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 for autumn/winter 2024, 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.

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 earlier this 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 party 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 / £471 at Farfetch

Self-Portrait / £400 at NET-A-PORTER

COS / £135 at cos.com

H&M / £70 at H&M

Karen Millen / £15 at Karen Millen

Self-Portrait / £480 at NET-A-PORTER

Area / £595 at Mytheresa

Maje / £299 at Maje

Stella McCartney / £401 at The Outnet

Sandro / £299 at Sandro

Haikure / £573 at Harrods

Stella McCartney / £750 at Mytheresa

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Originally posted from “ELLE UK” by Roberta Schroeder and Clementina Jackson