There’s something about the idea of a seaside escape that makes your wardrobe suddenly feel like it’s gone through a breakup. What once felt chic in the office under harsh fluorescent lights now feels… too serious for sunshine. So as I packed for my trip to Brighton—sun, sea, pebbles and a hopeful forecast—I realized one thing: my shoe game needed a glow-up.
Now, I’ve always been a practical packer (read: anxious overthinker). My Google searches often include things like “can I wear jelly shoes to a dinner reservation?” or “sand-friendly but cute sandals.” During one of those spirals, I stumbled across Melissa UK and promptly got sucked into a rabbit hole of color, comfort, and those slightly translucent textures that scream “vacation vibes.”
What’s funny is, I wasn’t expecting to fall for them. I’m usually a neutral-toned sneaker girl—beige, grey, maybe a soft navy if I’m feeling wild. But something about Melissa’s bold shapes and that candy-sweet sheen made me curious. Like, why not try the pink? Or the glittery ones? I’m leaving the city, after all. And so, for the first time since my teen years, I bought shoes that sparkle unapologetically.
My first day in Brighton, I wore the Melissa Possession sandals—yes, the iconic ones that look like grown-up jelly shoes—with a white sundress. Instant strangers complimented me. A barista asked where I got them. A child pointed at my feet and said, “Mum, look! Princess shoes!” That kid gets it.
Beyond the charm, though, they were ridiculously comfy. I walked the whole pier, ate fish and chips by the shore, and even danced barefoot in the sand (because Melissa’s materials are waterproof and flexible, making them the anti-blister miracle I didn’t know I needed). No rubbing. No swelling. No emergency Band-Aids.
And here’s the thing: they somehow go with everything. Denim shorts? Check. Flowy skirt? Check. Swimsuit and oversized button-down for lazy lounging? Surprisingly, yes. I brought two pairs—one neutral, one neon—and I ended up not touching the other shoes I packed. The Melissa ones pulled their weight and then some.
I’ve since realized that what makes Melissa shoes different isn’t just their look (though that’s half the fun), it’s that they seem to be made for people who actually move. City walkers. Beach wanderers. Cocktail drinkers who might end up dancing at 2am. They’re playful without being childish. Bold without being uncomfortable. Fashion with a wink.
And now that I’m back in London, I’m still wearing them—to the market, on quick coffee runs, even to work on Fridays when I feel like the office could use a dose of sparkle. So yes, my trip ended, but my summer state of mind didn’t.
You can find them (and lose an hour scrolling, trust me) over at melissa uk. Just… don’t blame me when your monochrome closet starts looking a little too boring.