"They May Be Unattractive, Yet I'm Still Eager for a Pair"—A Fashion Editor Shares Her Thoughts on Iris'…

      Occasionally, a shoe trend arises that seems destined for iconic status. Typically, these unique trends build upon a beloved style, reinterpreting a familiar shape in a surprising manner. Another clear indicator is a significant level of divisiveness. The most impactful shoe trends are often not universally embraced at first—their slightly contentious nature frequently adds to their appeal. When supported by a prominent luxury brand and a few celebrity endorsements, you've got all the elements of a potential cult classic. The current surge of jelly heels has truly found its moment.

      Building off the jelly shoe resurgence that has highlighted translucent flats and sandals in recent seasons, jelly heels present an upgraded interpretation of this nostalgic trend. This aesthetic was solidified earlier this year when Chloé showcased their jelly heeled slippers on the Spring/Summer 2026 runway, presenting the playful material in an unexpectedly refined manner. Since then, this rubbery style has steadily gained traction among fashion experts and celebrities.

      With their glossy plastic appearance, jelly heels inherently carry a touch of "ugliness" that is likely to split opinions. For some, this is exactly what makes them appealing. Our acting deputy editor at Who What Wear UK, Rebecca Rhys-Evans, has such a fondness for controversial shoes that she initiated a column on them. In her debut piece, she spotlighted the emerging 'princess shoe' trend, referring specifically to these Chloé mules. "These shoes resonate with my inner child, the girl who used to dress up in Disney princess costumes and dream of wearing something so fabulous in real life as she grew up. Now it turns out she can! Fashion can be overly serious at times, which is why I wholeheartedly embrace a trend that feels, well, fun! They may be deemed ugly by many, but I still yearn for a pair," she shared with me.

      In stark contrast to the soft leathers and refined suedes we typically associate with sophistication, the clear rubber material evokes memories of the princess dress-up heels many of us wore as kids, creating a shoe that is nostalgic, playful, and intentionally unconventional, making it all the more enticing. Personally, I sense a distinct whimsy in jelly heels that suits high-summer attire. Just this week, model Iris Law was spotted in a soft amber pair of Chloé's popular jelly heels, styled with a floral mini dress from the same French fashion house.

      Adorned with a delicate anklet, Law’s outfit embraced the playful essence of the shoes while showcasing how effortlessly they can integrate into a summer wardrobe. Far less serious than many other heel trends currently dominating the fashion scene, jelly heels provide both height and elegance while bringing a welcomed sense of fun to any ensemble. While Chloé’s runway version may have ignited the trend, I've also noticed stylish interpretations at Free People, Mango, and ASOS. If you're as captivated by this playful shoe style as I am, keep scrolling to shop my curated selection of the best jelly heels available now.

      **Shop Jelly Heels:**

      Explore the specific styles that Iris adores.

      **Free People**

      Spritz Jelly Thong Sandals

      Style these with jeans or combine them with a summery mini.

      **River Island**

      Beige Jelly Toe Thong Sandals

      I’d easily believe you if you said this was a designer pair.

      **Steve Madden**

      Kitten Heel Square Toe Sandals

      The tortoise print trend shows no signs of waning.

      **Asos Design**

      Holiday Jelly Kitten Heel Toe Thongs

      Introduce a splash of color to your summer lineup.

      **Mango**

      Jelly Strap Heeled Sandal

      Act quickly! I doubt this will remain in stock for long.

      These are also available in a stylish shade of amber.

      **Stradivarius**

      Kitten Heel Sandal

      The jelly shoe trend continues to thrive.

      **Tory Burch**

      Jelly Heel Flip-Flop

      Pair these with jeans for a sophisticated take on summer fashion.