Loose slates can be decorative! (6)
I believe the answer is:
tassel
'be decorative' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.
'loose slates' is the wordplay.
'loose' is an anagram indicator (letters are loosened from their original positions).
'slates' with letters rearranged gives 'TASSEL'.
'can' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for tassel that I've seen before include "Mortar board attachment" , "Hanger-on perhaps" , "male hawk" , "Ornamental tuft of threads" , "Part of maize plant" .)