Gen Z are reviving the controversial jelly trend from the 2000s but there's one issue
We should all know by now that fashion exists on a 20-year cycle, meaning that whatever was trendy two decades back will inevitably fall back into style today.
Given we're in the year 2026, many of the biggest trends at the moment are all references to whatever was in vogue back in the early 2000s.
Skinny jeans, Ugg boots, ballet flats, the whole 'jeans and a nice top' craze - you name it!
But Gen Z have since revived yet another particularly controversial fashion trend from the Y2K era - but there's one issue.
Advert
Now, the trend in question is all things jelly. Whether it's flip flops, pumps or even handbags, we've been seeing the stuff absolutely everywhere.
"Love these jelly tote bags!" penned one TikTok user.
"Will be wearing these jelly flats all summer," confessed a second as a third chimed in: "So cute, reminds me of the jelly shoes I wore when I was 10."
A fourth chirped: "I’m in love with these jelly loafers."
"Jelly flip flops 4 life," quipped a fifth as another echoed: "Jelly thongs are so timeless and just cool!"
"Oh, everything getting jelly-fied this summer," added a final TikTok user.
And it's not just social media users online; the jelly trend is being seen on all the major celebs right now too, including Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Lawrence, Kate Hudson and Alexa Chung, just to name a handful.
Celebrity stylist Oriona Robb exclusively explained to Tyla: "Jelly bags and shoes are one of those trends that instantly take people back. For Millennials, they're a throwback to childhood, while for Gen Z, they're something they've discovered through social media and made their own.
"Fashion always goes in cycles, but TikTok has sped that up massively. Once a few creators start styling something nostalgic in a fresh way, it doesn't take long before everyone wants in."
Part of the appeal, Oriona says, is that fashion is starting to loosen up again.
"We've had years of beige, quiet luxury and minimalist dressing, and people are craving a bit more personality," she continued. "Jelly accessories are fun, colourful and don't take themselves too seriously. They're an easy way to make a simple outfit feel more playful without spending a fortune."
However, as we say, there is a downside shoppers should keep in mind before they hop on the viral trend.
"The flip side is that they're a classic microtrend," the expert warned. "Because they're relatively cheap, there's a temptation to buy one in every colour, wear them for a few weeks and then move on to the next viral accessory.
"That's not great from a sustainability point of view, especially when so many are made from plastic. If you love the look, you're much better off hunting down a vintage version or choosing one you'll actually wear year after year rather than treating it as a one-summer purchase."
She resolved: "There's also a practical side to it. They're great for holidays, festivals and days at the beach because you don't have to worry about them getting wet or dirty.
"That's probably why they're having such a moment over the summer. They're fun, they're practical, and they photograph brilliantly, which is exactly what social media loves."
Topics: Gen Z, Fashion, Life, Social Media, Tyla Exclusive
Rhiannon Ingle