In Fashion: Up-Braided

Posted at 5:00 AM Dec 11, 2009

By Kathleen Willcox

​Perhaps it's my love of simplicity, my penchant for Pippi Longstocking, my slight tendency toward the hippie-punk-spinster aesthetic and/or my insatiable need for wash n' hair, but I've always been a braided hair girl. 

It might be a quickie French braid before what I expect to be a grueling day at the office, a bun/braid that acts as an easy way to keep at least some of my bacteria to myself when cooking or a quirky little set of braids when I need to spice up my look and I don't have the energy for an official up-do.

My love of braids extends to the wide world of fashion, and it seems that designers are finally ready to play ball. I've suddenly discovered braided details everywhere - on handbags, coats, tops and accessories ... Below, a round-up of my favorite be-braided finds!

Getting Cuffed:


Who needs arm candy at holiday parties? Bracelet cuffs are chic, super-easy ways to liven up boring cocktail party attire - the bane of my existence in December, but completely unavoidable (just like the boring cocktail parties themselves). And unlike the dress you'll only wear a measly handful of times (heaven forfend anyone notices that you wore your emerald green number from H&M 2 years in a row to the office holiday party / your squash league captain's annual holly jolly get down / etc.), you can strap a gold, textured cuff bracelet (with the perfect width of two inches) on any time. $16.50 from Express.

Channeling (Ancient) Greece:

Sometimes - especially around the holidays - we all want to look like goddesses. Channel your inner Diana/Venus/other favorite Greek goddess and make like sexy deity in this incredibly louche and luxe golden featuring a braided metal halter neckline, a slightly padded bust, a smocked back, a hidden side zipper and a generally sassy joie de vivre. (If shirts can, in fact, exude a joie de vivre). Pictured above. $58 from Arden B.

Belt it Out:

The skinny belt - much like the skinny pants leg - will not go away. So give in and snag a stylish, versatile number that you can throw over a knit dress, pair with jeans or wear to your office with the rest of your "I'm a responsible adult" TPS-report-typing gear. This skinny braided gold leather belt add some much needed texture and shine to dull as dishwater winter-friendly gear. $49.50 from Martin and Osa.