Summer 2025's Most Nostalgic Shoe Trend Gives New Life To A Formerly Outdated Look

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Here's a look tailor-made for Millennials nostalgic for childhood summer: jelly sandals. These flirty, squishy shoes have made a comeback everywhere from your community pool to the high-fashion runway. Whether you're looking for a brightly colored sandal cage sandal, an elevated flip flop, or the Barbie-esque, kitten-heeled version Chloé debuted for spring, these playful plastic sandals are available in a ton of different styles that are perfect for your adult life.

"Right now, a lot of the trends that were around when Millennials were younger are coming back," explains stylist Katie Schuppler, founder of KS Style Consulting, in an exclusive interview with Women. "I think it brings a lot of nostalgia and reminiscence of our childhood." Now that this generation has more influence on shaping fashion trends, it seems inevitable that they would recreate style in the image of their childhood favorites. That explains why jellies are one of several previously outdated trends that are coming back with a vengeance in 2025. This summer trend presents the opportunity to splurge on the jelly shoes you might have only dreamed of as a kid. But while these easygoing sandals might be peak nostalgia, the new generation is refined, fresh, and totally grown up.

One of the best parts about this trend revival is that jelly sandals pair with just about any outfit, and there are plenty of ways to wear them that feel mature and modern, stylist Katie Schuppler tells Women exclusively. "Since Bermuda shorts are really popular this summer, they would be fun and updated to pair with the jelly shoe trend," she says. "Another way to style [your sandals], if you wanted to dress them up a little more, would be with a casual, shorter summer sundress!" She emphasizes that they combine beautifully with many of the trending warm weather styles, including the hottest summer dress trends for 2025.

A pair of sandals like this classic Melissa Obsession Jelly Shoe is the perfect option to throw on for a day at the beach since you don't need to stress about getting these comfortable, airy shoes wet. But something like this mesh-style Molozoey Clear Jelly Shoe can also be refined enough to pair with a dress for an evening out. Or, let wrong shoe theory elevate your outfit to new heights and wear these sleek but casual Sam Edelman Dean Flip Flops with an oversized daytime look for a pop of the unexpected à la the Olsen twins.