Some people stride confidently towards the festive party season, a wardrobe armed with dazzling frocks, statement coats and cool accessories to crack out for every shindig. Others? Well, they stick to the tried-and-true formula of jeans and a nice top.
Nothing wrong with that, of course. But as it’s the festive season and we live in a tinsel-strewn wonderland until January, now’s the time to consider shaking things up and raising the sartorial stakes.
Embellishments - crystals, diamantes, patches, embroidery - dress the wardrobe staple that is jeans up to new heights. They’re easy to wear to any and all festive functions, creating shimmer with every move, whether that’s back to the bar for another martini or doing Mariah justice on the dancefloor.
It's a bold look referenced straight from spring's catwalks: Stella McCartney, D&G, and Etro all sent some form of embellished jeans down their AW25 runways, be it OTT sparkly fringing, pretty embroidery, or can't-miss crystal work.
Best of all, you can pair them with pared-back separates like a vest, a knit or a t-shirt, and still smash the festive dress code, and all sans shapewear to boot. Adding party heels and sparkly hair accessories will help tie everything together.
Care instructions will vary, so read the label carefully before slinging your shiny new jeans into the wash. A general rule? For jeans with hot-fix gems, turn them inside out and place them inside a mesh washing bag to protect them from friction inside the drum. Allow them to air-dry flat - hanging on a radiator could loosen the glue and leave you with unsightly bald spots.
The good news is that stores are bursting at the seams with options now, from Self-Portrait’s floral diamante barrel design to a bleached wash finished with cabochon crystals. There are straight leg, high-rise, retro flares and boyfriend cuts, and options across price points, so whatever level of glitter you can handle, you should find a pair that fits.
Ready to RSVP yes to party jeans? Shop the edit below.
Dolce & Gabbana 5-pocket embroidered denim jeans
This is the blingiest pair of jeans you'll find in D&G's current lineup. The baggy shape features a faux waistband, super long, baggy legs and enough sparkle to rival the best of Bond Street.
Buy now £15600.00, Dolce & Gabbana
Stella McCartney Chain Tassel Straight-Leg Denim Jeans
If you've ever wondered what cowgirls wear in winter, McCartney's interpretation could be it. Staying true to the brand's effortlessly cool DNA, the mid-rise jeans feature straight legs and chain fringing around the pockets and outer seams.
Buy now £990.00, Stella McCartney
Simkhai Blue Embellished Jude Wide-Leg Jeans
Say hey to Jude. Simkhai's jeans come with bead detailing and distressed details on a high-rise design. The firework-inspired embellishments make them perfect for wearing on New Year's Eve.
Buy now £600.00, Harrods
Self-Portrait Crystal-embellished barrel-leg jeans
With a comfy barrel cut, Self-Portrait’s jeans are given the head-turning treatment with coloured crystal embellishments arranged in a floral design and speckled all over.
Buy now £380.00, Harvey Nichols
HUSH Mid Rise Embellished Barrel Leg Jeans
Hush’s party jeans come in regular and short lengths with sizes spanning 6 - 18. The adornments are smaller here, giving them wider appeal. Wear to the office before the annual Christmas party or whip out for end-of-year drinks with your pals.
Buy now £150.00, M&S
Golden Goose Women's bleached jeans with cabochon crystals
It is very much a case of party at the front when it comes to Golden Goose’s bleached take. The crystal embellishments are arranged asymmetrically over the pockets and thighs with strategic rips at the knee acting as a literal cut-off point.
Buy now £1035.00, Golden Goose
Alice+Olivia Blue Embellished Amazing Relaxed Jeans
Feel the need to supercharge your separates? This relaxed pair of jeans from Alice+Olivia offers a smattering of colour that’s easy to coordinate with.
Buy now £625.00, Harrods
Sandro Paris Blue Embellished Straight Jeans
Sandro keeps its embellishments on the lower side with decoration around the front pockets. The mid-wash straight legs are finished with raw cuffs that will continue to fray organically, so you’ll end up with a vintage look after a few wears.
Buy now £269.00, Harrods
HAIKURE Bibi embellished high-rise jeans
The barrel gets a metallic lift-off at the hands of Haikure. The front of the legs is heavily embellished to look like staples; from afar, they create a gleaming silver scaly finish. Best paired with party heels and a simple bandeau top.
Buy now £690.00, Net-A-Porter
Levi’s Ribcage Wide Leg Jeans
For many, Levi’s is the king of jeans - embellished pairs included. Make a play for festive rhinestone cowgirl in this wide-leg design, which comes with a matching waistcoat if you want to go head-to-toe.
Buy now £130.00, Levi’s
We The Free Deep Trance Shine Embroidered Dropped Boyfriend Jeans
Comfort high on your shopping list? This pair of boyfriend jeans is nicely relaxed: balance the slouch with a structured top and heels or a statement winter boot.
Buy now, Free People
Reiss Mimi Wide-Leg Crystal-Embellished Jeans in Dark Blue
The teeny gems studded throughout Reiss’s wide-leg jeans give a subtler shimmer, which ups its wearability. It’s available in petite and regular fits.
Buy now £250.00, Reiss
MAJE Stud-Embellished Wide-Leg High-Rise Stretch-Denim Jeans
Studs do the heavy embellishment lifting for Maje. The high-rise and wide-leg cut of this pair of jeans makes them supremely comfortable to wear while still offering knockout results.
Buy now £279.00, Selfridges
By Anthropologie Sparkle Wide-Leg Jeans
This wide leg design comes in two washes, but the volume of sparkles remains on both. Heighten the impact with a diamante belt or pare things back with a long-line blazer.
Buy now £148.00, Anthropologie
Aligne Mid Rise Slim Flare Diamante Jeans
All hail the party pinstripe. Align’s interpretation of desk-to-dancefloor jeans nails it in one with its new mid-rise pair. There’s a matching diamante top for those who want to do the double.
Buy now £149.00, Aligne
Amy Lynn Demi Diamante Wide-Leg Stretch-Denim Blend Jeans
There are flares, and then there are super-flares. Amy Lynn’s jeans are in the latter camp, with a cropped leg that hits the ankle. All the better for wearing killer heels with.
Buy now £79.00, Selfridges
River Island Blue Relaxed Straight Diamante Jeans
Evenly spaced with a high level of sparkle, the diamantes on River Island’s jeans will keep the spotlight on you all season long. They come in short, regular and long versions, with sizes 6 - 14 available.
Buy now £59.00, River Island
