How to Wear Jelly Sandals (Without Looking Too Juvenile)

I also like that jelly sandals come in so many different silhouettes and price points—from casual slides to kitten heel styles to more minimal thong sandals. In today’s post, I’m sharing three ways I’ve been styling them lately, along with a few thoughts on what makes this trend feel chic rather than childish.

Minimal & Understated: Strappy Jelly Sandals

Technically, my first pair of jelly sandals isn’t new this season. You may remember the Loeffler Randall Dana Brown Strappy Jelly Sandals I fell in love with last summer. I still have them and can’t wait to start wearing them again now that our weather is warming up.

They have a flat plank footbed and a minimalist strappy design with gold ball detailing that has inspired multiple “dupes” on the market. The leather version is gorgeous, but this jelly material gives them a fresh, playful twist while still keeping the overall look sleek and understated.

I wore them here with wide-leg jeans with a shoelace drawstring waist and a chocolate brown ribbed tank for a casual look with a bit of boho flair that’s right up my alley. But I’ve also worn them with everything from dark-wash wide-leg jeans and a cashmere sweater tank to a printed midi dress and other simple summer basics. That’s what makes this pair such a favorite—they’re playful, but still incredibly wearable.

Loeffler Randall Dana Brown Strappy Jelly Sandals (8) // KUT from the Kloth jeans (8) // similar tank (L) // J.Crew earrings // Tom Ford sunnies

Elevated & Modern: Woven Jelly Heels

Fast forward to this season, and the first style I tried—the one that made me realize I wasn’t one-and-done with the jelly sandal trend—was these Dolce Vita Galae Heels.

I was drawn to these because they felt a little more elevated than your typical flat jelly sandal. With the woven slide strap and tapered flare 2.5″ heel, they have a sleek, modern, dressed-up feel. They’re perfect for wearing with dresses or adding a polished touch to my favorite denim, as seen here.

I styled them with light-wash straight ankle jeans and an ivory and light blue crochet sweater that coordinates beautifully with the denim. The jeans are just a smidge too long to hit as a true ankle length on me, so the heel gives them just enough lift to make the proportions work.

I also like how the brown jelly sandals add a warm contrast to the cool tones of the outfit, and I repeated that rich brown tone with a wood beaded bag to tie it all together.

Dolce Vita Galae Heels (8) // PAIGE Stevie (30) // Melissa Nepton Jane Sweater (S) // Dolce Vita bag // Lili Claspe cuff // Luv Aj hoops c/o // Bryan Anthonys Sea Seeker & Sunshine necklaces c/o – 20% off with JOLYNNE20 // YSL sunnies

A Two-for-One Trend: Thong Jelly Kitten Heels

I’ve also been really drawn to the thong sandal silhouette on a kitten heel. It feels like such a great two-for-one trend this season, since thong kitten heel sandals are having a moment, and the minimal shape really appeals to my inner minimalist.

I actually mentioned this silhouette in yesterday’s summer 2026 fashion trends post, and it’s one I think feels especially chic right now.

I first noticed the Veronica Beard Clea, and I loved the mix of the wooden footbed and low kitten heel. That combination of textures felt really chic to me. Somewhere along the way, I also came across the Vince San Juan, and when I was at the mall a few weeks ago, I ended up trying both on. As it turned out, I liked the fit of the Vince much better—it had a wider footbed that worked better for my feet, a little more visual weight, and I liked the lucite kitten heel.

I actually purchased that pair, but in the meantime, the Steve Madden team offered to send me their Tracie Jelly.

When I had both the Vince and Steve Madden pairs at home to compare side by side, I ended up preferring the Steve Maddens. They felt a little lighter, both visually and literally, and for the difference in price, I just couldn’t justify keeping the Vince.

I feel like this thong sandal silhouette on a kitten heel is such a nice mix of elevated and casual, which really suits my style. And I think the jelly detail adds just enough fun without making it feel too serious.

Steve Madden Tracie Jelly c/o (8) (also at Nordstrom) // Michael Stars Jinny (M) (option) // KUT from the Kloth Meg (8) // EVEREVE belt (M/L) // Madewell woven shoulder bag c/o // Jenny Bird hoops c/o // Madewell cuff bracelet // YSL sunnies

Casual & Playful: Jelly Flip-Flops

This next pair is definitely the most casual and playful of the three, but I’ve also worn them with jeans and other simple basics when I want an easy summer sandal that still feels a little fun.

This next pair is definitely the most casual and playful of the three, and it actually brings me full circle—right back to Loeffler Randall. The Taryn Brown Jelly Flip Flops immediately drew me in because of the unexpected mix of the black foam footbed, brown jelly thong straps, and clear rhinestone embellishments. They’re such a fun combination of the ultra-casual feel of poolside flip-flops, a little sparkle, and the nostalgia of the jelly straps.

I’m always drawn to pieces that feel a little different without going too far out there, and these checked that box for me right away. I’ve already worn them a ton with everything from shorts to different styles of denim.

I actually think they look especially chic with my more casual wide-leg full-length jeans, where they just peek out a bit and catch the eye. But for this look, I styled them with jean shorts and a simple ribbed tank for an easy, casual summer outfit that feels fresh and fun.

Loeffler Randall Taryn Brown Jelly Flip Flop (8) // KUT from the Kloth Jane Denim Shorts (8) // Z Supply Sirena Colorblocked Rib Tank (L) // Quince cable sweater (M) // Madewell crossbody

What Makes Jelly Sandals Feel Chic Rather Than Childish?

Loeffler Randall Dana Brown Strappy Jelly Sandals (8) // PAIGE Anessa (30) // Sanctuary Charisma Dolman Mesh Tee (M)

• Choose sleeker silhouettes (kitten heels, minimal straps, woven details)
• Pair them with polished basics (denim, linen pants, midi dresses)
• Lean into modern neutrals
• Keep accessories simple and intentional

Jelly Sandals I’m Loving Right Now

If you’re looking to try the trend, here are a few more jelly sandal styles in a range of silhouettes and price points that caught my eye.

Final Thoughts on the Jelly Sandal Trend

At the end of the day, I think jelly sandals are one of those trends that can work for almost anyone—it really comes down to silhouette and styling. Whether you lean more minimal, polished, playful, or somewhere in between, there are so many options now that make this trend feel fresh and wearable.

How about you? Are you trying the jelly sandal trend this season, or sitting this one out?