Embrace '90s Jelly Sandals For Those Colourful Summer Outfits

Let’s take a trip down memory lane, shall we? If you’re a ’90s baby like myself, you may remember wearing classic jelly sandals made out of translucent rubber. Alongside other newly considered vintage gems—like butterfly hair clips, bedazzled T-shirts, and denim overalls—the best jelly sandals exist as beloved fashion mementos in my mind.

According to brands and style experts, though, jellies are not just a past trend to fondly remember—they’re also to be worn in the present. At Coach’s Spring 2023 show, creative director Stuart Vevers sent a flock of models down the runway in glittery jelly sandals. New York City accessories label Telfar recently re-created its signature tote bags in an iridescent jelly material with mule sandals to match, through a collaboration with the jelly sandal label Melissa. All four styles promptly sold out.

Although the resurgence of jellies might have been a shock to some, fashion trends are cyclical; they were due for a comeback. “Everything that’s old is new again, and jelly sandals are a comfortable option that boasts a nostalgic flair,” style expert Blake Newby observes.

And the best jelly sandals aren’t just a wink to the past; they’re also an exceptionally functional walking sandal. “Jelly sandals are easy to slip into, they don’t sacrifice style, and they will pair easily with your favourite beach dress or casual evening outfit,” explains Arianna Casadei, CEO of Italian footwear brand Casadei. They’re also much more versatile than you may remember: “They can be super bold à la Prada or very classic à la Valentino,” says Selima Salaun, fashion expert and founder of Selima Optique.

Ahead, experience an ode to the past, by way of the 15 best jelly sandals for your summer wardrobe.

Related article: Wedge Sandals Are Back: The 20 Comfiest Pairs To Wear This Summer

BEST SUSTAINABLE JELLY SANDALS

Melissa Possession Jelly Fisherman Sandal

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If your goal is to shop ethically, try Melissa’s collection of jellies. The brand has been around for decades and recently made hugely eco-conscious strides by creating 100 percent recyclable products. A favorite is this pair of jelly sandals in a grape hue, a confection of fruit-scented PVC.

Sizes: 5–10

Colours: Purple, blue, orange, pink

What reviewers are saying: “Cute and comfortable. Going to get this in other colors.”

BEST DATE NIGHT JELLY SANDALS

Ferragamo Lylia Bow-Detailed PVC Slides

One of Salvatore Ferragamo’s most prominent symbols is the sophisticated yet romantic “Vera Bow” perched on top of these slides. It’s a detail that takes a beachy jelly slide into date night territory.

Sizes: 5–10

Colours: Pink

BEST JELLY SANDAL SLIDES

Ganni Vegea Slide Sandals

Ganni’s Vega Slide Sandals are especially unique because of their composition. These jelly slides are made of leftover grape skin derived from winemaking—a plant-based alternative to leather and rubber.

Sizes: 37–43 EU (6–12 U.S.)

Colours: Yellow

BEST FISHERMAN JELLY SANDALS

Coach Jelly Glitter PVC Logo Sandals

Coach started the jelly sandal resurgence at its Spring 2023 show last September. Models graced the runway in a spectacle of shiny fisherman sandals, similar to the glitter-dusted pair seen here.

Sizes: 5–11

Colours: Gold, purple

BEST SUMMER JELLY SANDALS

Ralph Lauren Audrie Jelly Sandals

Ralph Lauren’s Audrie jelly sandal comes in a sky-blue hue with a high-shine finish, perfect for the height of summer. If your closet consists solely of neutral-colored shoes—we get it, neutrals are practical—try spicing up your shoe game with this pop of color.

Sizes: 6–10

Colours: Blue

BEST JELLY SANDALS FOR TRAVELING

Sam Edelman Jelly Slide Sandal

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Sam Edelman’s Bay Jelly Slide Sandals win our approval for the perfect travel shoes. They’re particularly comfortable due to their cushioned footbed, ideal for walking long distances.

Sizes: 5–11

Colours: Black, red, pink, white

What reviewers are saying: “Such cute sandals that are absolutely made for spring and summer. I sized down a 1/2 since they only come in whole sizes, and the fit is perfect.”

MOST VERSATILE JELLY SANDALS

Stuart Weitzman SW Bow Slides

These effortless slip-on sandals can pair with practically any outfit because, you guessed it, they’re clear. According to Selima Salaun, they’re dressier than they first appear. “Even though most people like to wear jelly sandals casually, I love to wear them with chic pieces like a long bohemian dress,” she says.

Sizes: 35.5–40 EU (4.5–9 U.S.)

Colours: Clear

BEST CHUNKY-HEEL JELLY SANDALS

Gucci Rubber Slide Sandal

When you think of a typical jelly sandal, a shimmery PVC pair might come to mind. But there are so many other versions to consider, like these chunky ’90s-era Gucci sandals. This pair is excellent for dipping a toe into the jelly sandal trend, without diving all the way into glittery rubber textures or fisherman styles.

Sizes: 4–12

Colours: White, black

BEST PLATFORM JELLY SANDALS

Prada Rubber Logo Chunky-Sole Fisherman Sandals

Platforms are popping up all over street style. You might find that sky-high fisherman jellies like these are more comfortable when worn with a pair of socks. To make it even more of a moment, follow Blake Newby’s outfit formula and add “a button-down with a fun sleeve, [plus a structured pair of shorts].”

Sizes: 6–12

Colours: Yellow, pink, black, white, dark blue, light blue

BEST FLIP-FLOP JELLY SANDALS

Casadei Jelly Jeweled PVC Flip Flops

Bejeweled with Swarovski crystals, these flip-flops can easily elevate a beach outfit. “I usually pair them with colorful kaftans to highlight their playful nature or with denim to dress up my everyday outfits,” Arianna Casadei says.

Sizes: 35–41 EU (5–10 U.S.)

Colours: Pink, blue, green

BEST JELLY SANDALS TO WEAR POOLSIDE

Tory Burch Eleanor Jelly Slide

Upgrade your poolside shoe with these water-resistant jelly slides. The stunning shade of green and slight heel take this summer essential to new heights—literally.

Sizes: 6–12

Colours: Green, pink, black, blue

What reviewers are saying: “The jelly sandals are a perfect summer shoe! They give so much style to a pool outfit and are extremely comfortable.”

BEST STATEMENT JELLY SANDALS

Michael Kors Jagger Logo-Charm Fisherman Sandals

“The desire for vibrant colors in our wardrobe is greater than ever, " Newby says. There’s no doubt that colorful statement pieces elicit joy, and these cheerful pink fisherman sandals are guaranteed to jazz up any outfit.

Sizes: 5–11

Colours: Pink, green, black

BEST BARBIECORE JELLY SANDALS

Santoni Women’s Patent Leather Flat Sandals

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Get your Barbie premiere outfit sorted with this pair of hot-pink jelly slides. The pop of colour is undoubtedly striking, and so is the bold buckle atop the sandal.

Sizes: 35.5–40.5 EU (4.5–9.5 U.S.)

Colours: Pink, black

BEST EMBELLISHED JELLY SANDALS

Valentino Garavani Rockstud Jelly Flip Flop

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Go for a punk-meets-glamour vibe with these studded jellies by Valentino. They’re just edgy enough, with the gold accents and black material. If you prefer a softer look, try the beige.

Sizes: 5–11

Colours: Black, beige

What reviewers are saying: “We all know Valentino Garavani flip flops are jewelry for the feet.”

BEST NEUTRAL JELLY SANDALS

Freedom Moses Bali Sands Slides

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Every shoe deserves to shine, but sometimes neutral shoes can be obscured by an outfit. To really draw attention to these woven-effect neutral jellies, Blake Newby recommends styling them with a maxi pleated skirt and a simple tank top. “It’s understated and allows the shoe to do the talking,” she says.

Sizes: 5–12

Colours: Beige, cream, black

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This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US.