love it or loathe it: exposed zippers

Zippers have always been an integral part of fashion, but they don't usually warrant too much consideration. In the past, they were often hidden as best as possible, but now designers like Alexander McQueen and Marc Jacobs are making statements by using rudimentary railroad zippers on high fashion pieces. Although we respect the idea of spicing up a rather basic dress, skirt, or top, sometimes the exposed zipper look can go a little overboard. Some items call for a more delicate look, and an oversized zipper adds unnecessary clutter to an otherwise cute ensemble. The key to making this work is to ensure that the zipper looks like it was meant to be there, not like it's the outcome of a shoddy repair job.

For example, the tiers and airy chiffon of the first dress ($30, Forever 21) create a feminine silhouette, but the exposed zipper in the back makes the dress look somewhat messy, taking away from the overall look. The second dress ($23, also from Forever 21), gets the look right by adding a quirky zipper to a fun polka dot print. This zipper keeps the print from being too overwhelming and adds substance to a basic cut. The Alexander McQueen zipper tank ($213, Shopbop) is an exaggerated take on the trend, with the zipper serving a more decorative purpose. The zipper on the chiffon dress (Shopbop) and the green sack dress ($30, Forever 21) are basic ways to wear the look with little effort involved. The LnA Leggings ($99, Shopbop) have been a celebrity hit this season, and while we personally think they are a little too loud, we commend anyone who is daring enough to pull them off. We turned to the eternally cheap and chic Topshop to find variations on the exposed zipper look and were pleasantly surprised with some of the options. The floral dress ($90) and denim skirt ($60) highlight the trend in very wearable manner. The denim skirt, as well as the belt ($44), have a distinctive 80s style, but they could work with certain outfits. The plastic purple zippers on the floral skirt ($70) are lovably childlike and a present a fun take on the look. Accessories and sandals can be a great way to pull off a trend without looking like you are trying to hard. The best sandals we have come across that showcases the exposed zipper style are these Matt Berson sandals ($198, Urban Outfitters); a tad overpriced, but they are worth their weight in style and wearability. Overall, we do love the trend if the look calls for a certain versatility or edginess, but we do not like the look as much when it detracts from an otherwise adorable outfit.

What do you think: are exposed zippers "edgy" or "tacky"?