How to style distressed clothing

Distressed tops, sweaters, jeans, or shirts are all clothing items that look like they’ve been worn for way too long. 

What makes them ‘distressed’ is the fact that they might have rips, holes and tears which are what makes them stand out. Also, another characteristic is that many of these items come in faded colours to add to the aesthetic.

For some, these designs may be odd because not everyone wants to look like they’ve been wearing the same piece of clothing for decades on end, and we get you. But, maybe we could change your mind with these tips on how to make distressed clothing work.

This is a great way to bring the whole look together, especially if you want it to look more subtle. For example, if you have a pair of ash grey distressed jeans, pair them with a navy blue, black, mustard yellow or even white top. This way, the edginess is balanced out really well. Therefore, if you’re not too sure of what colours to start with, always go with one solid colour rather than items with various tones.

There are many ways of taking your outfit to another level, and this includes statement accessories. Don’t be afraid to wear oversized hoop earrings, huge leather belt, dark sunglasses or statement choker whenever you’re wearing something distressed. With distressed clothes, you’re free to explore your creativity without trying too hard. You can pull it off, just as long as you find the right balance.

Distressed clothing doesn’t always have to be defined by edgy style. By wearing a cute, girly pair of heels, you instantly transform your outfit into an elegant one. This especially works when you want to enjoy your fashion freedom without looking juvenile. If you like, you can style distressed items more maturely with heels or pumps.

This is also another way to style your distressed clothes in a sophisticated way. Chiffon clothes have a certain flair to them that makes the wearer look well put together. Try and soften the distressed look by playing around with different chiffon pieces to look like an elegant street style queen.

Graphic tees are a fun addition to distressed clothes. They are a great conversation starter as well as a fashion statement. The good thing about graphic tees is that there are many designs to pick from and you can also customize them according to your taste. Either way, graphic tees and distressed clothes are a match made in heaven.

This is a minimalistic approach to pairing distressed clothes. Designer brands don’t even have to do too much to be noticed because they speak for themselves. If you want to have the expensive aura mixed with street style, grab your Burberry, Hermes or Chanel item depending on your taste. The best items to work with are sweaters, tops and sneakers, which you can wear with your playful distressed skirt, shorts or pants. Work with one designer brand at a time and make sure your outfit doesn’t look too busy.