For those who want to take a stab at this trend without spending a fortune, there are several alternatives.
Dipping a toe in the distressed pool is Rock & Republic, whose Berlin skinny jean in Lucky wash has just a few subtle nicks on the upper thigh. The rest is clean, which will give this version some longevity once the trend passes.
Berlin skinny jean in Lucky wash, $215, at Saks Fifth Avenue, Beverly Hills.
J Brands Zombie skinny jeans look most like the runway original and are currently the most ubiquitous, showing up on celebrities such as Rihanna, Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale. The white and light gray wash stands out when worn with a simple black T-shirt or cropped dark jacket.
J Brand Jeans 912 Zombie skinny jean, $218 at Ron Herman, Los Angeles
If you cant let go of the boyfriend jean aesthetic, G-Star is doing a distressed hybrid called the Arc jean. Its baggier through the seat and looks better with the legs rolled. Wear these with a sexy, fitted, racer-back tank to avoid looking too shlubby.
Its not the most polished look, but its sexy and strong. If youre curious about it, but not quite curious enough to invest a couple of hundred dollars to get it, give it a DIY spin.
Grab some sandpaper, bleach and an old pair of jeans and get to work.
PRVCY premium denim Monaco-Jammer Rip jeans, $216 at Triangle Boutique, Lake Arrowhead, Calif.