Distressed Jeans Are Officially Outdated - What To Replace Them With In Your Wardrobe
The iconic Yves Saint Laurent said, "I have often said that I wish I had invented blue jeans. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity — all I hope for in my clothes." Indeed, no single piece of clothing has been worn or adored more by fashionistas around the globe. After all, jeans are versatile, simple, sexy, easy to wear, and a staple in the wardrobe of even the most discerning wearer. The hashtag #jeans counts for 16 billion views on TikTok, proving that they still reign supreme. Created in 1873 by Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss, the iconic piece has stood the test of time, changing styles throughout the years but remaining a top-runner in the fashion-forward scene (via the History Of Jeans). From Western style and bootcut to fitted and bell bottoms, jeans have dominated our ensembles.
One of the latest trends we've witnessed is the distressed jeans look. Intentionally made to look like they've been worn for a long time, distressed jeans sport holes, rips, and faded coloring. However, like their earlier jean-style counterparts, distressed jeans have made their circle and are officially outdated. They're now being taken over by more polished jeans of varying styles, from colorful options to slim-fitting alternatives.
The boyfriend style
The boyfriend style embraces a relaxed and casual look, perfect for everyday wear. However, removing the distressed element from this style instantly gives them a more polished appearance that can easily be dressed up. So, if you want the comfort that the boyfriend jeans offer but also want to wear them outside casual affairs, choose your favorite denim in sleek fabric without the intentional wear and tear. The boyfriend style is doable for most body types, complementing the figure and hiding any imperfections that would otherwise have been highlighted with a slim-fit pair.
The versatile straight
The non-distressed straight jeans style will become your go-to favorite for all affairs, as it can be dressed up or down, keeping you comfortably stylish. And while most colors of straight jeans will work, ditch the distressed shades and consider opting for black. This neutral hue can perfectly match any other color and top combination, and removing the distressed effect makes for a steady entry into your capsule wardrobe that can be seamlessly incorporated into any ensemble. If you're looking for a fresh way to style your classic black jeans, this is your sign!
The skinny jeans affair
Skinny jeans aren't dead — no matter what TikTok says. In fact, they are claiming a rightful spot in our winter ensembles, overshadowing the distressed jeans of previous seasons. Whether you opt for darker blue denim shades, black, or even gray ones, skinny jeans are so easy to wear that you will instantly fall in love with them. Depending on how you choose to complement them, monochrome jeggings and skinny jeans can usually be worn at work, which we definitely can't say for distressed jeans.
The high-rise allure
The allure of high-rise jeans has never ceased to captivate fashion-forward individuals, particularly now, as we are officially over the low-rise jeans resurgence. High-rise jeans make your legs look longer and are especially flattering on an hour-glass shape. They're comfortable, easy to wear, and versatile — what's not to love about this style? Keep the high-rise, but ditch the rips.
The Barbiecore hype
Nostalgia is having a moment with the Barbiecore trend, so it's only natural that the hype would slowly, yet steadily, find its way into our jean drawers. For a loose and relaxed denim silhouette that embraces your romantic, girly side, swap your distressed jeans for an ultra-wide-legged pink version. Suitable for any body shape, wide-legged jeans are comfortable and easy to wear, but are even more fun when they come in saturated pink rather than with faded rips.
The flared extravaganza
Flared jeans are great for accentuating hour-glass body shapes and showcasing your feminine natural curves, and there are several aesthetic reasons to add them to your wardrobe. A favorite amongst fashion icons like Jennifer Lopez and Kendall Jenner, the '70s style is coming back with a vengeance, pushing aside distressed jeans. While distressed accents can make legs seem shorter, flare jeans in solid colors help elongate your figure and make your legs seem longer. Need we say more?
High waists and wide legs
Wide-leg jeans re-entered the fashion scene in 2022 as fashionistas discarded their form-fitting, slim jeans and embraced the more relaxed look of wider-legged ones. Inspired by 1930s fashion, these comfortable jeans have remained an easy-to-wear go-to option for everyday events. In the warmer months of 2023, we saw wide-leg jeans paired with cropped tops for a playful ensemble. We expect the more polished version of high-waist and wide-leg jeans to remain a staple in 2024 in lieu of the distressed style of previous seasons.