The nostalgic PVC sandal is back in sleeker, more wearable silhouettes and easier to style than you’d think
If you’ve been seeing jelly sandals everywhere lately, you’re not imagining it. The translucent, PVC shoe that defined a lot of our childhoods has made its way back into fashion and this time it’s looking a lot more grown-up than we remember.
The comeback started on the runways, with The Row, Chloé, and Tory Burch all offering their own takes on the style. From there it trickled down to the high street, and now you’ll find jelly sandals in just about every price range and silhouette — fisherman flats, Mary Janes, mules, thong sandals, even a heeled version. Jennifer Lawrence has been a visible fan, photographed few years back in The Row’s PVC flats with jeans and a simple top, which is really all the proof you need that these can look genuinely cool.
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Despite the childhood associations, jelly sandals are surprisingly versatile. They work whether your style leans minimal and classic or you like to play with color, there’s a version for everyone, and you don’t have to spend a lot to try the trend.
How to style them
With jeans and a simple top. This is the easiest starting point. A clear or neutral-toned jelly flat with straight-leg jeans and a white tee keeps things effortless. The shoe adds just enough of an interesting detail to an otherwise simple outfit.
With a skirt or dress. Jelly sandals pair really well with flowy midi skirts and dresses. The lightness of the shoe complements looser, breezier silhouettes. A monochrome or neutral outfit lets a colored jelly stand out.
At the office. A Mary Jane or clean mule style works well with tailored pieces. Maybe a poplin skirt or straight trousers and a structured top.
With a bold color. If you want to lean into the fun side of the trend, a brightly colored jelly — red, blue, lime — works best when the rest of the outfit is kept simple and neutral. Let the shoe be the focal point.
Before you add this to your cart
Because jellies are made from synthetic materials, they don’t stretch the way leather does, so sizing up half a size is a good idea. Your feet will thank you after a few hours. Open-back styles like mules and slides tend to be more comfortable than closed silhouettes for the same reason.
And honestly, for our weather here, the waterproof factor is one of the best things about them. Rain, beach, wet floors, and flooded streets (we know, the horror) these shoes handle all of it without hassle. That alone makes them worth keeping around long after the trend has moved on.
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