How To Wear: The Frayed Crop Denim

linapsaila

8 years ago

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Photo Credit [Pinterest] Flared Cropped Jeans

If there’s one single item that you should invest in this season it’s the frayed crop denim. This exquisitely raw yet feminine approach to jeans is reminiscent of an elegant hybrid between Jane Birkin and Audrey Hepburn, and has now flooded our Instagram newsfeed: From Alexa Chung, to Man Repeller’s Leandra Medine, and actress Emma Roberts, there’s no getting away from the new figure-flattering casual wear. If you want to nail the frayed crop denim look this Spring/ Summer season scroll down for tips, a guide on how to cut your jeans, and the best styles to shop now.

 Choosing the right length

Photo Credit [Pinterest] Length for Frayed Cropped Jeans

Whether you’re purchasing a new design or taking a pair of scissors and cutting your jeans with bravery, you need to be wary of the length. Note to petite women like myself: Try the trousers on and make sure that the hem of the jeans rests just above your ankle. If you’re too hesitant about taking on sewing, take it to the tailor. If not scroll down on how to deploy it correctly. This throwback ankle-bearing is exactly what makes this trend uniquely fresh and feminine after all, so make sure you nail it.

 Don't Distress Too Much

The 70’s revival that we’re currently encountering is truly refreshing. Invigorating pops of color stand out beautifully on bold prints, and innocent white lace dresses, contrast with distressed leather jackets and cropped jeans. But that doesn’t mean going all-out Woodstock overload. When it comes to your jeans, the frayed hem is all you need. More patches, distressing or patterns will result in a clownish rather than an elegant, stylish outfit.

Which Top?

Photo Credit [Pinterest] Emma Roberts in silk shirt and cropped jeans

Photo Credit [Pinterest] Jane Birkin in white lace top & cropped jeans

When opting for a top, go for a cool silk long-sleeved blouse, or a cotton crisp shirt. Tuck the shirt in your high-waisted trousers to show off your silhouette and to accentuate your curves. If you leave the shirt hanging over your jeans it will draw undesired attention to your middle section, while the added volume of your flared bottoms can make you look quite frumpy. Extra tip: As summer season is upon us try a marinere/ stripped patterned shirt for the ultimate marine look.

Figuring out the outerwear

Photo Credit [Pinterest] White Long Coat

Photo Credit [Pinterest] Alexa Chung in leopard print coat

The foolproof move here is to team the distressed jeans with structured outerwear such as a funky blazer, or a sleek and streamlined raincoat. As the days grow warmer you might want to trade that coat with a smart little cardigan, just make sure that the length hits you around the waist, or if you want a slightly longer option make sure that you tie it in with an elegant belt.

Mules, boots, or ballet flats?

Photo Credit [Pinterest] Leandra Medine with mules

Photo Credit [Pinterest] White cropped jeans with boots

Photo Credit [Pinterest] Photo still from “Breakfast at Tiffanie’s”, Audrey Hepburn in cropped jeans and ballet flats

The equally sartorially valiant trend this year is the mule. And what’s better than sporting the biggest must-have of the season? Sporting two, duh. Mules can add a modern touch and a voguish nonchalance to the entire look. Finish it off with a shirt, or even a basic tee and matching leather jacket. If you go for boots, make sure that the jeans hit at or below the top of the boots. When in doubt, opt for the recently revived ballet flat. Added styling bonus for lacing them up and doning the ballerina off-duty look.

Time to DIY: How to Cut Your Frayed Hem Jeans

As a petite woman myself, I’m about 5ft 4, I know that finding the optimum hem length can be tricky. But when there’s a will there’s a way, or a fun way to spend your Sunday afternoon.

1. For your special DIY project you’ll only need two tools: A p

A pair of sharp fabric scissors and a seam ripper.

2. Get those jeans cleaned, and iron them efficiently. Any wrinkling will mess about your cutting process.

3. So, now you’re jeans are clean and ready for a make-over! Put them on and make a small mark just 2 inches above your ankle.

4. Take that pair of scissors and cut evenly across.

5. Now to the fun part: Take the seam ripper and pull a few cotton fibers from the raw bottom. Then use your fingers to pull a few more and give it your own unique look, just don’t overdo it. If you feel that you’ve gone crazy with the pulling fear not and start trimming.

Try them on! How do they look? Feel free to leave your comments below!

Lina