It’s Time To Tie One On For Summer

By Brian Maynor

 

With Memorial Day this weekend, I’m sure there will be lots of cookouts, beers and other festive activities, but that’s not the only way to ‘tie one on’ this summer.

The trendy way to accessorize is with tassels this summer. A close cousin to the fringe trend, which is a little more daring to pull off, tassels are a more subtle accessories accent and can work with classic, formal pairings as well as with casual ones. Here are a few ways you can tie on a tassel this season:

1.    Shoes. Everyone remembers and probably even owned a pair of tassel loafers at some point over the last few decades. While they fell out of favor as an ‘old persons’ shoe for a time now they are back as a seasonal ‘must have’. Fortunately the use of tassels is no longer limited to loafers. They now can be found on sandals, as lace accessories or zipper details.

Even if you want to stick with the traditional tassel loafer you can find them in a range of colors and materials to help elevate their status and yours.

2.    Bags. No matter the shape or style of bag you prefer you will easily find them with a tassel attached. They could come on locks, ties, and zippers or decoratively attached to the handle. Another bonus to this particular accessory is that you can easily add a tassel to a bag you already own keeping your investment in the trend minimal. Whether you choose to stick with a subtle matching palette or opt for a bold splash of color is up to you. Why not go for both and change them out to match your mood?

3.    Jewelry. The tassel necklace has been a constant in the jewelry world, but now we are seeing more tassel earrings and bracelets. They can be found in solid metal, to keep a subtle polished feel or in colorful fabric, for a more bohemian vibe. Jewelry is a great way to play with multiple tassels at once, whether it is a stack of bracelets or multiple tassels on a single necklace. They are great for filling space without adding a lot of weight, and you definitely want to keep summer accessories as light as possible.

4.    Other accessories. Hats, belts and key chains are also easy ways to add some fringe to one of your wardrobe without investing in a lot in the trend. They easily update an outfit you already own and can be discarded without regret if you get tired of them.

Fringe has been a hot fashion-forward trend for a while, but if you’re not ready, willing or able to make that level of commitment or statement now you have an easier option. Tassels come in all shapes; sizes and colors so just go for the ones that feel right to you.

 

 Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

 

I am always curious to hear some of your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and challenges. Please send your comments and questions to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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