It’s Official — Rhinestone Jeans Are The Ultimate Cool-Girl Denim

It’s not often that a frivolous fashion purchase turns out to be one of the most versatile investments in your wardrobe. But that’s precisely what happened when I took a punt on a pair of rhinestone-encrusted disco denim jeans. Mine were from Donna Ida, bought in a sample sale, and the inner magpie in me just couldn’t resist the utter OTT-ness of them. What I didn’t expect is that they would, in fact, prove to be the perfect plus-one this party season.

I’ve worn them to a whole host of events, including – but not limited to – the office Christmas party, a pub quiz, cocktails in a fancy hotel, my best friend’s birthday dinner and a Harry Styles concert. I suspect I’ll probably wear them to sit on my sofa on Christmas day and to toast in the New Year, too. They’re just the thing when a sequin party dress feels excessive, but you still want something suitably festive. Best of all, of course, they boast the comfort of denim, but with enough pizzazz to outshine the Christmas tree. Before I knew it, I’d bought a second pair in a dark indigo wash.

If you're still not convinced, the souped-up staple is also being endorsed by high fashion brands and celebrities. You're probably already familiar with the black Area jeans Taylor Swift wore earlier this year to the Super Bowl. The jazzy style was also splashed across AW24 collections at luxury labels — Sabato De Sarno sent an array of beaded jeans down the runway for Gucci Cruise while Stella McCartney's jeans came with a hearty helping of sequins.

Converted? The best styles out there are casual in cut with every inch covered in micro-crystals – like the beige studded pair from H&M, which is popular with influencers and selling fast, or Self-Portrait’s blue rhinestone jeans as seen on Gigi Hadid. For something slightly more subtle, Reformation's slouchy jeans feature crystal-trimmed seams. For maximum impact, the key is to keep the rest of your look low-key – think tailoring and trainers, or a navy cashmere jumper and kitten heels. O tidings of comfort and joy!

Shop: Disco Denim