Our basic blue denim got a makeover, and it’s happening right at the ankle. This season, the humble hem is having its main character moment, with simple cuffs swapped out for a full embellishment takeover. Fringe, feathers, and crystal trims are showing up on straight-leg and bootcut denim, giving a familiar staple a reason to stand out.
There are options galore when looking for denim, but most carry the same classic styles, colors, and plainness that the blue jean was intended for. But these days, outfits are all about personality, making your clothes feel truly you, and there’s no better way to achieve that than by jazzing up a basic. Embellishing the hems and cuffs of jeans opens up endless ways to make your style feel entirely your own, whether that’s a few feathers for movement or rhinestones for a touch of sparkle. All in all, you don’t need a whole new wardrobe to feel like you’re wearing something new.
And denim doesn’t need to be basic to be an everyday staple. Even with an extra pop of glam, your jeans can still be a versatile piece, dressed up with heels for a night out, or with basic flats and sneakers to let the hem do the heavy lifting. Decorative cuffs themselves are sassy, spicy, and everything nice, rolled into one small but mighty upgrade to your ever-growing collection of denim.
Ahead is a roundup of the pairs leading the charge and proving that sometimes the smallest update makes the biggest difference.
Fringe trim swishes with each and every stride on these classic medium-wash straight-leg jeans, making a wardrobe staple into an easy statement piece.
Mother The Relish Fringe Ankle Jean, $318, Mother
These rhinestone-embellished cuffs are proof that a hem can carry all the sparkle a night out needs in one pair of classy blue jeans.
Acne Studios Pagga Orlan Blue Shimmy Wide Leg Jean, $1,000, Acne Studios

Add a playful pop to an otherwise simple pair of jeans with a contrast-printed cuff peeking out at the ankle.
Alémais Marcel printed straight leg jeans, $550, Alémais

A crystal-studded cuff dresses up the ankle on these dark-wash jeans, making it the perfect desk-to-dinner pair.
Rag & Bone Sofie High-Rise Embellished Ankle Cuff Jeans, $368, Rag & Bone

A cluster of crystals knot at the ankle cuff of these jeans, adding a small but sufficient touch of sparkle to your favorite everyday pants.
Area Crystal Knot Jean, $655, Area

Looking for something subtle? The dainty lace and cutout accents on this pair give you just that—it doesn’t need to be boring to be a solid basic.
Cinq à Sept Benji Guipure Lace Jeans, $365, Cinq à Sept

A pop of green for good luck is always a good idea. The jacquard-trimmed cuffs on these pants give you pattern and color, the ultimate statement jean combo.
Valentino Garavani Denim Trousers with Jacquard Trims, $1,490, Valentino Garavani

A scalloped hem is the full moment here, embroidered with beads and rhinestones in a floral pattern with a frayed edge for extra texture.
Maje Beaded bootcut jeans, $350, Maje

Plumage is all the rage right now, and these jeans bring that popularity right into your very own wardrobe. Versatile in all black, wearing these with a pop of color, or keep it clean with a black top and shoes.
Loulou Feather-trim jeans, $1,169, Loulou

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