Distressed denim has had its ups and downs in fashion history, yet the trauma of the early 2000s—characterized by extreme rips and the ubiquitous skinny fit—still lingers in the minds of many. Enter Jennifer Lawrence, who is redefining the ripped jean as a versatile, elevated staple.
The actress was recently spotted in New York rocking a pair of relaxed, light wash blue baggy jeans featuring a single, bold knee rip. She paired them with a sleek black buckle belt and a chic mini shoulder bag from The Row. Completing the look, Lawrence donned a perfectly curated white t-shirt—perhaps from her go-to brand, Leset—that fit slightly boxy, cropped just below the waist, and featured loose, bicep-length sleeves. Her footwear of choice was The Row’s brown Hugh sandals, stylishly looping around her toes. True to her signature style, she topped the outfit with a black novelty cap and classic oval sunglasses.
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Photo: Courtesy of Grosby Group
This look encapsulates what we have come to expect from Jennifer Lawrence: a relaxed yet refined silhouette, a highly coveted handbag, solid basics with a thoughtful selection of accessories. The actress is a fan of low-rise, boyfriend-style jeans—trends that show no sign of fading anytime soon. She effortlessly steers away from the “skater boy” aesthetic, instead elevating her ripped jeans by pairing them with high-end labels such as The Row, La Ligne, and Leset, while incorporating high-quality pieces like a timeless white tee, luxe linens, stylish ballet flats or flip-flops, and essential outerwear—accompanied by iconic brands like Fendi or Prada.
As chilly weather approaches, it seems that ripped jeans have garnered further support from none other than Rihanna, who was seen sporting the same snazzy pair on multiple occasions. Rih styled her double-knee-ripped denim with a striking striped polo and a charm-studded Louis Vuitton handbag—taking an utterly maximalist approach that contrasts with Lawrence’s more understated vibe. This eclectic mix underlines the versatility of ripped jeans to fit various aesthetics.
Moreover, at London Fashion Week, up-and-coming designer Aaron Esh presented a collection that featured lightly frayed denim paired alongside tailored suits and flowing silks, showcasing a contemporary take on this classic fabric.
So, channel your inner Jennifer Lawrence and don’t shy away from embracing your breezy ripped jeans this season—they’re here to stay.
