The distressed “ripped” jeans look is hardly a new trend—not even close, but never underestimate its sartorial irresistibility. From casual rock-star cool, one can immediately elevate this mannish, ’90s-grunge-era look to sophisticated chic by simply pairing it with a sleek structured jacket and killer heels.

It’s no wonder it has caught the imagination of fashion houses and celebrities alike; it makes the grade for its versatility. Significantly, when Balmain debuted its Sgt. Pepper-inspired, boxy military-style jacket back in Spring 2009, it was paired with distressed denims. Rachel Zoe introduced denim pieces in her Spring/Summer 2014 collection, trumpeting ripped boyfriend jeans.

We swooned over George Clooney’s new wife (lucky lady!), Amal Alamuddin, back in May, when US Magazine published a photo of her at Heathrow Airport in London. In the photo she’s flashing a pretty smile and her big engagement ring, and of course, wearing her tattered pair of jeans.

And still, the grunge-inspired distressed denim fashion ceases to die, reaching super chic territory as seen in the street-style snapshots at the recently concluded New York Fashion Week. Fashion fanatics strut their severely distressed denims, but far from being sloppy—slashed at the thighs, tattered and torn at the knee—in every imaginable swanky style. What’s the new maxim? The more destroyed and beat up it looks, the better!

Chances are you already own a pair, perhaps it’s hanging in your closet or your boyfriend’s. Think of it as a vital pair as it matches with your everyday basics. It won’t fall out of fashion any time soon. Rather your worn-out distressed denims will endure.

How to wear this tattered and torn fashion staple

Hindy Tantoco

Fashion designer/Holy Carabao organic farmer

“For distressed denims, I usually like Blue Cult, J Brand, and Adriano Goldschmeid, but my current fave is a ‘boyfriend’ cut pair from Zara. It has the perfect pegged capri-leg for my style. I like to wear it with denim shirts, or distressed tees and tanks. For casual days I rarely wear jewelry, but for a special night out I will bring out more bling. To make it look chic, I wear it with my signature shoes, a pair of leopard print calf hair ballet flats. I think it’s the perfect play of luxe and laid-back. Sometimes, I will wear my jeans with Converse Chuck Taylors or Supergas, or Isabel Marant flats. Other times, I will wear a colorful pair of stilettos. A special shout-out to Levi Strauss for making us all feel cooler in jeans!”

Amina Aranaz

Designer/creative director of Aranáz

“I got this Cotton On pair from my sister. She bought a normal pair (unripped) and ripped it herself. She bought it without trying it on, only to discover it didn’t fit her, so she gave it to me. I love the contrast—white looks pristine, but it has all the rips. I love wearing it with a cozy white lightweight sweater, or a long tailored vest. To make it look extra chic, I pair it with tailored pieces, jewelry and good shoes, so I still look put-together and not sloppy.”

Regine King

Category management head, Zalora Philippines

“The inner tomboy in me loves anything and everything androgynous, which includes my closet staple, a pair of distressed jeans. The slouchy fit’s

primary allure is that it goes with everything, from blazers and blouses to crisp white tees and sweaters. The styling possibilities are endless! I pair them with plain tees and a great pair of killer high heels.”