Kendall Jenner is back in the news—not for a red carpet appearance, but what she wore to the airport. The 29-year-old model and reality star was photographed arriving in Venice in what seems to be a controversial choice for travel footwear: jelly-style mesh ballet flats.
The flats were noticeable in bright blue and were paired with cropped black leggings and a light oversized top. Fans immediately noticed the sheer flats and a lot of them seemed shocked that Kendall would travel in a throwback and non-conventional travel shoe. Conventional travel footwear typically prioritize comfort over style but Kendall broke the mold. Regardless, the outfit started trending.
These are not just your average jelly shoes. The transparent flats echo '90s style with a fresh modern touch. And, they have been worn before by actress Jennifer Lawrence, so they're practically a no-brainer for A-listers seeking low-effort yet stand-out looks.
Fashion insiders suggest that the trend could potentially be tied to the larger comeback of retro, nostalgic styles that provide a mix of comfort and minimalism. While there may be differing views on whether jelly shoes are an appropriate air travel accessory, this pair definitely had everyone talking online.
Jennifer Lawrence, 34, has worn her fair share of experimental fashion. She has also worn jelly flats—sometimes called jelly shoes, most infamously while out for a casual-day in New York City earlier this year. While some think the shoes are "unhinged," others think they are a refreshing departure from boring airport sneakers or heavy boots.
Even the jelly flats are becoming more accessible online—many different brands and mostly all ranges of price, from luxury to low & affordable to flat-out cheap. Some of the flats have colored straps or crystals, while some, just have a clear look completely similar to the look Jenner wore.
Jelly flats have hit the fashion blog atmosphere and now social media influencer channels on Fashion TikTok and Instagram, where influencers try them on and continue to blog about their opinion. Some influencer blogs talk about how lightweight jelly flats are, while others say they are not supportive enough for long walks or travel days.
However, with major celebrities endorsing and trying jelly flats, including Kendall Jenner and Jennifer Lawrence, jelly flats sure are going somewhere. Whether this trend is a lasting style or just a summer trend is to be later determined; regardless jelly flats are currently one of the most talked about travel fashion statements.
