The American fashion style consists of a lot of ripped jeans in the wardrobe. However, in Europe where fashion is more put-together and chic, the question of can you wear ripped jeans in Europe can be answered simply – not really.
You might see the younger generation who dress in streetwear wear ripped jeans but ripped jeans are not the norm in Europe. Small rips in the knees are acceptable in the European style but it’s more common to see no rips at all. Here’s what Europeans will wear instead of ripped jeans.
What Europeans Wear Instead of Ripped Jeans
Can you wear ripped jeans in Europe? Essentially no, so these are different styles of jeans instead you should wear instead.
What to Wear #1: Straight-Leg Jeans (Ankle-Length)
This is by far the most common type of jeans you’ll see fashionable Europeans wear. The straight-leg style is so classic and makes the outfit look relaxed and effortless but also very put-together. Pair these ankle-length straight-leg jeans with a pair of stylish sneakers, Chelsea boots, or even a nice pair of sandals during the summer.
The Black Levi’s Straight-Leg Jean is perfect to pair with a black or blue denim jacket with a white top inside. The Indigo Levi’s Straight-Leg Jean will pair nicely with a lighter color cardigan and a white top inside. But these are not the only way to style them – there are so many different combinations of outfits you can create with these jeans.
What to Wear #2: Straight-Leg Jeans (Heel-Length)
A slight variation of the ankle-length straight-leg jean is the heel-length jean. This type of jean does a great job of elongating your legs and making your legs appear slimmer. It’s best to pair them with flats, small heels, flat sneakers, or shoes that are not too bulky. That’s because you don’t want these jeans to clump up near the top of your foot.
The key to this look is to let the jeans cover a bit of your foot.
Lee Seattle Classic Fit Straight-Leg Jean
Lee Heritage Classic Fit Straight-Leg Jean
What to Wear #3: Flared Jeans
Flared jeans are so trendy in Europe. They were very commonly worn in the 1960s to 1980s and now they are coming back on trend. The style usually stays slim at the thigh and they flare out at the calf. Some flared jeans are much more exaggerated but these two listed below are moderate flares that are more fitting for everyday wear.
Pair both of Vipones Dark Wash and Light Wash Jeans with sneakers, flats, or a small heel. These pants really do an amazing job of making the legs look much longer.
Vipones Dark Blue Wash Flared Jeans
Vipones Light Blue Wash Flared Jeans
What to Wear #4: Bootcut Jeans
Bootcut jeans are like the sister of flared jeans. When you compare them, bootcut jeans are usually less flared and the bottom hem may go in slightly. These are styled very similarly to flared jeans and have the same effect of making the legs longer but these are more for those who don’t want such a stand-out outfit.
The Black Levi’s Bootcut Jeans will make the look formal so you can pair them with a more colorful top to balance out the look. The Light Indigo Levi’s are great for everyday jeans and you can pair them with a more neutral-colored top.
Levi’s Ribcage Light Indigo Bootcut Jeans
Levi’s Ribcage Black Bootcut Jeans
What to Wear #5: Straight Trousers
These aren’t jeans but it’s another pants staple in a stylish European’s closet. They can be styled in a similar way as jeans but it will make the look more professional. You’ll usually see neutral-colored trousers like gray, black, white, or cream color but occasionally, you’ll see some stand-out bright-colored trousers also. The key to making these trousers look not too formal is to find trousers that are looser and do not have a stiff texture.
A pair of linen trousers like the IXIMO linen trousers don’t have that stiff texture and the natural bends in the fabric make it look very casual. If you want a thicker pair of trousers, these SweatyRocks Trousers hold their form really well and are cool to the touch.
IXIMO Linen Drawstring Trousers
SweatyRocks Casual Long Trouser Pants
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