Blame it on the pop-punk renaissance or maybe vintage becoming more trendy, but lately, distressed clothing has been popping up on the coolest of the fashion set. The undone nature of the look is both nonchalant and anti-fashion in a sense—rips and tears and bleach and unfinished hems are the hallmarks of getting the look right. In a world where clothes are often worn only once or twice before being stuffed into the back of the closet, signs of wear and tear are a breath of fresh air. I'm embracing this trend for its '90s appeal, which is the only way I've been wanting to dress lately, and pairing it with other polished pieces to keep things neat.
Keep scrolling to see four ways to pull off the look to ensure you look intentionally distressed and fresh. I've wrangled the best pieces currently available that will make sure you're ahead of the trend as this one is still in its budding stages. Everything from leather to denim to knits is up for interpretation, which also means those old, naturally unraveling pieces in your closet may be able to see the light of day, too.
Distressed Sweaters
This sweater looks as though the stitcher got so tired by the time they made it to the bottom, that they simply gave up. And I love that. Self-aware imperfection is always a unique brand of cool, which is what makes this look work.
The mummy would return in this sweater set if it had the chance. The strings hanging off both the top and skirt give it that undone, unconcerned air that only someone with immense confidence could pull off.
I love how the tears affect the design and make it look trippy.
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Obsessed with this '90s-inspired sweater.
Dion Lee always has the best details.
The dog ate my vest.
Still refined enough for the office.
Prep, but make it grunge.
The color is a nice contrast to the vibe.
Frayed and Fringed Hemlines
The inside-out look, hems and all, is making a major comeback. I think a big inspiration for this look is reworked vintage, which more brands are embracing each day.
You can't deny the appeal of undone hems, especially when paired with silhouettes that usually call for invisible hemlines. Plus, the 3D aspect looks so damn cool.
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Low-rise with a baggy fit? Sign me up.
A fun but simple summer pant.
Super cute and will go with everything.
I'm noticing a huge part of what makes the 2022 miniskirt resurgence feel current is an unfinished hemline.
All summer.
The vertical frayed hemlines serve as pleats.
Going to Coachella or Tulum anytime soon? These are the pants for you.
Distressed Leather Jackets
Distressed leather jackets are so beautiful to me. I think it's their boxy structure combined with the feeling of accomplishment once you've worn one in. Many distressed leather jackets on the market today have already started the wearing process and come looking already lived in. Or you could opt for a vintage jacket and continue the noble work of its previous owner.
I'm really into brown leather jackets lately, perhaps because they don't get as much of the spotlight as black ones. Plus, the natural wear and tear that comes over time looks very Western in the coolest way.
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This jacket is part of the Prada collection that most attribute to starting this trend.
Cropped leather jackets are so essential for the spring. You can wear them with dresses and high waisted silhouettes without overwhelming the look.
This one is thin enough to wear year-round.
Absolutely love this aviator-style jacket. It comes with a removable collar, so you essentially get two jackets in one.
She's a beauty.
The patina on this jacket creates such character. ACNE FTW.
If you're into more form-fitting leather jackets, this one is for you. Plus, the warm chestnut color is absolutely stunning.
You can tell by looking at it that this jacket has so many stories.
Sporty chic.
Distressed Denim
Okay, distressed denim has never gone out of style, but it's definitely having a moment right now. This year's styles tend to sit lower at the waist and be a bit looser around the thighs. Imagine if Aaliyah and Britney Spears in their respective heydays were to collab on jeans. That would be the look.
This outfit proves that distressed denim can be dressed up. The contrast of the super high-shine top and bright-green accessories with the ripped knees creates a nice balance.
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Re/Done just gets it. The fit is always perfect which makes them definitely worth the investment.
This wash will go with everything day to night.
Wear these with a barely cropped shirt, and you've transported yourself to the early aughts.
Can't go wrong with a straight cut, high waist combo.
She was a skater girl.
This flare cut will look amazing with cowboy boots or strappy heels.
Your everyday jean.
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