Everyone will be dressing like a Muppet this winter
Noelle Sciacca
This season's hottest trend was inspired by an unlikely muse. It wasn't a rare work of art or a stunning model of the moment. The influencer was the unassuming Mr. Snuffleupagus from Sesame Street. Designers replicated shaggy, Muppet-like fur across major runways like Ralph Lauren, Nina Ricci, Just Cavalli and Thakoon Addition. The tousled texture is created by grouping strips of knit fringe together. The resulting wooly fabric is perfect for staying snug and toasty when the thermostat dips.If you're worried that your cozy look reads more "area rug" than "Armani," put your mind at ease. The chunkier the knit the toastier you'll be, and staying safe and warm in frigid temperatures is always in fashion.
If you're not quite ready for the dramatic silhouettes that walked the runway but want to give the trend a whirl, there are plenty of toned-down versions to cuddle up to.Below are 12 wearable shaggy styles to get you through the frosty months ahead.
Mixed media is the key to nailing Muppet dressing. Be sure that your look includes a combination of fabrics by finding a piece that pairs bulky tassels with smooth cashmere or baby alpaca threads. To minimize bulk, keep the knit fringe confined to one area of the garment, such as the shoulders, waist or chest.
Hand-woven pieces like this oversized style from Adam Lippes (above), offer a natural aesthetic similar to a fluffy mountain goat or wooly mammoth. For items a bit more understated, stick to cardigans with fringe trims and simple rows of short fabric tufts.
Knit wear designer and last year's CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist Ryan Roche has been making a name for herself in the industry. Last season she joined forces with JCrew to produce a selection of her famous nubby knits at more affordable price points. Snag this pullover sweater vest or other similar button-up styles to incorporate a dose of texture into your outfit. For a 1970s bohemian vibe, choose a longer piece that falls around the hips and hangs open at the front.
If you won't have a chance to hand-loom an alpaca fur poncho before winter strikes, these coats are the next best thing. The long styles cover most of the body while the layers of shaggy fringe add an extra layer of warmth and help trap in heat. Keep all of these textured silhouettes on rotation in your winter wardrobe to ensure your fashion game is on point and you're snug as a bug in a rug.