If you swore off acid wash jeans after surviving the fashion of the ’80s, we regret to inform you that the trend has returned.
The style gods have decided to reach back into the decade of excess and revive the acid wash trend 20 years later. Look at it this way: at least they did not bring back shoulder pads, leg warmers, or, heaven forbid, mullets!
Gabriela of Kolorowa Dusza is just one of many fashion bloggers who love acid-washed jeans. Rolled at the hem, they can even be styled as cropped pants.
Gabriela strikes a pose in her trendy acid-washed jeans, expertly cuffed at the hem, showcasing her love for this retro-inspired fashion statement (Credit: Kolorowa Dusza)
Another thing to be thankful for is that the latest resurrection of acid wash jeans is more refined, soft, and sophisti-chic than its predecessor. They’re not meant to be worn with neon colors and baggy jackets, as seen in the ’80s.
Instead, they should be the main focus of an outfit. They’re meant to spice up basic articles of clothing or be toned down by streamlined pieces. Allowing her jeans to shine, Kate Hudson kept the rest of her outfit simple, pairing a white tank top with plain black pumps.
Kate Hudson effortlessly combines comfort and style in acid-washed skinny jeans and classic black pumps while carrying son Bingham Hawn Bellamy at LAX on July 30, 2013 (Credit: Michael Wright / WENN)
But don’t just let us tell you — let these celebrities, who wear acid wash jeans, show you how. Scroll through for 11 things to try and to watch out for when it comes to styling acid wash.
1. Embrace ’80s Nostalgia with a Modern Acid Wash Twist
Subtly stir up nostalgia and wear acid-wash jeans with other ’80s-style clothes. Ashley Tisdale is an expert at this: see how she paired a Transformers graphic tee and red wayfarers with her acid wash jeans.
She kept the look up-to-date with an It Bag (back then, it was the Alexander Wang “Rocco” bag with studs on the bottom) and gotta-have Christian Louboutin boots.
With the same acid wash jeans, Ashley also tried a layered look with a cutoff muscle tee and ’80s-style neon pink bra. Note the very Jem and the Holograms tinge of purple on the tips of her blond hair.
Ashley Tisdale effortlessly blends ’80s nostalgia with modern style, pairing her acid wash jeans with iconic accessories for a timeless look (Credit: WENN)
Avoid Looking Like an ’80s Costume Party
The key is subtlety—avoid going overboard with the ’80s throwback and keep your look modern and fresh.
Kelly Osbourne wore her shoulder-padded tuxedo jacket, a “Like a Virgin” Madonna lace corset, and an acid-wash denim skirt to a themed event, and it should remain that way. On no other everyday-life occasion should a literal ’80s outfit like hers be worn.
Kelly Osbourne embraces the ’80s theme to the fullest, sporting an acid wash skirt with unmistakable era-specific fashion flair at a themed event (Credit: WENN)
2. Style Acid Wash Jeans with Cozy Oversized Sweaters
Wear an oversized sweater with acid wash jeans, just like they did back in the ’80s. We love how Sienna Miller pulled together a simple sweater + acid wash jeans + sneakers look by choosing a monochromatic color scheme.
Don’t Drown in Fabric: How to Choose the Right Sweater
You want to look comfy, not frumpy. Fearne Cotton’s sweater isn’t actually that baggy, but the bulky knit fabric coupled with the socks with leopard-print pumps are too ’80s for her own good.
“Sienna Miller and Fearne Cotton demonstrate contrasting styles with acid wash jeans – Sienna opts for a monochromatic, oversized sweater while Fearne experiments with a bold, bulky knit (Credit: WENN)
3. Channel Rocker Chic with Acid Wash Denim
Bring acid-wash jeans back to their heavy metal roots and style them à la rocker chick. It’s studded bracelets and bad boots for Christina Aguilera, biker jeans and spiked Louboutins for Elle Macpherson, and a ripped black graphic tee for Ashley Tisdale.
Christina Aguilera, Elle Macpherson, and Ashley Tisdale each bring their unique rocker chic twist to acid wash jeans, merging attitude with fashion (Credit: WENN)
Skip the Costume: Keep Rocker Looks Stylish
Audrina Patridge’s nearly-see-through tank top, overly holey and ripped jeans, and oddly mismatched slouchy suede boots are just too much.
Audrina Patridge steps out in heavily distressed acid wash jeans, a sheer black tank, and slouchy suede boots—an outfit that feels more chaotic than chic (Credit: WENN)
4. Flatter Your Shape with High-Waisted Acid Wash Jeans
Another way to throw it back to the ’80s is by wearing acid-wash jeans, high-waisted. We’ve got our dos and don’ts on how to wear high-waisted jeans.
Proportion Matters: Avoid Unflattering Waistlines
In the photo below, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jasmin Walia sport nearly identical outfits, but Jasmin’s high-waisted acid-wash jeans create a much more flattering silhouette. In contrast, Leigh-Anne’s straight-cut waistline gives the illusion of a paunch and wider hips.
Jasmin Walia and Leigh-Anne Pinnock showcase how high-waisted acid-wash jeans can create dramatically different impacts on style and silhouette (Credit: WENN)
5. Refresh Your Wardrobe with Modern Acid Wash Styles
The Kates have it: Kate Bosworth’s faded acid-wash jeans are ultra-chic, and Kate Beckinsale’s streaked black acid-wash jeans are copy-worthy.
Kate Bosworth and Kate Beckinsale update acid wash jeans with their own chic interpretations, proving the versatility of this denim trend (Credit: WENN)
Beware of Overdone Bleaching and Bad Washes
Not all acid washes are created equal. Britney Spears’ bleached and spot-faded jeans are over-the-top.
Britney Spears steps out in heavily bleached acid-wash jeans and a ruched off-the-shoulder top, but the exaggerated wash pattern overwhelms her figure (Credit: WENN)
6. Personalize Your Acid Wash Jeans with Versatile Styling
Bohemian babe, biker chick, or posh momma, different styles can look great with acid wash jeans. Ashley Tisdale, Kate Hudson, Ashley Benson, and Gwyneth Paltrow all successfully incorporated acid jeans into their personal styles.
Ashley Tisdale, Kate Hudson, Ashley Benson, and Gwyneth Paltrow each incorporate acid wash jeans into their diverse personal styles with great success (Credit: WENN)
Don’t Clash: Match Acid Wash with the Right Vibe
As you experiment, you’ll discover that not all styles complement acid wash jeans. Fearne Cotton, in a confused country western look, and Chantelle Tagoe, in a tired, belted denim skirt look, learned that the hard way.
Fearne Cotton and Chantelle Tagoe miss the mark by pairing acid-wash denim with clashing styles—one too stiff and mismatched, the other overly busy and outdated (Credit: WENN)
7. Relax Your Look with Boyfriend-Cut Acid Wash Jeans
What better way to modernize a retro trend than by mixing it up with a new trend? Selena Gomez and Heidi Klum demonstrate how acid wash and boyfriend jeans can look incredibly well together.
Selena Gomez and Heidi Klum reinvent the acid wash trend by pairing it with the relaxed cut of boyfriend jeans, creating a modern, casual look (Credit: WENN)
Fit First: Avoid Baggy, Sloppy Boyfriend Jeans
Rita Ora not only chose atrocious acid-wash boyfriend jeans but also paired them with an ill-fitting denim jacket. Stephanie Jory likewise added too much bulk to her bleached boyfriend jeans with a long coat and strappy biker boots.
Rita Ora and Stephanie Jory overwhelm their looks with oversized acid-wash denim and heavy layers, proving that less really is more when styling bold jeans (Credit: WENN)
8. Update Your Acid Wash Look with Chic Accessories
Fun accessories, such as a brightly colored handbag and cute shoes, perk up the fuzzy finish of acid-wash jeans.
Sienna Miller and Fearne Cotton accessorize acid wash jeans with modern touches, showing how the right details can elevate a retro look (Credit: WENN)
Accessorize Smart: Avoid Overcomplicating Your Outfit
Just like styles and cuts, not all accessories will complement acid-wash jeans. Fearne Cotton’s boho-print jacket and fringed handbag look too soft for her edgy jeans.
Similarly, Teyana Taylor’s military jacket, a graphic tank, and gladiator sandal booties with her biker acid wash jeans were a bit too all over the place.
Fearne Cotton and Teyana Taylor clash bold acid-wash denim with overly busy prints and accessories, creating looks that feel more chaotic than cohesive (Credit: WENN)
9. Rock the Double Denim Trend with Acid Wash
Yes, you can do double denim with the acid wash. Pair it with colored denim, like Kate Hudson, or opt for a complete contrast with a faded acid wash and raw denim, as seen on Rihanna.
Kate Hudson and Rihanna showcase the art of double denim, skillfully combining acid wash jeans with contrasting denim pieces for a cohesive look (Credit: WENN)
Too Much of a Good Thing: Avoid Denim Overload
Just don’t wear too much denim. Miley Cyrus’ acid-on-acid outfit and Nicki Minaj’s head-to-toe denim ensemble make them look like they’re wearing costumes.
Miley Cyrus and Nicki Minaj take the double denim trend too far, overwhelming their looks with acid-wash overload and mismatched proportions (Credit: WENN)
10. Elevate Acid Wash Jeans with Sleek Stilettos
Sass up acid wash jeans with sexy stilettos. When worn in the ’80s, cigarette-cut, acid-wash jeans paired with stilettos can look incredibly sexy, even when paired with a baby sling, as seen on Kate Hudson.
Christina Aguilera, Khloé Kardashian, and Kate Hudson elevate acid wash jeans with stilettos, creating a chic and sophisticated ensemble (Credit: WENN)
Keep It Classy: Know When Sexy Becomes Too Much
Some sexy looks like a belly-baring crop top with acid wash jeans and heels can only be pulled off when you’re supermodel-thin, like teenage Kendall Jenner. As for unapologetic Rihanna, her too-tight corset and low-slung jeans were too vulgar for a daytime stroll.
Kendall Jenner and Rihanna show that even stylish stars can stumble, pairing acid-wash jeans with overly revealing tops that throw off the outfit balance (Credit: WENN)
11. Beat the Heat with Acid Wash Denim Shorts
Cut off your acid-wash jeans and turn them into shorts for a look that’s perfect for an outdoor festival. Vanessa Hudgens wore her frayed pair in her much-copied boho style, while Miley Cyrus toughened hers up with a corset, a plaid shirt, and biker boots.
Vanessa Hudgens and Miley Cyrus give acid wash shorts their own unique spin, aligning them with distinct styles from boho to edgy (Credit: WENN)
Stay Stylish: Say No to Overly Revealing Shorts
Acid wash or not, too-short shorts that have the front pockets hanging out and especially ones that show butt cheeks are never a good look.
Bella Thorne, Miley Cyrus, and Laura Whitmore show how ultra-short acid-wash shorts can cross the line from trendy to tacky when coverage is sacrificed for shock value (Credit: WENN)
Stepping Out in Style: Celebrities Who Love Acid Wash Fashion
Acid wash denim has made a significant comeback, with celebrities showcasing its versatility and retro appeal. Here are some standout moments featuring acid wash fashion:
Christina Aguilera’s Rocker Chic in Acid Wash Jeans
- Event: Casual outing in Soho, New York
- Outfit: Christina Aguilera styled Jet by John Eshaya Bolt skinny jeans in acid wash, paired with a casual top and accessories.
- Footwear: She completed her look with studded Christian Louboutin Zipper ballet flats, adding an edgy touch to her ensemble.
- Read more: Christina Aguilera’s $160M Empire
Nicki Minaj’s Bold Double Denim Statement
- Event: Interview on ‘Chatty Man’ in London
- Outfit: Nicki Minaj donned a denim baseball cap, cropped denim jacket, and acid-washed high-waisted jeans, embracing a head-to-toe denim look.
- Footwear: She elevated the ensemble with denim platform thigh-high boots, showcasing her fearless fashion sense.
- See her look: Nicki Minaj’s Denim Cap + Denim Jacket + High Waist Acid Jeans + …
Katy Perry’s Y2K-Inspired Acid Wash Ensemble
- Event: Promotion of American Idol Season 21
- Outfit: Katy Perry embraced the Y2K resurgence with a ribbed white tank top and low-rise acid-wash distressed baggy jeans by R13.
- Accessories: She added a pop of color with a bright yellow Balenciaga Shrunk Racer moto jacket and completed the look with cat-eye sunglasses.
- Explore her style: Katy Perry Promotes American Idol Season 21 Hollywood Week in 3 …
Selena Gomez’s Casual Chic with Acid Wash Denim Jacket
- Event: Beach outing at Paradise Cove, Malibu
- Outfit: Selena Gomez layered a Heritage 1981 acid wash denim jacket over a Topshop Daisy Dogs shirtdress, blending casual and cute elements.
- Footwear: She opted for Urban Outfitters Twisted T-Strap sandals, perfect for a relaxed beach day.
- Discover more: Selena Gomez Rewears Her Iconic Dog-Print Dress—and It Still Slays
These fashion moments highlight how acid wash denim continues to inspire and adapt, proving its enduring appeal in contemporary celebrity style.