The long-standing appeal of a good pair of jeans might be rooted in practicality, but this season’s most joyful new denim trend offers something a little different... Embellished jeans are officially back and this time around, they're more elevated than ever. Think everything from silver stud-strewn seams and baggy hems dipped in diamanté, to all-over rhinestones and straight-leg styles pimped up with pearls – and we're more than happy to welcome each and every one warmly into our new-season wardrobes.
The polar opposite to your trusty pair of 501’s, and significantly more dressy than the season's divisive barrel-leg silhouette, these spangly, sparkly, souped-up jeans are made for magpies, promising to inject a jolt of energy into any outfit.
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Stick a pair of embellished jeans on with a simple white tee and leather jacket, and you’ve got the easiest after-work drinks look on the planet. Swap for a crisp white shirt, sized-up and left untucked, and they work for the daytime too, or go big with chandelier earrings and wedge heels (yes, those are also back), for the ultimate weekend look. And if you want to dial down the dazzle for a more casual occasion? Just sling a chunky cashmere jumper of the shoulders and pair with trainers. This truly is a trend that can do it all.
Now, there’s probably one pair of embellished jeans that look a little familiar already, worn by Taylor Swift to the Superbowl last year: Area’s thigh-baring, crystal-trimmed jeans are some of the most coveted of them all. The street style set, meanwhile, has fallen hard for Munthe's dramatic diamanté-fringe denim designs, and on the high-fashion front, the likes of Stella McCartney, Gucci, PatBO, Versace and Chanel have all recently sent their own boujie, bejewelled styles down the runways.
For something a little more subdued, look to Sandro, H&M and Self-Portrait for monochromatic styles with a subtle sparkle, or McCartney's casual-chic jeans with tiny crystal pinstripes. That said, the ELLE UK fashion team plans on going full steam ahead with the sparkle vibes: senior ecommerce editor (luxury) Roberta is a fan of Self-Portrait's boyish wide-leg jeans that come drenched in Y2K rhinestones, while site fashion editor Clementina is eyeing Maje's delicate bead and sequin design.
Meanwhile, Haikure and Munthe deliver the influencer catnip with pairs so soaked in sparkle they may require sunglasses, and Cos' diamanté-dipped upgrade of its classic relaxed jeans is the choice for anyone who prefers a more laid-back approach. For something extra-special – with sustainability credentials to boot – look to Karen Millen's vintage re-working project, which sees vintage denim jeans washed, dyed and studded with crystals to breathe new life into old cuts.
So this season, don't save the sparkle solely for special occasions: a little embellishment is exactly what all those sensible new-season basics need.
Munthe
Karen Millen
Maje
Amy Lynn
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Roberta Schroeder is the Senior Ecommerce Editor at Harper's Bazaar, ELLE and Esquire, overseeing shopping strategy and content across fashion, beauty, and travel. Roberta has reported on everything from market-leading skincare brands to the world’s most iconic fashion pieces, while also regularly updating a range of shopping guides, including LED masks, heritage cashmere brands and niche new dress brands to know.
Roberta has more than 15 years' experience in the luxury sector, spanning editorial consultancy, trend forecasting and journalism. Over the years, she has worked for global brands including Farfetch, Chanel, and Vogue.
When not testing beauty products, trialling trends and curating content that spotlights the very best in fashion and beauty, Roberta can usually be found trawling resale sites and vintage stores for a long-coveted designer find. Follow Roberta on Instagram at @roberta__schroeder
Clementina Jackson is Acting Site Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, working across news and features, trends, e-commerce and SEO. She was previously Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan and Women’s Health, and Acting Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, where she was named as a PPA 30 Under 30 award winner for her work on size inclusivity. An experienced fashion, travel and luxury lifestyle journalist, Clementina has also written for Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Condé Nast Traveller, Tatler, Red and Italy Segreta.
