the. short. list. // frayed. hem. jeans.

Step aside, patchwork jeans! Frayed (or raw hem) jeans are currently the cool girl-approved denim trend of the moment. And for good reason. Not only do they give off a ceaselessly chic vibe when teamed alongside backless mules or vampy steppers, but they lend a little extra somethin' somethin' to even the most casual ensembles. (Never has a plain white tee looked so — wait for it — groundbreaking. But actually.)

While I typically consider myself a traditionalist when it comes to the denim game (alright, there was that one time I fell victim to a certain pair of paint splatter jeans...), a perfectly distressed pair that I recently spotted at Madewell's denim bar made me a convert. My mother on the other hand was not as much of a fan (I wonder why?!?) Whether you're already on the raw hem jean bandwagon or are halfway there, I’ve rounded up a few pairs that are currently on my radar. Oh, and if you’re in need of inspo in the styling department, I’ve got you covered with 13 ways to master frayed hem jeans, according to Instagram. You’re welcome.

1. Capri Jeans in Black Hampton (Rag & Bone) // Contemporary, modern and oh-so flattering, these black raw-hemmed skinnies were made for the city girl with a downtown edge. Chelsea boots and an off-duty topper are non-negotiable.

  

2. The Perfect Summer Jean in Malden Wash (Madewell) // Meet your new wear-everywhere jean that you’ll never want to take off. Not only will the high-rise ‘90s supermodel-inspired style (Madewell’s words, not mine) give you legs that go on for miles, but the slouchy fit and moderate distressing are guaranteed to please. Any takers?

  

3. Mid-Rise Capri in Debutante (J Brand) // You had me at millennial pink, AKA my favorite power hue of the season. The fact that the edges are frayed are just further confirmation that I need some blush pink jeans in my life. But don’t we all?

  

4. Destroyed Reagan Button Front Jean (Free People) // Flaunting just the right amount of distressing and a boho-chic button-front design, these bad boys are all set for an upcoming farmers’ market run or Sunday brunch. Bonus points: The cropped ankle length makes them ideal for pairing with sneakers (ahem, Chuck Taylors).

 

5. The Looker Ankle Fray Jeans (MOTHER) // It’s time to start rounding out your wardrobe of summer whites ahead of MDW (Memorial Day Weekend), starting with these stretchy white ankle fray jeans from MOTHER. While I’m not the biggest fan of white jeans (with the exception of Industry Standard’s Odettes, which fit like a dream BTW), these look pretty promising. Throw in some classic Breton stripes courtesy of Saint James and then we’re talkin’. 

6. Mimi Skinny Jeans (M.i.h Jeans) // I don’t know about you, but I’m digging the faded (almost to the point of being bleached) wash, the high-waisted fit and, of course, those frayed hems. When you need to be out the door in a flash, simply toss on a crew-neck sweatshirt and d’Orsay flats for the lewk of the season.
 
Yay or nay? Will you be investing in a pair of frayed hem jeans? Comment below!

xo,
A