STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: The Do's and Don'ts of Destroyed Denim

September 25th, 2015 at 2:00am

When I initially think of ripped jeans I picture my eighth grade self confidently rocking the Abercrombie & Fitch destroyed denim. The shredded jeans that used to be a trend were literally a disaster, especially for men. The only man I’ve seen today that can pull off ripped jeans is Justin Bieber. But recently, I’ve started seeing some amazing ripped jeans and I get a little sense of nostalgia every time I spot a pair. There are definitely rules to follow when you’re on the hunt for the perfect pair of ripped jeans, so keep these guidelines in mind next time you head to the mall.

First and foremost, acid wash is never okay. Acid-wash is such a busy pattern, so adding rips makes the style look a bit ridiculous. Boyfriend jeans are the ideal fit for ripped jeans. They can be casual by pairing with a simple V-neck shirt or dressed up with your favorite pair of heels and a statement necklace. My favorite pair of ripped skinnies are like these Bullhead jeans with one simple rip on each knee. The only problem that I seem to have with this style is that they only fit properly on a certain body type. If you’re a bit too short or too tall, the rips don’t align perfectly with your knees, which can make you look awkward and disproportionate. If you are fortunate enough to fit these perfectly, they look edgy, chic and effortless all at the same time. Flared jeans have recently been resurrected along with the destroyed style, but it can be an early 2000s overload if you combine the two. There’s always those style daredevils who insist on rebelling against my advice, so if you must, these ASOS flared jeans are a subtle combo of the two.

What makes this Fashionista’s look stand out is the simple top and neutral shoes. The edge from the distressed boyfriend jeans is balanced by the feminine statement necklace. With the numerous rips in her jeans, a patterned top would be too busy. The pop of color from her necklace works perfectly with the black top and her top knot polishes off the look. It’s evident that this Fashionista put thought into her look, but overall it looks casually-chic.

What is your STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK? “Ripped jeans are an awesome investment piece. It can be hard to find the perfect pair, but once you do they’ll be a staple in your wardrobe!”

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