Alexa Chung, a long-standing style trendsetter, continues to impress with her unique ability to blend various fashion items, making almost anything appear chic. Her recent holiday ensemble is a prime example, centered around a pair of form-fitting, transparent shoes that blend the practicality of water shoes with the aesthetic of jelly flats. She showcased these versatile plastic shoes in two distinct looks: paired with a vibrant yellow Climax Books t-shirt for daytime wear and later, with an elegant lavender Pucci slip dress for an evening affair, as seen on her Instagram.
Upon investigating Chung's footwear, it was discovered that these retailed for approximately 17 euros online and originate from Cubanitas, a Portuguese brand under the parent company Cubanas. This brand specializes in casual, comfortable, and non-slip shoes crafted from water-friendly materials like PVC, making them perfectly suited for beach outings or travel to picturesque European locales such as Greece or the Amalfi Coast, known for their rugged terrains. Unfortunately, Cubanitas' distribution is primarily within Europe and through select international retailers, where sizing can be restricted and shipping costs substantial, limiting their availability in the U.S.
Despite the limited availability of Cubanitas in the U.S., these transparent footwear choices align perfectly with the burgeoning jelly-shoe revival, a trend that has been gaining momentum since 2025. Noted designers like Chemena Kamali and Pieter Mulier have breathed new life into these nostalgic, playful shoes, reimagining them for a more mature audience with sleek heels and sandals in soft pastel hues. For those eager to embrace this trend, the Iro Jelly flats by Ancient Greek Sandals offer a striking resemblance to Chung's style and are conveniently available in a spectrum of ten colors, providing alternatives for those who prefer a less translucent look. Additionally, other brands such as Tory Burch, Vince, and Dolce Vita offer their own interpretations of jelly footwear, ensuring a wide array of options to capture the essence of Cubanitas without needing a trip to Europe.
Fashion is a dynamic reflection of individuality and creativity, constantly evolving yet always offering avenues for personal expression. Embracing unique styles like Alexa Chung's choice of jelly shoes not only highlights comfort and practicality but also demonstrates how a touch of playful innovation can elevate everyday attire. This ongoing resurgence of nostalgic trends, reinterpreted for contemporary tastes, encourages us to explore beyond conventional boundaries and find joy in fresh, imaginative combinations, reminding us that true style is about confident self-expression and the willingness to experiment with what resonates with us.