In Paris, Sophisticated Women Are Ousting Basic LBDs For This Opulent Alt

In case you haven’t already noticed, the best-dressed people in the world are currently in Paris, whether it’s because they live there year-round or are just stopping through for a Haute Couture show or two. One such skilled dresser is Alexa Chung, who attended a Bvlgari event in the City of Lights this week, wearing an outfit that, alone, made little black dresses irrelevant. They’re classic, yes, but sometimes, classic just doesn’t cut it. Maximalism is back with a vengeance in 2026, and if dressing like the chicest women in Paris is high on your list of priorities this year, I suggest you follow Chung’s lead by ditching “basic” dresses. Instead, try her preferred style out for size.

The dress trend in question? Fringe dresses. Specifically, the British It girl chose an ivory-colored dress from Anna October’s Pre-Fall 2026 collection, which hasn’t yet been released. The dress features a subtle and elegant jacquard print and long, silky fringe on its hem and cape. The opulent fabric and details feel like a nod to French history, dating back to the days when Marie Antoinette led the Rococo style movement, full of similarly soft colors, delicate materials, and lavish embellishments. Her look for the evening wasn’t all loud and bold, though. On her feet, Chung kept it simple, donning a pair of sleek black pumps that allowed her dress to be the star of the show.

On Alexa Chung: Anna October dress; Bvlgari Serpenti Tubogas Bracelet (Price upon request)

It shouldn’t come as a huge surprise that fringe dresses like Chung’s are making the rounds in the world’s most stylish city. Fringe, in general, has been on the up-and-up for a while now, with suede and leather fringe dresses dominating this past fall and tassel-edged scarves gaining popularity ahead of spring’s long-awaited arrival. 2026 is basically the year of the fringe, and dresses will not be left out of the movement.