This Flat-Shoe Trend Has Fashion People Hooked, and It's Great With Jeans and Linen Skirts

The most stylish people I know are wearing these divisive flats with jeans, skirts and shorts this summer. See my favourite pairs below.

Debora Rosa wears the Alaia Ballet Flats in Fishnet and an ecru pleated skirt.

(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

As a fashion editor, there's something so fun and satisfying about seeing a trend start to percolate and then really take hold over the course of a few seasons.

Such is the case with the growing mesh-flats trend. An unlikely footwear hero, mesh ballet flats have fast become a favourite amongst the fashion set, especially in the summer months, thanks to their ability to keep your feet cool and covered without compromising on style. These semi-sheer designs are gossamer-thin, crafted from breathable mesh that allows air to circulate, making them the perfect warm-weather alternative to traditional ballet flats.

Influencer TyLynn Guyen wears The Row sock shoe in beige, a brown suit trouser, and off-yellow shirt and brown belt.

TyLynn Nguyen wears The Row's Sock Shoe in Nude Nylon

(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

Popularity has been steadily growing for mesh flats since The Row’s nylon Sock Shoe landed on the scene, and the cool, minimal flats have been spotted on many a fashion person since. But it was Alaïa’s highly coveted fishnet ballet flats that really pioneered the trend. Launched in May 2022, they quickly and repeatedly sold out, and are now considered a cult designer buy.

Since then, designers including Proenza Schouler, Bottega Veneta and Christopher Esber have embraced the trend, each offering unique, super-stylish interpretations of the shoe trend in their collections. But it’s not just luxury labels leading the charge; high-street favourites such as Mango, H&M and Zara have launched affordable alternatives that rival their designer counterparts.

Anne-Laure Mais wears Dear Frances mesh ballet flats, adidas tracksuit trousers, a biege waistcoat and a white t-shirt.

Anne-Laure Mais wears Dear Frances Balla mesh ballerinas

(Image credit: @annelauremais)

With celebrities such as Jennifer Lawrence, Sofia Richie Grainge and Zendaya embracing the mesh ballet-flat trend, all of whom are celebrated for their effortless street style, there's plenty of inspiration when it comes to styling these flats, too. From low-rise jeans to breezy midi skirts, their outfits show just how versatile this shoe really is. It’s no surprise then, that searches for "mesh Mary Jane ballet flats" have surged over 120% on Google Insights lately.

Chloé Harrouche Founder and Creative Director of louloudesaison wears the Khaite Beige Mesh with Pink Floral Embroidery.

(Image credit: @louloudesaison)

Keep scrolling to see 11 of the most stylish mesh flats to shop now, from embellished pairs to slingback silhouettes, mules and more, along with some outfit inspiration if you’re wondering how to wear them this season.

Influencer Dawn Tan wears the Dear Frances Balla mesh ballet flats a black slip skirt a cropped leather jacket and a white hobo bag.

Dawn Tan wears Dear Frances Balla mesh ballerinas

(Image credit: @dawn.tan)

See the Best Mesh Ballet Flats Worth Investing In

After extensive research and having tried a few pairs of mesh ballet flats myself, I can safely say that these three styles are some of the most comfortable and versatile around.

Influencer Brittany Bathgate still image of The Row sock ballet flats.

(Image credit: @brittanybathgate)

The Best Mesh Flats:

  1. Best Original Mesh Ballet Flats: The Row Sock Shoe in Nylon (£670)
  2. Best Designer Mesh Ballet Flat: Alaïa Ballet Flats in Fishnet (£690)
  3. Best Mid-Range Mesh Ballet Flat: Dear Frances Balla Mesh Studded Ballerina (£460)

Influencer Rikke Krefting Ulstein wears the Alaia mesh ballet flats, and white mini dress.

Rikke Krefting Ulstein wears Alaïa Ballet Flats in Fishnet

(Image credit: @rikkekrefting)

Shop the Best Mesh Ballet Flats:

1. Alaïa Ballet Flats in Fishnet

2. Dear Frances Balla Studs Mesh Studded Ballerina

3. Zara Heart Print Mesh Ballerina Shoes

4. The Row Sock Shoe in Nylon

5. Le Monde Beryl Luna Slipper in Mesh

6. Loeffler Randall Landon Leopard-Print Mesh Ballet Flats

7. Reformation Britt Ballet Flat

8. Hush Mesh Mary Jane Ballerina Flats

9. Khaite Marcy Mesh Flat With Crystals

10. Charles Keith Mesh Ballet Flats

11. Na-KD Crochet Ballerina

This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Jennifer Camp Forbes
Senior Shopping Editor

Jennifer Camp Forbes is a senior shopping editor atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , where she has worked in a variety of capacities including creative director and various editor roles. She’s a well-known shopping expert that’s sought out for advice and insight on Wholesale Replica Bag trends, outfit ideas, and fashion picks thanks to her thoughtful shopping roundups. Jennifer's lifelong interest in fashion led her to intern at Harper’s Bazaar as an undergraduate. Later, while working towards her masters degree in psychological counseling at Columbia University, she founded two digital fashion publications: Le Fashion and Olsens Anonymous. The popularity of both sites grew and after graduation she decided put her plans to become a therapist aside to pursue a career in fashion.

With contributions from