There’s jeans, and then there’s figure-hugging skinnies; there’s the return of ripping, and then there’s black, which is always with us. So does that make black ripped-knee skinny jeans a must-have for winter 2014/15? We submit our case here, and we’re certain that you’ll agree.
Something that you can style up or play down has to be a big advantage at this time of year, the top season for layering. Team with a white t-shirt, trainers and beanie, and then dress for evening in stilettos and a cami top – all this in one day (and night) – or pair with a plain black vest, dark fedora, and sunglasses, like Glee star Naya Rivera. Substitute a sweater with a fringed hem or a fuzzy one to vary the look. Throw on a cropped or oversize jumper in a pale shade such as pink, nude or grey, and finish with heels.
Lily Allen wore hers with platforms and a biker jacket to Kate Bush’s historic concert, but swopped them for buffalo boots and a cropped jumper on a day out, while Kim Kardashian’s bomber was the perfect foil for her charcoal washed-out ripped jeans. If that’s too casual, check out Kim’s vintage version with Burberry leather jacket.
Smarten up in a camel coat, or get cosy with faux fur – choose a light, warm brown for the coat, or maybe a jacket or vest, and add short or tall ankle boots. Get a more individual take with pointed toes or cut-outs in leather or suede, and couple with a silk blouse or sleeveless chunky knit, embellished with a statement necklace.
Pretty them up with a kimono or a lace top, or take your ripped jeans back to their grunge roots with a plaid shirt – tie it round your waist for an even more authentic feel – or opt for an oversize tee and moto. Embrace the look fully with acid wash or distressed skinnies, and extend it with a ripped top.
Have we won the argument? We don’t think we actually need to – we get the feeling that you were actually there before us, judging by what we’ve already seen on the streets. Of course, if you can’t find what you want, get hold of any old pair of black skinnies and find the best online tutorial on ripping your own. But you don’t need us to tell you that you’re unique, anyway!
The featured photo is of Sendi Skopljak wearing black ripped knee skinnies from Dr Denim
Raquel Paiva is wearing ripped black jeans from H&M
Julie Sarinana is wearing a Anine Bing leather jacket paired with black Topshop motto skinny jeans.
Erica Hoida is wearing black skinny ripped jeans from Frame Denim
Pavlína Jágrová is wearing black jeans with ripped knees from TopShop
Bo Mulder is wearing black ripped Jamie jeans from TopShop
Mary Seng is wearing a black skinny jeans with ripped knees from DL1960
Lian Galliard is wearing black ripped knee skinny jeans from H&M
Caroline Louis is wearing a black skinny jeans with torn knees from Oasis
Natalia Cabezas is wearing black skinny jeans with ripped knees from Asos
Rima Vaidila is wearing a black ripped skinny jeans from Paige Denim
Love the backpack and the skinny black jeans with ripped knees. Found on Pop Rocky
Lovely by Lucy is wearing ripped black skinny jeans from Asos
Visa Lom in her black skinny ripped knee jeans
Alexandra Guerain is wearing black skinny ripped jeans from Asos
Kayla Seah is wearing a low rise black jeans with ripped knees from Asos