Plastic Fantastic: Let's Embrace the Jelly Sandal Revival

There’s a new shimmer underfoot in Riyadh this summer

Chloe SS25 Jelly Sandals

There’s a new shimmer underfoot in Riyadh this summer—not from sequins or Swarovski, but from the unexpected return of the jelly sandal. Once reserved for childhood holidays and poolside play, the jelly has made a glossy comeback for Summer 2025, emerging as one of the city’s most surprising style statements.

The jelly sandal is having its moment, not as a novelty, but as a conscious choice by women embracing comfort, joy, and just the right dose of fashion irony. The global trend, which bubbled up across the Spring/Summer 2025 runways, has found a distinctly regional rhythm here: styled with linen abayas, crisp cotton kaftans, and statement bags, Riyadh’s take on the jelly is polished, elevated, and sun-ready.

At the forefront of the revival is Chloé, whose SS25 show reintroduced the jelly with poetic finesse. Their sculptural thong sandal, cast in soft PVC and elevated by a seashell-shaped kitten heel, has already landed in Riyadh’s luxury boutiques. Worn with a silk tunic or wide-leg trousers, it brings a whisper of the French Riviera to Tuwaiq’s modern skyline.

The Row, ever the purveyor of quiet luxury, offers jellies in matte crimson and sheer turquoise—sleek enough for an art opening at Misk or an afternoon coffee at Over Jar. Meanwhile, Bottega Veneta delivers a more structured statement with its Medusa jelly fisherman sandal, its architectural lines echoing Riyadh’s own skyline of glass and light. There’s something deeply modern about this particular version: utility, gloss, and design, all in one.

The appeal? In a region where temperatures regularly climb above 45°C, fashion must flex between style and function. The jelly sandal thrives in this heat—offering breathability, durability, and a glimmering sense of freedom. More than just a throwback, this trend aligns with a growing preference in Riyadh for fashion that feels personal and playful, yet unapologetically polished.

And while the jelly may have roots in nostalgia, Riyadh’s interpretation is undeniably forward-looking. It fits perfectly within the broader creative moment shaping the capital where fashion, art, and lifestyle increasingly reflect a blend of cultural heritage and contemporary taste.

So whether you're dressing for a gallery opening in JAX District or a seaside escape to Half Moon Bay, this season's jelly sandals are more than just a fashion footnote, they’re a conversation starter. One that's clear, chic, and entirely made for Riyadh.