There’s something wonderfully dissonant about slipping your feet into shoes you wore to the pool in 1997. Leave it to the fashion gods to rebrand the jelly as the It sandal of summer, again.
And honestly? Into it.
It started last summer with The Row’s Mara Jelly. It sold out in seconds, but the ripple effect stuck. Now, there’s a whole new wave of grown-up jellies worth considering. Here’s my edit of the ones actually worth wearing this summer (all linked here):
The Greek Island Jelly
Delicate, ethereal, and handmade in Greece. These add just enough shimmer to feel elevated, but still casual enough for a beach dinner. Bonus points if you style them with a white gauze dress and an Aperol spritz. Also love THESE and THESE by the brand.
The Barely-There Jelly
A minimalist tonal flip flop that slips on with ease. Handcrafted in Italy from semi-transparent PVC that reads more elevated than elementary. The kind of jelly that looks just as good poolside as it does with a silk slip dress at dinner.
The Fashion Insider’s Favorite
IYKYK. These are the jellies that have quietly won over the cool girls (now in soft matte tones like cloud, sand, and nude). An easy yes for everyday wear.
The Sub-$50 Icon
Playful, nostalgic, and honestly still so wearable. These are perfect if you’re just jelly-curious but not ready to commit. Also: ideal for chasing toddlers or being the fun aunt.
The Quiet Luxury Jelly
Understated and comfortable with a modern silhouette, this is your stealth-wealth jelly. Think: sleek slides you can wear straight from the beach to dinner. Also love THESE by the brand.
Whether you're heading to the Amalfi Coast or just your local farmers market, these jellies deserve a spot in your summer rotation.