Before ripped jeans were associated with chic dressing, the only workplace where it was acceptable to dress yourself in tattered denim were probably those for intensive labor jobs, such as, err, 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 to not be summoned to the boss' office. Ripped jeans happen to fall under the rule-bending category.
Ripped jeans are quite tricky to pull off because when paired with the wrong elements (yes, this includes even disheveled hair), the security guards may mistake you for a homeless person and drag you out of your cubicle and out 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 own pair in.
P.S. Dear readers in stricter professions, such as law and medicine, please don't take our word for it.
Meijia of Meijia S
There is nothing more grown up and more polished than a crisp button-down top that fits like a glove, albeit this look intends to come off as a little slouchy. The sunnies make this look absolutely 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. Do not forget to finish the ensemble with pointed-toe pumps. They will make sure the security guards are kept far, far away.
Get her look:
7 for All Mankind Josefina Jeans in Light Destroyed, $157.50 (before: $225) / Roberto Cavalli Floral Silk Shirt, $829.88 (before: $1,185.55) / Jimmy Choo Alicia Black Suede Pointy Toes, $550
Adriana of Fake Leather
If you can afford to look just a teeny bit more rugged in the office, go for a pair of black distressed denims and a biker jacket. 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.
Get her look:
Christopher Kane Black Shredded and Frayed Jeans, $570 / Zara Khaki Long-Sleeve Zipper Pockets Leather Jacket, $66.56 / Giuseppe Zanotti Suede Ankle Toe-Pointed Boots, $800
Heliely of Heliely B
You can never go wrong with lace in the office. Lace, done in the right silhouette, has been associated with power dressing for women time and time again, whether it's a top, a dress, or a skirt. Not all lace will agree with tattered denim, however, so we advice you to reach for a pair of white distressed boyfriend jeans instead. 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.
Get her look:
NSF Beck Boyfriend Jeans in Raw White, $322 / Anna Sui Pinwheel Mixed Lace Top in Black, $305 / Topshop Lolly Skinny-Heel Sandals, $170
Anni of FashionHippieLoves
This look is all about contrasts - soften the ruggedness of a pair of distressed boyfriend jeans with the girliness of a flowy but structured peplum top. Choose a peplum top that complements the fit of your boyfriend pants, lest you want to have bulges in all the unsightly places. The lovely Valentino Rockstuds are perfect for polishing the look off because the pair in itself exudes contrast - the feminine blush color and pointed toes are balanced by the studded straps. Don't forget to throw in some chunky jewelry.
Get her look:
7 for All Mankind Josefina Skinny Boyfriend in Luminous Light Destroy, $139 (before: $225), Osman Neoprene Peplum Top, $504 / Valentino Rockstud T-Strap Pumps in Poudre, $945
Dena of Style Limelight
Menswear lovers, this look will definitely 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. Wearing a sheer cream top underneath will do wonders for the look as well. Pull the entire look together with a pair of beautiful oxfords for that chic menswear-don't-care look.
Get her look:
J Brand Destroyed Skinny Jeans in Blanc Destruct, $109.80 (before: $183) / Isabell de Hillerin Blazer with Embroidered Shoulders, $650 / Manolo Blahnik Lorenza Leather Oxfords in Brown, $765
