the one who first used the cougar word here, and it was kind of misused . Nothing to do with being on the prowl, and more to do with looking like we're pretending to be J Lo. I'll stop. It's totally a personal feeling. And I can absolutely see Aida in them - and get why she likes them - and she's 20 years younger than me! ( I think) . If I were her, I'd be all over them too !

Aida

Veteran

I must revise my statement now that I know you want these for a fun night out sorta shoe: I still like them Ok the revised part: I think they're worth trying, though with the outfit you've described I think the black will work better (and helloooo! if that outfit happens I must demand we see pics ^^).

(Hah Lisa <3 )

Stylinbyarrow

(website)

Member

Susie! I don't care for the 2nd pair of boots...too much fringe, but understand that you like the higher boot for more exciting events!

I am sure they will look good on you!

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Oh, yes, that second pair is a statement for sure! Ha ha! Looks a bit more like the Kate Moss version, though hers are understated in comparison.
And I did notice how stylish and unencumbered Kate looks at the airport, with someone schlepping her bags on a cart behind her. That's the way I'd like to travel!

AviaMariah

Veteran

OMG I just looked at your second link. Those are killing me. A conversation starter for sure!! BTW I like the skinny heeled version better than the blocky heel you linked.

Susie

Veteran

I'm just sorry that the McQ doesn't come in more colors...they are such a bargain price

AviaMariah, the suede one doesn't excite me either.

Sharan, that is so true- you never see celebrities burdened with bags!