English major, Vanessa Silva, shows how to do destructed the right way pairing her denim, purchased in Portugal, with a Forever 21 sweatshirt, Prada bag, Fossil watch, and Converse All Star sneakers.  The forecast is in for spring. Abercrombie is (in)famous for its popular destructed denim that elicits the following response from clueless adults, “Why not just rip your own jeans?” While Abercrombie’s popularity seems to be ripping at the seams and it’s clothing, ironically enough, ending up in the Goodwill pile (no, the CEO’s disgusting comments are still trending,) destructed denim can still keep you looking cool in any Miami hurricane. Our go to gal, Vanessa Silva, pairs her denim with more classic pieces like this Fossil watch and adds a bit of designer flair with a Prada handbag and a feminine, delicate gold bracelet. She then completes the look with a bit of street flair in her Converse All Stars. And to New York we go with this laid-back Forever 21 sweatshirt. It’s all about balance.

Plus, there are options. Dark-wash, light, the choice is yours. If you are going to go for it, then you have to be dedicated. One rip isn’t going to do the trick. When we say destructed, we mean destroy them up, baby! But, make sure that rip is no farther than halfway up your thigh. A little leg is sexy, a little crotch is not. While these jeans can be cool for class, they are NEVER EVER appropriate for a professional setting. Just don’t do it. We warned you!

However, shy away from destructed denim booty shorts. Those are still trashy 24/7/365. Doing destructed denim right can be a fashion do. Keep these tips in mind, and you can be fashionably fierce and avoid the distress of being caught in a fashion hurricane.

words_alyssa jacobson. photos_raquel zaldivar.