People in L.A. Know Flip-Flops Make This "Dated" Jeans Trend Feels Fresh Again

Don’t retire your ripped jeans just yet—Kendall Jenner has found the one trending shoe making them feel fresh all over again.

Kendall Jenner walks down the street smiling wearing black rectangular sunglasses with a white top and white miniskirt.
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Jeans will always be a wardrobe staple, but certain cuts and styles tend to ebb and flow in popularity as the years and seasons pass. While ultra-high-waisted styles once felt like the answer to every outfit dilemma, lately they’ve taken more of a backseat in my own wardrobe. Instead, the ripped jeans that have been tucked away at the back for the past few years suddenly feel ripe for a revival.

What’s sparked my change of heart? Kendall Jenner. After spotting her cool take on the forgotten denim trend, I’m more motivated than ever to bring my dusty pairs back into rotation. The secret to making this once-dated denim look current? It’s all in the shoes.

Kendall Jenner wears ripped jeans with flip-flops.

(Image credit: Backgrid)

Where ripped jeans and white trainers were once the golden combination, the 2025 update sees classic sneakers swapped for sleek, '90s-inspired black flip-flops. The unexpected pairing gives the distressed denim a fresh, elevated feel, imbued with that laid-back, cool-girl energy L.A. style is known for.

Leaning into her signature model-off-duty aesthetic, Jenner styled her slouchy ripped jeans with layered T-shirts. Her minimalist flip-flops added polish, offering a sleek contrast to the cuffed hems and lived-in denim.

Influencer stand outside wearing distressed jeans with an oversized denim shirt and kitten heels flip-flops.

(Image credit: @sincerelyjules)

If you’re ready to revisit your ripped denim, consider this your cue. Below, I’ve rounded up the best ripped jeans and flip-flops to shop now for the coolest way to wear the forgotten jeans in 2025.

SHOP RIPPED JEANS AND FLIP-FLOPS:

Natalie Munro
News Writer

Natalie Munro is Who What Wear UK’s news writer and has worked in the fashion industry since she graduated with a degree in Journalism from the University of the Arts London. Natalie’s experience in the industry spans journalistic and styling roles that have seen her work for publications including British Vogue, Conde Nast Traveller, Vogue Ukraine, AnOther Magazine and Elle UK.

With an interest in uncovering the latest fashion trends, Natalie takes a leading role in identifying news for Who What Wear UK. Reporting on a daily basis, Natalie focuses on trends on and off the runway, as well as street style and celebrity fashion. Natalie also creates content for Who What Wear’s social channels including TikTok and Instagram on a weekly basis.