Before ripped jeans were associated with chic celebrity dressing, the only workplaces where it was acceptable to dress in tattered denim were probably those for intensive labor jobs, such as coal mining.
Nowadays, the lines for dressing up “seriously” for work through company dress codes and casual wear are becoming increasingly blurred as fashion-crazed employees continue to bend the rules and look appropriate enough not to be summoned to the boss’ office. Ripped jeans happen to fall under the rule-bending category.
Amy Hart, Tyla Carr, and Miley Cyrus demonstrate the stylish versatility of ripped jeans, highlighting their transition from workwear to high fashion (Credit: Phil Lewis / Avalon / WENN)
Ripped jeans are tricky to pull off because when paired with the wrong elements (yes, this includes even messy hair), the security guards may mistake you for a homeless person and drag you out of your cubicle and onto the front curb of your workplace. Okay, maybe that was an exaggeration, but you get what I mean (assuming you at least wash your face and brush your teeth every morning).
We put together five different office looks to give those tattered jeans that polished finish that may even send your boss reaching for a pair of desk scissors to do her pair in.
P.S. Dear readers in stricter professions, such as law and medicine, please don’t take our word for it.
1. Crisp Button-Down Top
There is nothing more grown-up and polished than a crisp button-down top that fits like a glove, even if this look intends to come off as a little slouchy.
The sunnies make this look sophisticated, but since it would be weird and douchey to wear sunglasses inside the office, substitute your pair with delicate silver or gold jewelry and an oversized watch.
Meijia perfectly pairs a crisp button-down with ripped jeans, achieving a balance of polished and casual
Remember to finish the ensemble with pointed-toe pumps. They will keep the security guards far, far away. You can check out Meijia’s other outfits on Weibo.
Get Meijia’s look with 7 for All Mankind Josefina Jeans, a Roberto Cavalli floral silk shirt, and Jimmy Choo suede pointy toes
2. Black Distressed Jeans
Opt for black distressed jeans paired with a biker jacket to introduce a touch of edgy ruggedness to your office attire, provided your workplace embraces a more relaxed dress code.
Adriana showcases a chic office look with black distressed jeans and a two-tone biker jacket, elevated with gold jewelry and suede heels
Like Adriana of Gadriana, opt for a two-toned jacket, preferably in black and tan or any other neutral shade, with crisp lines for that glammed-up biker chick look. Round it up with gold jewelry and black suede heels to inject the look with sophistication.
Her blog is, unfortunately, no longer available online.
Recreate Adriana’s ensemble with Christopher Kane’s shredded jeans, a Zara leather jacket, and Giuseppe Zanotti suede ankle boots
3. White Distressed Boyfriend Jeans
You can never go wrong with lace in the office. Lace, done in the right silhouette, has repeatedly been associated with power dressing for women, whether it’s a top, a dress, or a skirt.
Heliely combines lace with white distressed boyfriend jeans for a look that’s both powerful and feminine
However, not all lace will agree with tattered denim, so we advise you to reach for a pair of white distressed boyfriend jeans instead.
Like Heliely of Heliely B, choose a pair of minimalist sandals (and maybe a pretty pedicure) to complete the look. A leopard clutch for that extra rawr factor is optional but highly recommended.
Emulate Heliely’s style with NSF boyfriend jeans, an Anna Sui lace top, and Topshop skinny-heel sandals
4. Blue Ripped Jeans
This look is all about contrasts — soften the ruggedness of distressed boyfriend jeans with the girliness of a flowy but structured peplum top.
Select a peplum top that harmonizes with the silhouette of your boyfriend jeans to ensure a flattering fit, avoiding any unwanted bulging or awkward lines.
Anni uses a structured peplum top to soften the edge of distressed boyfriend jeans, creating an elegant contrast
The lovely Valentino Rockstuds are perfect for polishing the look off because the pair exudes contrast—the feminine blush color and pointed toes are balanced by the studded straps.
Like Anni of FashionHippieLoves, remember to throw in some chunky jewelry. Unfortunately, her blog is no longer available online.
Copy Anni’s look with 7 for All Mankind jeans, an Osman peplum top, and Valentino Rockstud pumps
5. White Distressed Deans
Menswear lovers, this look will delight you. Pick out a pair of white distressed jeans with fewer but more concentrated rips and throw on an oversized blazer with crisp lines and padded or embellished shoulders.
Dena pairs white distressed jeans with an oversized blazer for a modern take on menswear-inspired office attire
Wearing a sheer cream top underneath will also make the look wonderful. Pull the entire look together with a pair of beautiful oxfords for that chic menswear-don’t-care look. Unfortunately, Dena’s blog, Style Limelight, is unavailable online.
Achieve Dena’s look with J Brand skinny jeans, an Isabell de Hillerin embroidered blazer, and Manolo Blahnik oxfords