Embellished jeans are the trend that will brighten our autumn

Can practicality and comfort be combined with coolness, glamour, and a touch of sparkle? According to the latest trends, the answer comes straight from the early 2000s: decorated jeans. Once again, Y2K style sneaks into our wardrobe, adding a maximalist, sometimes campy touch to the most beloved and versatile garment we own, inviting us to move away from quiet luxury towards something more special and bold. Reimagined by designers and worn again by contemporary celebrities, denim is now adorned with silver studs, crystal fringes, all-over rhinestones, pearls, colored gems, as well as whimsical embroidery and patchwork, just like the styles sported by Mariah Carey, Destiny’s Child, Christina Aguilera, and Paris Hilton at the start of the new millennium.

Jeans Are the Unexpected Statement Piece

Jeans have a long history and over the decades, they have earned a place of honor in our outfits, changing fit and silhouette depending on the fashion of the moment, yet always remaining an irreplaceable essential. Some love them in dark blue, while others prefer the bleached effect. Some wear them exclusively baggy, while others still miss the skinny indie sleaze look. Those who prefer them hyper-decorated, brightened up with patchwork, floral embroidery, or colorful designs, should thank the hippies of the '60s and '70s, who used them as a canvas for their creativity. Grunge and the '90s brought us ripped and artfully distressed denim, while the following decade saw jeans take on a sometimes kitschy glam. Beads, sequins, intricate embroidery, and 3D embellishments stood out on the styles worn by Cher, Beyoncé (remember her latest cowboy-core looks?), and Mariah Carey—the same celebrities who, in 2024, continue to promote the trend. The latest to fall under the maximalist charm of this garment? Taylor Swift, who last February, during the Super Bowl, wore a pair of Area jeans featuring cut-out details with rhinestone trim. According to Lyst, this look caused a 331% increase in searches for these pants.

Decorated Jeans on the Latest Runways

Chanel SS25

Retrofête SS24

Isabel Marant SS24

Stella McCartney SS25

Coperni SS24

Libertine SS25

Recent fashion weeks suggest that designers want to add a bit of character and drama to the jeans we usually wear. Remember Kaia Gerber in a pair of crystal-covered jeans on the FW23 Gucci runway? That image inspired many other brands to embellish their jeans with rhinestones and embroidery, elevating what is often a too-anonymous garment into a fashion statement. Among the SS24 and SS25 collections, the glitter appliqués of Stella McCartney stood out alongside the sparkle of Versace, Retrofête, and Isabel Marant. The jewel effect also conquered Gucci, PatBO, and Chanel, which decorated the hems of their jeans with small gems. Bling-bling sequins appeared in Coperni’s collection, while Brunello Cuccinelli opted for delicate feathers. The most popular style among influencers and it-girls? The crystal fringe jeans by Munthe, although similar examples can also be found at Sandro, Self-Portrait, Maje, COS, and many low-cost chains. Our advice? Search for vintage or try some DIY to let your creativity run wild and create something truly personal.

How to Wear Decorated Jeans

How can we incorporate embroidered and sparkling jeans into our looks? However we want! Contrary to what one might think, they are an extremely versatile piece. We can tone down their glam and catchy nature by pairing them with a simple white T-shirt and a leather jacket. We can make them more sophisticated with an elegant blouse, a cashmere sweater, and a tailored blazer. Or why not wear them with a gray hoodie and a pair of sneakers? Those who love maximalism can enhance their sparkling allure with a statement top and oversized jewelry, like a nice pair of chandelier earrings, just like Kaia Gerber on the runway. In short, we are free to play with our wardrobe to give decorated jeans an identity that reflects our current mood.