Who knew that, x number of years later, we’d still be obsessing over jelly sandals. The plastic, candy-colored shoes that protected (whilst simultaneously blistering the heck out of) our feet throughout grade school are back. (They’re nearly as divisive as duck boots and Birkenstocks, but they’re back.) This happens every few years.
As Vogue points out, this has a lot to do with the versatility of jelly shoes. “The material’s mutability has been central to the shoe’s success since the Preston Haag family first premiered them in the U.S. at the Brazil exhibit of the 1982 World’s Fair,” writes Rachel Hahn. “After this successful debut, Haag changed the shoes’ style every six months regardless of how well the previous season’s models were selling.”
when I got the vision #JELLYslides @PUMA
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Three-odd decades later, jelly sandals have staked their claim in the upper echelons of fashion. Luxury labels as varied as Valentino, Givenchy, Sophia Webster, Simone Rocha and Fenty x Puma have helped in their proliferation. And it’s not just the malleability of jellies or Rihanna’s cosign that’s made them so darn popular. The umpteenth coming of the jelly has a lot to do with fashion’s current affinity for all things PVC. It also helps that we’re living in the age of good taste meets bad taste. These days, aesthetics matter less than satisfying some inner urge: For instance, our love of dressing as we did in the 90s.
That’s not to say jellies don’t serve any practical purpose. Summer’s in high gear and on days when we’re pool- and ocean-adjacent, they make fun, water-resistant substitutes for our fuzzy/velvet/satin/leather slides.
Ready to indulge your inner elementary schooler? Need further convincing that jellies are more than wearable date repellent? (Not that we dress for others, but you get our meaning.) Either way, click through the slideshow below for 21 cute jelly shoes that’ll do the trick.
[ Next: These 90s Fashion Trends Are Back Like They Never Left ]
Jelly Sandals
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Juju
Perfect for pairing with denim cutoffs and white ankle socks (to play up that pastel purple heel).
Kyra Jelly Shoes in Multi Glitter/Orchid, $38.59 at Juju
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Ted Baker
Bow-embellished straps are in the spotlight this season. Wear these with cropped denim flares.
Louwla Jelly Sandal, $80 at Amazon
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ASOS
These neutral jellies give you height without sacrificing comfort (flatforms FTW). Style them with sundresses or wide-leg pants.
Frou Jelly Flat Sandals, $19 at ASOS
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Simone Rocha
Leave it to Simone Rocha to design the most sophisticated jelly sandals ever. Highlight your Perspex-heeled footwear with a billowy midi dress.
Jelly Sandals, $620 at YOOX
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Urban Outfitters
With their thick block heel, wide bands and sloping sole, these jellies are a chic, sparkly choice for all-day wear. We'd play up the bronze with an all-black ensemble.
Jelly Quarterstrap Heel, $29 at Urban Outfitters
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Melissa
From the leader in plasticized footwear, a platform that cannot be ignored — or passed over. Wear yours with a kimono dress.
Donna Jelly, $39.99 at 6pm.com
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Forever 21
Minimalists with a nostalgic blind spot for jelly sandals, we hear you.
Two-Strap Jelly Sandals, $5 at Forever 21
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Valentino
Decorated with Valentino's signature "Rockstuds" (which are individually galvanized to maintain their shine), these easy slip-ons are perfect for any poolside shindig.
Silver Rockstud Jelly Bow Sandals, $295 at SSENSE
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Ancient Greek Sandals
Pay tribute to the Greek messenger god Hermes, avoid slipping on wet tile. Make like Karl Lagerfeld and pair your antiquity-inspired jellies with patterned maxi dresses and one-pieces worn under transparent robes.
Ikaria Jellie Wing Sandals, $125 at Saks
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J. Adams
Showcase your bright coral platforms with everything from cropped denim to midi skirts. We especially like these with white.
Platform Jelly Sandal, $21 at ZOOSHOO
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Lands' End
Add impact to casual looks. Style your would-be Birkenstocks with tailored shorts and a massive (iced) drink a la the Olsens.
Jelly Slide Sandals, $14.99 at Lands' End
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Salvatore Ferragamo
Voted "Least Likely to Be Recognized as Jelly Sandals" (by us), here's a pair you can actually wear to the office.
Favilia Jelly City Sandals, $295 at Shopbop
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Refresh
Rock these chunky (in a good way) platforms with cropped boyfriend jeans and a vintage tee.
Ramona Jelly Platform Sandal, $14.97 at Nordstrom Rack
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Forever 21
The shoes you obsessed over in grade school at a price you could (probably) afford even then.
Strappy Jelly Sandals, $12.90 at Forever 21
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Melissa Footwear x Jason Wu
Here, a more grown-up take on the trend. Showcase their sleek ankle strap with something cropped or midi.
Asymmetrical Jelly Sandal, $59.97 at Nordstrom Rack
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Jeffrey Campbell
The bold blue hue will add a pop of color to your look.
Jelly Slide Sandal, $44.95 at Nordstrom
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Stuart Weitzman
Here's what happens when the embellished footwear trend and the ugly shoe trend collide. Style these celestial jellies with skinny jeans and a tank or a diaphanous dress, depending on your mood.
Jelly Glass Noodles Star Sandals, $192 at Garment Quarter
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Givenchy
Givenchy's punky take on the trend calls for knee-length shorts and a silky tank top. Stick with black and white to avoid overwhelming your viewers.
Jelly Flat Sandals, $295 at mytheresa.com
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BC Footwear
Stay cozy, showcase your pride. We like these with true blue denim.
For You Sandal, $40 at American Eagle Outfitters
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Melissa Footwear
Set on a towering heel, these ultra glam, 70s-inspired jellies go with everything from cropped jeans to midi skirts.
Classic Lady Platform Sandal, $66 at Nordstrom Rack
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Fenty x Puma
Go big or go home; do Rihanna proud. Team these with wide-leg tearaway pants and a cropped boho blouse.
Jelly Slide, $90 at Farfetch
