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Home • Fashion

Distressed Denim Trend Guide

Don’t work yourself up into a fashion frenzy wondering what the latest styles in denim are because we have the style dish for you! Distressed denim is back in a new way and fashionistas like Keri Hilson and Rihanna are working the trend the skinny jean way. Find out how you can rock this edgy retro look too!
By Essence · Updated October 29, 2020
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01
Stress Less

Don’t work yourself up into a fashion frenzy wondering what the latest styles in denim are, because we have the 411 on what’s hot right now. Distressed denim is back in a new way and fashionistas like Keri Hilson and Rihanna are working the trend the skinny jean way. Find out how you can rock this edgy retro look too!

By Qianna Smith

Distressed Denim Trend Guide
Getty
02
Bold & Beautiful

“In a Perfect World” we would all be fashion risk takers like Keri Hilson, who kills it with this frayed and ripped denim style. Shoes are an important part to making these jeans look so stylish.

Distressed Denim Trend Guide
INF
03
Make the Old New

Wondering why you should wear distressed jeans? If you have an old pair of jeans that you never wear distressing them with rips and tears like Rihanna’s knee-cut pair will give them a unique and trendy new look.

Distressed Denim Trend Guide
SplashNews
04
Smart Style

Distressed jeans are definitely for the woman who’s confident enough to pull off the look. Ashanti is far from “Foolish” in her light tattered gray pair.

Distressed Denim Trend Guide
Getty
05
You Better Work

One of our favorite ATL “Housewives” stars is Miss NeNe, who showed off her curves and flair for fashion wearing a black pair of distressed jeans. No matter what your size, darker hues of denim, from navy blue to black, will slim your silhouette.

Distressed Denim Trend Guide
Jennifer Cooper
06
What’s Hot Now

Every girl wants a boyfriend this summer, and we mean a pair of boyfriend jeans, of course. You’ll find the right kind of companionship with these stylish distressed fits.

Left to right: Distressed Bootcut Jeans, $18 (Originally $36.87), windsorstore.com.com; What Comes Around Goes Around Vintage Boyfriend Jean, $90 (Originally $189), chickdowntown.com; Paige Denim Skyline Ankle Rebel Boyfriend Jeans, $321.75, my-wardrobe.com.

Distressed Denim Trend Guide
windsorstore.com.com, chickdowntown.com, my-wardrobe.com
07
Easy Ridin’

Actress LisaRaye takes a break from her usually tailored style and rocks a relaxed pair of white cuffed distressed jeans.

Distressed Denim Trend Guide
SplashNews
08
Rip the Runway

Brandy’s been looking a little ripped up these days and we love it. Skinny jeans with a few holes and cuts are so right now.

Distressed Denim Trend Guide
SplashNews
09
You Can Do It

Don’t want to spend the money on a costly pair of distressed jeans, but want Ciara’s look? Try making your own pair at home. All you need is a little creativity and a pair of scissors or razor. To enhance the effect, throw in some sandpaper to really take it there.

Distressed Denim Trend Guide
INF
10
Jean Therapy

You don’t have to be risk taker to rock the distressed trend. Take a cue from Halle Berry, who cleverly places a torn hole by the corner of her pocket, which is still stylish, but in a safe way.

Distressed Denim Trend Guide
WENN.com
11
Style Watch

Normally one who likes to play dress up, Beyoncé takes it down a notch with a few fun accessories that complement her dark distressed jeans.

Distressed Denim Trend Guide
Getty Image
12
Get ‘Em Girl

Check out a few of our most wanted distressed styles this season.

Left to Right: Arden B Destroyed Skinny Jean, $58, ardenb.com; Jet By John Eshaya – Women’s Grey Thrash Skinny Jean, $185, kitson.com; Current/Elliott Skinny Shredded Cotton Jeans, $416.16, mytheresa.com.

Distressed Denim Trend Guide
ardenb.com, kitson.com, mytheresa.com