FYI: These Are the Anti-Sandal Shoes People in Paris and NYC Are Wearing With Jeans and Black Trousers
From Paris to New York, the coolest dressers I know are wearing red mesh flats with their jeans and black trousers instead of sandals. Scroll down to see and shop the trend.


As someone who isn't the biggest fan of open-toe shoes, sandal season can be tricky for me. Between the awkward tan lines strappy sandals cause and my fear of someone spilling coffee over my feet on my daily commute in London, I've always preferred shoes that are more covered up. Until now, this has meant that I've invested in far more fisherman sandals than I'd like to admit. However, recently I've spotted a new shoe style being worn with everything from casual jeans to tailored black trousers on the streets of New York, London and Paris, and I'm already on board. Enter the red mesh ballet flat.
Equal parts chic and timeless, I've been noticing more and more red mesh flats on my commute to work, as well as on my favourite fashion influencers on Instagram. And the best part? They somehow pair well with everything. As a more minimal dresser myself, I'll always appreciate a shoe that can dress up even the most basic of outfits without being too trend-led. And fashion people have proven that this bolder shoe style can add interest to classic jeans and black trousers alike without feeling too out-there.
And, of course, red mesh ballet flats will work equally as well in the capsule wardrobes of maximalists, pairing well with everything from brighter shades to fun prints and patterns.
With the ability to both cover up my feet completely and remain light and breathable in the heat due to the sheer material, not to mention the daring hue that adds an instant pop of elevation to an outfit, red mesh pumps are the perfect alternative to sandals to wear from now and into early autumn.
Keep scrolling to look at my edit of the best red mesh ballet flats to invest in this season.
Shop Red Mesh Ballet Flats

As WWW UK’s editorial assistant, Brittany focuses on creating compelling fashion and beauty content for site. She supports the fashion team on shoots and with styling, and works closely with the Managing Editor on recurring columns and franchises. With a particular passion for fragrance—and a personal collection to match—she has a passion for all things fashion, beauty and lifestyle related.
Prior toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing
, Brittany worked as the Shopping Assistant at Reach Plc and across a number publications, including OK!, Notebook, S Mag and The Mirror. In this role, she was responsible for creating on-site beauty and fashion content, compiling shopping grids and campaigns for the print magazine as well as filmed and edited weekly video content for the brand’s social media account.
-
Here They Are: The 6 Biggest Boot Trends of Fall 2025
Exotic finishes! Sock boots! Western motifs!
-
My Mom Only Shops Affordable Fashion—I Sent Her These 27 Chic Rich-Looking Pieces for Fall 2025
Everything is under $100.
-
EverythingBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing Editors Saw, Wore, Did, and Ate During NYFW
Let's dive in, shall we?
-
Loafers Are Great, But If You're Bored, This Is the Classic Flat Shoe Trend to Try Next
Could this be the new It flat shoe for fall?
-
After 2 Weeks in Italy, I'm Convinced I Need the Shoe Trend Every Chic Woman in Milan and Rome Was Wearing
Forget ballet flats.
-
When All You Know Is That You Don't Want to Wear Black Shoes, Go With the Color Victoria Beckham Just Wore
A simple yet very impactful swap.
-
Hold the Brown and Black Jackets—Experienced Shoppers Are Swapping Them for Ones in This Fancy Color
Elsa Hosk wouldn't lead us astray.
-
Not Classic Ballet Flats, Not Loafers—Everyone With Cool Style Will Be Wearing These Shoes With Black Trousers in Fall 2025
As seen on Katie Holmes.