Denim
Mar 29, 2018

I Do This to Make All My Jeans Look Cooler

by Anna LaPlaca

Let me preface this by saying that I'm the type of person who always feels the need to alter at least one aspect of any article of clothing to really "make it my own." That said, when it comes to denim, there's one super-simple DIY trick I obsessively do to every pair in my arsenal. I assure you, it's just as easy (if not easier) than you'd think to achieve what I call ripped jeans 2.0. Essentially, cutting off the hem of my jeans creates a raw edge with just the right amount of distressing to where they have a laid-back look but can still be dressed up.

While cutting off the hem isn't an exact science, this is typically how I go about creating my ideal amount of distressing: First, try on the jeans and decide where you want the hem to fall on you. Are you going for a cropped look? Aiming to keep their length intact? Mark off half an inch below your desired hem and then lay the jeans on a flat surface and turn them inside out. Now, cut away. The edge won't be as frayed right away, so you can either pull at the loose threads to give it more distressing or throw them in the wash for the same effect.

See how I styled my jeans:

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@annaflorencelaplaca

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@double3xposure

Re-create my look in under two minutes. All you'll need are a pair of jeans to work with, scissors, and an unwavering eye.

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Collage Vintage

Doubling up on the denim is a styling trick as old as time (probably). Add a bit more interest to the tried-and-true combo when you opt for a pair of raw-edge jeans.

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Collage Vintage

With a blazer and stiletto pumps, your distressed jeans will be far from unpolished.

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@nadiaaboulhosn

More than on board with distressing your jeans this way? Take the next step by trying out XL fraying. The extra few inches on the bottom create an eye-catching texture.

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Collage Vintage

Another one of my favorite styling tricks is wearing patent boots with the denim as an interesting backdrop for the jeans' frayed edge.

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Collage Vintage

I'm intrigued by the contrast between the raw edge denim and her floaty dress in this look.

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Collage Vintage

For maximum effect, try a darker wash denim that creates a high-contrast effect when the edges are heavily ripped.

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The Style Stalker

This look may be more forward than many of us are ready for, but that's what I love most about it. Because she's wearing layering long, oversized denim shorts over her pants, the fraying at the edge really comes to life.

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Collage Vintage

When in doubt, sock boots are always the answer for this type of ripped jeans. The raw hem creates an interesting appeal contrasted by the ankle-hugging boots.

Shop the raw-edge denim we love: