Today, Britt came into the office with a startling revelation: it’s mid August. That’s right. Somehow, summer got sucked through a black hole of white dresses and messy buns, and now Fall is basically one click away on our calendar.
But here’s one bright, albeit frank, spot – we can’t wait for the day we skip shaving and slide on a pair of tights instead; which is exactly why ripped ones have been playing on our minds recently.
Our mothers always told us that the best place for ripped stockings was the garbage can. But they also told us not to wear white after labor day or mix prints – so, like so much of their fashion wisdom, has the no ripped tights rule died with decorum?
On the one hand, they looked awesome on Alexander Wang’s runway. Nylon rips gave the collection an endearing edge of “who cares”. On the other hand, they might make you look like you’ve been sleeping in a dumpster for the past week – after all, Wang actually poured pounds of dirt all over his runway to make sure the models looked extra messy.
In other words, we’re afraid this could be taking the whole grunge revival thing just a little too far – not to mention, purposefully tattered clothes (think artfully destroyed $300 jeans) kind of makes us want to use the word “poser” for the first time in years.
So what do you think? Would you wear ripped tights?
–HAYLEY PHELAN
Tags: Alexander Wang, Alice Dellal, Grunge, Plaid, Tights, TopShop
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no thats to ‘hookerish’ for me
Definitely – although ripped tights are to be used sparingly, with an otherwise elegant ensemble to add an interesting flair.
if i didn’t i’d never get to wear a single pair of tights more than once
I would if I knew I was going to be among people who would be open-minded enough to appreciate ‘em. That doesn’t necessarily mean fashion-types who “get” the reference; it could mean completely non-fashion people who chuckle good-naturedly.
Also another thing I’ve been meaning to try is really loose sheer stockings. I got the largest pair I could find at the local dollar store and have yet to try them. Most likely they will look horrific (like yards of excess skin!) but maybe it’ll be more interesting…
With a carefully selected ensemble, yes. Unfortunately the look can easily go far astray if paired with hot pink of any kind or a tattered denim mini.
i’ve been doing so for years, i clearly set the trend ;) – ripped tights look so much better than non-ripped in my opinion.
I do, with a careful assemble though, so I don’t look “trashy”
I love the idea of ripped tights. As for the actual execution, I’m afraid that on the street it can look less like “trying too hard” and more “not trying enough.”
I wouldn’t personally, but with the right outfit, it could have a very cute “Ooops, I fell down and skinned my knee” Lolita-ish quality.
No. I refuse to buy into the grunge revival. There’s no meaning behind it this time around–Kurt Cobain wearing a flannel shirt is a lot different than Mary Kate Olsen. I’m very happy with the very feminine fall looks.
I’m ambivalent. While ripped tights may work well on the runway, wearing it in real life may give others the impression that you’re not put together.
umm..i would def try it. but i don’t know what color they’re supposed to be. does it work with any material/pattern?
I’m looking forward to strategically ripping a black sheer pair for a night out- it ups the ante on the black liner and piled on mascara.
of course, but I wouldn’t rip then on purpose
I would never buy ripped tights. That being said, I agree with guest #3. When my tights inevitably rip after the 3rd or 4th time, I’ll wear them with a black pencil skirt and low-heeled boots or a similar look. I don’t think I’d try them with pumps though.
i’ve been wearing them since this fall
cause I just can’t seem to keep them whole
and when they get too ripped I layer them over colored ones
leave it on the runway. whenever i see ripped tights on anyone on the street i feel bad for the poor gal wearing them.
i go to an all girls private high school with a uniform and ripped tights are a staple to all our wardrobes. nothing new here
this seems to be a trend popular with those too young to remember grunge
I agree with #10 & 17, it doesn’t matter what you pair them with, everything is different off the runway.
and for those of you who can’t seem to wear a pair of tights without ripping them, 2 words: Wolford and Fogal.
I totally understand the attempts grunge revival, but there are some things that are time-tested and appreciated, and grunge revival is NOT one of those time-tested and eternal things. Sure, it’s trendy, but it’s not elegant. Clean and simple lines have always been the staple of looking well-dressed and…well..bathed. There’s nothing that says “I fell down repeatedly” than ripped tights.
i’m in high school, and i would always rip my tights to the point of no return and wear them to school, but people didn’t really understand where i was coming from and i got so many rude comments from classmates and teachers… they looked so good though and i plan to do it again haha.
no way…anyone remember seeing those embarrassingly horrible photos of britney spears during her late night gas station runs? yeah, ripped leggings…now it’s all i can picture.
way to reminiscent of high school ’94 with doc’s somethings i can’t do twice
it’s a very fine line between cool ripped tights and trashy, poser ripped tights…tread carefully.
ripped tights are fine for a party, but otherwise i’d just say no. the whole look screams poser, which is probably why this look is so often witnessed on the legs of hipsters. wearing unripped tights is the one fashion tidbit from my mother i obey.
Yes, but only if I’d ripped them myself. $300 ripped jeans? Not if I’ve got a pair that I tore out both knees street-fighting my MMA instructors (and losing, hehe), and then ripped out the back of the thigh getting thrown from a horse. Anything ripped or damaged, in my opinion, should come with a story, even if that story is just, “Hey, I made these myself.”
I may be less likely to ditch them if they do rip. I’d just wear them in casual situations, though.
I liked someone’s suggestion of wearing ripped tights over some of a different color.
I almost feel as if there’d have to be one tear, otherwise people would assume that it had just happened or something. Of course, more than one or two rips could make it look as if one is trying too hard.
I guess we’ll just have to wait and see!
i would wear them..but it wouldnt be somethng i would wear all the time..
I’ve worn tights my whole life. I don’t feel right without ‘em. ( catholic school 12 years) Quite frankly, I dont go a day without at least 2 runs. Longest time period without a run? 6 minutes flat…Mr. Wang eat your heart out.
I think the runway shows used it more to illustrate and narrate, and it seems like it’s a little sloppy to wear ripped tights – but hey if someone feels GOOD wearing it then more power to them. It just isn’t moi.
perhaps. i wouldnt rip my tights. but if they happened to rip then i may consider it, but the rest of the look cant b nearly as lazy/messy/grungy
yes, i do actually, especially if the outfit is too prissy otherwise. I never really liked how flats look with tights sometimes, and having them slightly teared looks less Blair and a little more Serena. i would never rip them intentionally though. Honestly, if your wearing a plain minidress, a headband, and flats, ripped tights can help the overall “i-have-a-stick-up-my-bum-ness” of the outfit.
i’ve been wearing ripped tights for a year now. if you ride your bike around school and fall down as much as i do, ripping your tights inevitable. eventually i couldn’t afford to buy more and just stopped caring.
Ha ha, what next girls? Are you also going to be wearing bras with holes, pants with no crotch and a purse with no bottom? If you want to look like trash, go ahead and be my guest. Just don’t wonder too hard why you can’t find a date, salespeople follow you around thinking you’re going to steal their merchandise and the bum on the street offers to share his corner with you.
i want to buy the whole alexander wang collection!
i totally love every season of his fabulous designs!!!
haha. i know! i was laughing so hard when the collection first went up. i wear ripped tights all the time. they’re great.
the only problem is that everyone would always ask me why exactly were my tights ripped. i guess the world isn’t really ready to accept them unless they appear down several runways and probably several forever21-esque stores.