Fashion

The One Jean You Need For Fall

by Eliza Florendo

One of my favorite things about fall is putting on pants again, without being drenched in sweat the moment you step out of your door. This season, the raw hem is the one type of denim you need for fall, thanks to its easy-going, bohemian vibe that can be both dressed up and dressed down for the weekend, and it's one of the only trends that's better the messier it gets.

Maybe I love this trend so much because it's so damn chic. Distressed denim in general has a too-cool-for-school vibe, especially paired with a tattered tee and your best heels. It's got that roll out of bed attitude, an effortless cool that the Parisians own and wear proudly.

The beauty of this hem is that you can do it yourself. At home. In the comfort of your own bed, with just a pair of scissors and a ruler (depending on how daring you're feeling). Personally, I use lipstick to make the marks for where to cut — it's easy to draw on and even easier to get off, thanks to make up remover. If you're too lazy to un-hem and aren't too attached to the white lines, you can just cut off a chunk entirely, and make sure to fray the edges!

After the first chop, I usually take a pair of tweezers to pull out the fiber to give it that messy, lived in look. For maximum effect, stick in the wash and watch as the threads unravel. Make sure to cut off less than anticipated, because you can always chop off, but not add back on. As always, do your research to find out exactly what look you're going for and how to achieve it.

As for how to style? Well, like you would any other type of denim, of course! It's now your new staple piece that goes with absolutely everything — especially a cool pair of ankle boots, your favorite mules, or even a white tennis shoe for when you're going casual on the weekend.

This fall, let your ankles roam free, and check out some pre-raw-hemmed options, below!

1. The Light Wash

Paige Skyline Ankle Peg - Whiteley Destructed Raw Hem, $209, Paige

Pretty classic wash that looks pretty killer with nude pumps. Casual Fridays, anyone?

2. The High Rise

Topshop Cara High Rise Raw Hem Jeans, $36, Nordstrom Rack

High waisted and raw hemmed? Practically too trendy.

3. The Dark Wash

KUT From The Kloth Reese Released Hem Distressed Stretch Ankle Jeans, $90, Nordstrom

I would distress these even more, adding ankle slits and extra pocket rips.

4. The Denim Dress

ASOS Denim V-Neck Tunic Dress With Raw Hem, $63, ASOS

Ok, these aren't pants, but imagine this dress with knee-high boots or socks? Plus a light coat? Adorable.

5. The Culottes

7 For All Mankind Denim Culottes w/ Raw-Edge Hem, $225, Bergdorf Goodman

This is trendy overload.

Images: @madewell1937, @houseoflolo/Instagram, Paige, Nordstrom Rack, Nordstrom, ASOS, Bergdorf Goodman