A decade ago, I made the regrettable decision to purchase a pair of clear, sparkly PVC fisherman sandals from American Apparel. My naive mind overlooked the scorching heat of the San Fernando Valley and the inevitable blistering that would result from wearing plastic shoes. Not only were they excruciatingly uncomfortable, but I also found them impossible to style. Needless to say, my jelly sandals languished in the closet after their brief debut, and I vowed never to repeat that sartorial mistake.
However, a recent runway offering from The Row, the fashion brand helmed by Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, has forced me to reconsider my anti-jelly stance. During their Paris show last September, The Row unveiled a pair of woven flats that have since become a coveted item on editor wishlists and may well be the answer to the mesh flats craze of 2024. These sophisticated flats offer a more refined alternative to the chunky PVC sandals of my youth. With their clear and light pink colorways, The Row’s cage flats appeal even to those who prefer understated dressing—a quality I found lacking in the loud and flashy jellies of the past. For those who embrace bold and vibrant hues, the flats also come in cherry red and electric blue, reminiscent of summery slushies.
There is little doubt that these shoes will dominate the fashion landscape this summer, but the resurgence of jelly sandals has been building momentum for some time now, thanks in part to the influence of celebrities. Taylor Swift has channeled the ’80s appeal of the shoe, pairing pink jelly fisherman sandals with a timeless white tank and jeans for her recent music video release. Blake Lively has embraced the trend with a sweet summer sundress, while Jennifer Lawrence has opted for a more casual look, teaming her pink jellies with jeans and a T-shirt. It seems only a matter of time before Lawrence, a known fan of The Row, incorporates their jelly flats into her wardrobe.
Despite the celebrity endorsements and the stylish appeal of The Row’s designs, I remain somewhat apprehensive about the potential for blisters. However, I must admit that these jelly flats are tempting enough to make me consider the possibility of Band-Aid-covered feet. Ultimately, the resurgence of jelly sandals is a testament to the cyclical nature of fashion, and The Row’s elevated interpretation may just persuade me to give this nostalgic trend another chance.
