Denim is an interesting topic of conversation right now. Unlike past seasons, there isn’t one or two silhouettes that are definitively “in,” nor are there many styles that are truly considered “out”—with perhaps the exception being extremely skinny jeans that hug the ankle too closely. This means that denim lovers today have the freedom to wear whatever they want, embracing everything from stovepipe styles to frayed-hem jeans and even ripped jeans. Yes, as the headline of this story noted, ripped jeans are trending.
From Oslo and Paris to NYC and Portland, fashion people are donning distressed denim and making it look very 2026. The key is to opt for loose, relaxed styles with tasteful rips, mostly at the knees. When it comes to styling them, the common theme is ease. No outfits look too sophisticated or too casual. There’s a balance, an effortless mix of structured and relaxed, fitted and oversize and slightly nostalgic. To discover the exact pieces these fashion people are pairing with their ripped jeans, keep scrolling.
Polo Knit + Ripped Jeans
Polo knits are everywhere right now. While we’re seeing them styled with elegant separates like pencil skirts and tailored pants, they’re also being paired with denim like ripped jeans. The best part is that there’s a myriad of polo knits to choose from, offering a range of styles for all types of dressers.
Shop the look:
Gap
100% Cotton Relaxed Polo Sweater
AGOLDE
Amos Stretch-Lyocell Polo Shirt
Almina Concept
Lightweight Wool Polo
ZARA
Plain Knit Polo Shirt
Open-Toe Kitten Heels + Ripped Jeans
Oslo-based content creator and accessories designer Annabel Rosendahl is a fashion expert who always knows which shoes pair best with which jeans. For ripped jeans, she’s declaring that open-toed kitten-heeled sandals are the perfect pairing, especially minimalist styles like elevated thong sandals or those with a single strap across the top of the foot.
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Open Edit
Tori Kitten Heel Sandal
Aeyde
Zelia Nappa Leather Creamy Sandals
Graphic Tee + Ripped Jeans
Ripped jeans paired with a graphic tee might seem outdated, which can be true if styled incorrectly. Instead of skinny, ripped jeans with extremely oversize tees, try a relaxed pair of jeans with a fitted graphic T-shirt. Complete the outfit with a sleek coat, such as a suede jacket or car coat, and add loafers or kitten heels for a polished touch.
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RE/DONE
Classic Tee Tini Time
Sunny Somewhere
New York Ringer Tee
Junk Food
Unisex Good Sport ’98 Oversized Tee
Collarless Jacket + Ripped Jeans
(Image credit: Getty Images)
At Who What Wear, our favorite way to style ripped jeans is to pair the denim with an unexpected element—one that’s polished and elegant. A collarless jacket is a perfect example, as seen on this fashion person in Paris. At first glance, the combination may seem like a clash—one piece is distressed and casual, while the other is clean and structured—but that contrast is exactly what makes it work and look chic.
Shop the look:
Nordstrom
Collarless Textured Jacket
ST. AGNI
Utility Cocoon Suede Jacket
COS
Collarless Wool-Twill Blazer
HEIRLOME
Catalina Twill Blazer
Retro Sneakers + Ripped Jeans
In many European cities, the most common way to style ripped jeans right now is with retro-inspired sneakers. This is because the sneakers keep the denim from leaning too far into grunge territory by softening it with a sporty element. The combination feels natural in places like Copenhagen and London, which favor comfort, clean lines, and a subtle nod to nostalgia.
Shop the look:
Veja
X Baserange Jitsu Sneakers
Jacquemus
les Fefe Canvas Sneakers
A.emery
Adams Low Sneakers
Shop Ripped Jeans:
RE/DONE
Originals High Rise Loose Jeans
POLO RALPH LAUREN
Distressed Straight-Leg Jeans
ZARA
Trf Low Rise Ripped Straight Leg Jeans
GRLFRND
Bella Low Rise Boyfriend
AGOLDE
Amryn Distressed High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans
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