This Nostalgic Shoe Is Summer’s Most Unexpected Hero

There are few things more satisfying than watching a childhood classic make its way back into the fashion lexicon, especially when it’s done right. Enter the jelly sandal: once a sticky staple of the ’90s schoolyard, now reimagined as the surprise statement shoe of Summer 2025.

But these are not the glitter-drenched, squeaky soles of your elementary school days. Today’s jellies have undergone a full-fledged fashion renaissance. Credit for this revival belongs, in large part, to The Row. The brand’s now-cult Mara jelly flat, a minimalist reinterpretation rendered in translucent PVC, took fashion insiders by storm when it debuted. What followed was a ripple effect across the industry. Suddenly, jellies were no longer a kitschy throwback, they were covetable, directional, and modern.

The Mara sparked a wave of reinterpretations: from The Row’s own Gaia sandal to bold platforms, nostalgic Mary Janes, and pared-back slides that feel right at home in even the most curated capsule wardrobe.

Today’s versions are sleek, sculptural, and unexpectedly sophisticated.

I’ll admit, I was skeptical. When the trend began popping up, I couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. How could something so inherently kitschy possibly work in the real world—on hot city streets, at outdoor events, or styled with anything beyond a bikini?

Still, curiosity won. I took a chance on a clear pair just in time for the weekend. Not only did they hold up, they sparked conversations and compliments. The comfort was undeniable, and yes, they actually looked good.

So good, in fact, that I immediately bought another pair.

What surprised me most? Their versatility. Since that fateful weekend, I’ve styled my jellies in six ways, each one proving their ability to complement a variety of looks. Here’s how:

LOOK 1: AN UNEXPECTED PATTERN

Jellies tone down bold prints with a modern sensibility. I went with gingham, which when executed with precision, can appear striking, elevated, and significantly more editorial than country club.

LOOK 2: A FAVORITE PAIR OF DENIM JEANS

A high-low mix that reads more editorial than juvenile. Once it was evident that I could pair these comfortably with a pair of denim, I knew they’d be a reliable casual option for the season.

LOOK 3: A SHIRT DRESS

The perfect summer staple on heavy rotation paired with a jelly pop of color created a balanced and breezy look with just enough structure.

LOOK 4: A SATIN MIDI SKIRT

A refined pairing that plays with texture. I paired it with a white button up shirt to play down the formality of wearing satin.

LOOK 5: A PAIR OF LINEN PANTS & A SUMMER KNIT

Light and breathable. There’s something that feels so wonderfully effortless and fun about linen pants and lightweight knits (even if it takes all day to achieve a wrinkle free look), which is why they seemed like the perfect choice for this pairing.

LOOK 6: A BLACK TAILORED TROUSER

Pairing jelly sandals with trousers adds a playful, unexpected twist to a polished look, blending nostalgic charm with modern street style.

Each look felt fresh and functional, delivering that rare combination of ease and style.

Of course, no fashion revival is without its flaws. Jelly sandals do come with a few caveats. Most notably, they leave quirky tan lines (consider them seasonal souvenirs), and the top of the foot can feel slightly exposed. Still, these are small compromises for the comfort and charm the shoe provides.

The jelly sandal’s resurgence is more than just a nostalgic comeback. It reflects where fashion is headed this summer: toward lightness, levity, and a bit of irreverence. We’re embracing pieces that are not only practical but also bring joy. This trend may be fleeting, but that’s what makes it special. It’s a reminder that fashion can be both expressive and effortless, fun yet functional.