Slightly rebellious and totally cool, denim cut-offs are everywhere this season. They're basic, comfy and go with almost everything -- whether it's Spring's feminine floral tops or oversized tees a la Ashlee Simpson.

The look to shop right now? Three words: Distressed, dirty and frayed. But if you can't find the right pair, you can always DIY them -- just take a pair of scissors to an old pair of jeans. Try this easy staff-tested step-by-step:

1. Dig the distressed look? An old pair of faded or light-washed jeans with relaxed thighs works better than dark, skinny-leg denim.
2. Work out how short you want it to be. Wear your jeans in front of the mirror and mark out the new hemline using a ball-point pen. (It's a good idea to give an extra 1/2 inch below your desired length -- you can always go back and snip a little shorter, but not the other way round.)
3. Draw the cut-off guide-line. Lay the jeans flat on the floor and draw the cut-off line across one leg with the pen and a long ruler.
4. Make the cut with a pair of sharp, sturdy scissors, along the cut-off line.
5. To ensure both legs will turn out symmetrical, fold jeans vertically in half, so the newly-cut leg is aligned on top of the uncut leg. Using the cut edge as a template, draw the cut-off line across the uncut leg with pen and ruler. Then cut along the line.
6. To fray the hems, just toss the shorts in the washing machine -- a few wash-spin cycles will do the trick!