Every summer is like a scene from a rom-com, and this year’s heroine isn’t wearing Birkenstocks; she’s wearing mesh ballet flats. From Hollywood to the Mediterranean, the It girls can’t seem to step outside without a pair. Since I’ve also madly fallen under their spell, I’m here to explain why everyone is hitting “add to cart.”
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All icons have a debut, and for the mesh ballet flats, it was the year of 2022. The Row may have brought the idea to the table in 2019, but it was Alaïa under Pieter Mulier’s vision that propelled the resurgence. Almost every brand from Charles & Keith to Prada have welcomed the coveted silhouette
Image Credit: Stock Birken from Unsplash
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Act 1: The Celebrity Movement
Spotted! The fashionistas of Hollywood are in a love affair with the mesh ballet flats.
While Jennifer Lawrence casually strolled in New York with a black pair, Emily in Paris star Lily Collins packed them for a trip to Mykonos.
In the movie industry, the flats are stealing all the spotlight (almost). Anne Hathaway’s off-duty looks from the whirlwind of The Odyssey premiere tour incorporated the prized possession. I don’t know about you, but I would travel ten years for a pair of these.
The silhouette also got a stamp of approval from Margot Robbie at the airport. Not only are they the perfect footwear, but they are also a travel companion.
Image Credit: Gabe from Unsplash
Act 2: The Anatomy of an Icon
Every icon has a reason for being loved. For this one, it’s simple. The secret comes from its dual personality: comfortable yet chic. Why bother with uncomfortable stilettos when you could look equally polished in ballet flats? Or why battle sweaty leather loafers in the summer, when you have a built-in cooling system? So, what are people doing? Choosing the best of both worlds.
You get the femininity of a ballet slipper and the demand of practicality from the modern zeitgeist. It’s a buy-one-get-one-free deal. In the same pair of flats, you can transition from a coffee run to an elegant dinner with just a quick outfit change.
It’s the versatility that has won everyone’s hearts. She’s for and with the people.
Image Credit: Elle Kwee from Pexels
Act 3: Meh or Mesh?
In any movie there is bound to be a villain, and the mesh ballet flats have found many on their journey. Critics argue that the weave is identical to fishing nets. I think they are just inspired. Even raffia was used for baskets, mats, and floor rugs. But now we see it in the Loewe basket bags. Denim was once used for tents and wagon covers, but what do we have now? Jeans. The mesh ballet flats are a character of the same script.
What’s one more enemy? Toes, apparently.
Many can’t accept that footwear with visible toes could ever be considered elegant. But I think it’s less about revealing your toes and more about revealing a little detail.
The real winners of this fight are nail salons, because who doesn’t love a good peek-a-boo pedicure? After all, they are a part of the outfit.
Image Credit: Felix Young from Pexels
Act 4: Makeover Montage
The mesh ballet flats are ready for their next scene. This one is all about styling, styling, and styling. If you are wondering how to make the most of this season’s shoe, consider this your unofficial script.
Scene 1: Summer Uniform
This one’s for everyone who is chasing comfort and cool this summer while still looking like a main character.
Katie Holmes might not have known she was going to change lives with this one. She stepped out in the sun, wearing a coral t-shirt paired with a midi white skirt. But the real star of the show was her two-toned sandy and beige Margot 3.0 flats from Vivaia. It tied the outfit together perfectly and made the look seem effortless. Plus, it was just a cherry on top that Holmes was carrying a bouquet of flowers.
Scene 2: Off-Duty
Gigi Hadid continues to remind us the value of elevated basics. White fishnet Alaïa flats, blue medium-wash jeans, a purple sweatshirt, and a white t-shirt create the perfect “out-and-about” look. Talk about quintessential minimal effort. Whether it’s a coffee run or brunch, nothing beats the classic jeans and sweatshirt combo.
Scene 3: One Ticket to Paris
It’s clear that it’s Alaïa’s world, and we are just living it. Sofia Richie Grainge styled her own white fishnet Alaïa ballet flats at the birthplace of haute couture. Looking dinner-ready, she combined a black and ivory striped shirt with a matching tie, and white trousers. Her go-to Loro Piana Extra Pocket L27 Wicker bag also seemed to snag a ticket, accompanying her Parisian look.
Casting Call
What can a girl do to get her hands on a pair of these? Luckily, I found just the perfect pairs for you. From luxury to affordable gems, I present to you the best mesh ballet flats of the season.
Alaïa: Ballet Flats in Fishnet, $990.00 USD
Inspired by a classic Japanese shoe, these flats are taking the world by storm. They are also having their own little Mary Jane moment, with a buckle strap. Made in Italy, this piece includes calfskin and lamb leather, while also including polyamide. My personal favourite colour is optical white; however, they are also available in black, light nude, and more.
Jewel Badgley Mischka: Nuala Embellished Flat, $89.00 USD
These round-toed ballet flats are just the thing to wear to an elegant party. What steals the show are the shimmering beads paired with nude mesh that are sure to catch the eye of many. You get the Cinderella glass slipper look without having to suffer for hours in four-inch heels.
Sam Edelman: Michaela Riviera Mary Jane Flat, $97.99 USD
These flats are a statement piece that I think needs to be in every wardrobe. Playful and fun, they feature floral patterns on a nude mesh base, with the addition of pastel sequins. These flats are just glamorous enough to not be obnoxious. It’s another rounded toe ballet flat, with a low throat that is closed with a cute buckle. Someone needs to wear these in Ibiza as soon as possible.
Miu Miu: Embroidered Mesh Ballerinas, $1,290 USD
If there’s one pair of mesh ballet flats that capture the summer spirit, it’s these ones. Light and airy, these mesh ballet flats include beautiful cross-stitch floral embroidery. These flats can do it all without any effort.
If the Shoe Fits…
I don’t know about next summer, but for this one the mesh ballet flats will be in the end credits. Whether you think it’s a fashion faux pas or an absolute masterpiece, one thing is for sure—you can’t ignore them.
