While I’m fully ready to re-embrace perhaps the best trend from my childhood, I, too, am struggling with how to style jelly sandals as an adult. Because while leaning into the boho skirt trend or enjoying our mutual penchant for red sandals has been fairly low stress, adding a touch of childhood whimsy to my outfits seems to be where I’m stuck.
Thankfully, designer runways and the fashion set have provided clear instructions when it comes to spring/summer styling. Some suggest keeping it simple (and comfortable) with a summer dress, while others have embraced the ‘wrong shoe theory’, pairing their jelly fisherman sandals or jelly flip flops with tailored separates, the contrast in their levels of casual creating some interest.
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For context, this isn’t the first time we’ve collectively embraced jelly shoes — and like many other trends, it started with The Row. At the label’s pre-fall 2024 runway show, models walked the catwalk in mesh shoes made from jelly — and while the Mara ballet flats sold out nearly the minute they hit stores, the ripple effect is ongoing.
This summer, jelly sandals are back with a vengeance, with jelly kitten heels, jelly mules and basket-weave ballet flats in a host of vibrant hues all over the high street and our FYPs. So, read on to discover the many pairs of slip-on jelly sandals I’m lusting after, as well as how I’m planning to style my jelly sandals for the office, a weekend in the city and while on my summer hols.
Ahead, four ways to wear jelly sandals this summer, as confirmed by the fashion set.
Caged jelly shoes & a co-ord
To really let your jelly shoes do the talking, I’d settle on shorts as your base. And while you could lean into another of summer’s hero trends — shoutout bermuda shorts and long jorts — I’m personally being drawn to striped poplin options.
