Laddered stockings / ripped tights fashion trend 2010

There are several ways to wear chunky knits this season. Easiest, of course, is wearing the look as an accessory. Topshop Unique Autumn (Fall) / Winter 2009/2010 certainly took that to be the case, sending a knit scarf down the catwalk that was so extreme it might even look out of place on a couture catwalk. Made no less eye catching by its use of an unseasonal blue, those looking for something extreme that doesn't verge on the ridiculous might instead turn to a chunky knit jumper.

The first we really noticed it was on Alexander Wang's Fall 2008 runway, in which beanies, boots and ripped tights made up a look that was rock chic meets neo-grunge. Since then, it's taken quickly to the streets - featuring in many a street-style blog across the web.

Ripped stockings: street style photo by The Sartorialist; Erin Wasson in I.D magazine.

How to wear it

With conviction. Wearing a crisp, corporate skirt-suit and a pair of stockings with a little ladder or two just looks like an unfortunate run-in with a sharp fingernail. On the other hand, shredded tights with studded boots and a black mini screams fashion-forwards neo-grunge chic.

Street style photo by StyleSightings; outfit on Rumi at Fashion Toast.