5 Days, 5 Ways: How to Wear Ripped Jeans, Whether You're a Style Rebel or Sophisticate

Tips on styling distressed denim

By Diana Nguyen Aug 28, 2015 7:45 PMTags

We can thank ‘70 punk rockers for the glorious garment now known as ripped jeans. OK, so the denim pants are more of a model-off-duty fashion trend today than a rebellious statement, but perhaps our anti-establishment counterparts would appreciate all the ways you can now wear the tattered look. Here's to individualism, right?

Can't quite style your way beyond the edgy look? We present you with five celebs who deliver inspiration from across the fashion spectrum—because we need a work-appropriate way to sport the shreds.

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For those who want to stick it to the man—or hit up a Taylor Swift concert—do as style darling Zendaya and opt for a high-waist, super-distressed pair. Balance out the severity and pant proportions with a simple cropped hoodie. You don't want to look like you're trying too hard, after all.

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For a slightly more playful and feminine look, take a page out of Vanessa Hudgen's book and accessorize! The boyfriend jean slouch plus dainty jewelry, loose cropped tee and pink plaid perfectly balances out those gaping knee holes. To go an extra step, style your hair in a throwback braid for a boho-inspired accent.

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While the dogs days of summer are still in effect, it won't be too long until we need to break out next season's closet staples. Ciara is already ahead of the game with her comfy Nikes, snug beanie and always-appropriate leather jacket. That's a fall uniform if we've ever seen one.

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Ripped jeans may be inherently edgy, but a striped or Breton shirt channels those preppy vibes. To take another step toward the sophisticated end of the spectrum, tuck in the shirt and add a simple thin belt and a classic-red lip color à la Fergie.

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Reese Witherspoon can make a trash bag look polished. The trick to make your lightly torn jeans a tad more proper is to pair them with a structured, textured top, a boxy bag and fierce shoes. Keep the busy prints to one piece of clothing or accessory for optimum impact.