On December 28, 2010, Vanessa Hudgens was photographed outside Ricki Criswell Skin Care and Waxing Studio in Studio City, California, wearing an outfit that reflected the relaxed bohemian style she became known for in the early 2010s.
Vanessa Hudgens embraced the boho-chic trend of the early 2010s in chestnut suede Kettle Black fringe boots, pairing the movement-rich footwear with sweatpants, a cropped tank, and a vintage-inspired hoodie during a Studio City outing (Credit: WENN)
While the look combined a vintage-inspired Chaser Van Halen eagle-zip hoodie, Betsey Johnson animal-print sunglasses, and a practical Fendi Unzipped Zip It messenger bag, the standout piece was her pair of Kettle Black tall fringe boots.
The chestnut suede boots featured a knee-high silhouette with layered fringe, adding movement and texture to an otherwise casual outfit.
Hudgens wore similar fringe boots repeatedly during this period, making them one of the defining footwear styles in her off-duty wardrobe.
Their combination of comfort, bohemian influence, and festival-inspired attitude reflected a broader trend that dominated celebrity street style in the years following 2010.
Casual chic: Vanessa Hudgens pairs Betsey Johnson sunglasses with a sleek Fendi bag in Studio City on December 28, 2010 (Credit: WENN)
While fringe was a recurring theme in Vanessa Hudgens’ wardrobe at the time, her Fendi Unzipped Zip It messenger bag offered a cleaner, more understated contrast to the heavily textured boots.
Its structured shape and practical design helped balance the relaxed, rock-inspired feel of the rest of the outfit.
Fendi Unzipped Zip It Messenger Bag, $1,520
Vanessa Hudgens’ Kettle Black fringe boots captured one of the defining footwear trends of the early 2010s. While fringe has appeared in fashion for decades, fringe boots tend to surge whenever bohemian, Western, or festival-inspired dressing returns to the spotlight.
The style enjoyed a major heyday in the 1970s, reemerged during the boho-chic revival of the late 2000s and early 2010s, and has once again become a notable footwear trend in 2025 and 2026. Whether in knee-high suede styles or shorter ankle boots, fringe adds movement, texture, and a relaxed sense of personality that few other boot designs can match.
👢 Explore More Fringe Shoe Moments on Your Next Shoes:
- ✨ A complete guide to fringe shoes, from ankle boots and knee-high styles to sandals and loafers.
- 🌾 Vanessa Hudgens styled Koolaburra fringe boots with leggings, showing how the boho staple became part of her off-duty uniform.
- 👢 Suki Waterhouse brought fringe boots to the Burberry front row, pairing the textured footwear with a plunging blue gown.
- 🔥 Courtney Sixx made Christian Louboutin’s orange “Otoka” fringe booties the focus of her Kids’ Choice Awards look.
- 🎸 Alesha Dixon wore khaki Giuseppe Zanotti fringe boots with ripped denim, layered jewelry, and a fedora.
- 👡 Khloé Kardashian gave airport denim a polished finish with Aquazzura fringe sandals.
- 🖤 Heidi Klum styled B Brian Atwood fringe suede sandals with a leather skirt for a sleek New York Fashion Week look.
- 🌙 Alessandra Ambrosio wore Giuseppe Zanotti fringe sandals with a black Versace gown at the Grammy Awards.
Today’s resurgence feels different from the Coachella-era version that popularized Vanessa Hudgens’ fringe boots. Contemporary designs range from minimalist ankle boots to dramatic knee-high styles, often blending Western influences with cleaner silhouettes and more versatile styling.
Yet the appeal remains the same: fringe boots bring movement and texture to an outfit while maintaining the easygoing spirit that has helped them return to fashion’s spotlight time and again.
As of June 2026, the fringe boot trend is also reflected in current retail offerings. Zappos carries everything from festival-inspired suede styles to Western boots with dramatic movement.
Notable examples include the Free People Faith Fringe Western Boots, Dan Post Prairie Dancer boots, Lucky Brand Boswell Fringe Boots, and Madewell’s Lexie Fringed Ankle Boot in Suede. Budget-friendly options such as the Free People Faye Fringe Pull-On Boots and Roper’s 12-inch Stud and Fringe Boot show that the look remains available across a wide range of price points.