Shoes made of mesh? Sounds weird, we know. And yet this unlikely shoe has become a stealth fashion power player. Whilst crystal ballet shoes are still selling incredibly well, consider this mesh scuba style the understated, cooler cousin to their sparkly counterpart. Last year saw Dear Frances's mesh ballet flats take Instagram by storm, loved by influencers far and wide and, while they are still among the very best, there's a high street pair which has become the surprise sell-out hit of summer 2024 so far.
Ballet flats have had us in a chokehold (again) for some times now (it's fair to blame the re-emergence of Miu Miu's satin styles, as well as Alaïa's netted pumps), and whilst they'll always have a place on our wish-list, Arket's sell-out mesh ballerinas are our new favourites. Thankfully, after selling out (fast) these have now been restocked in all three colour-ways - punchy tomato red, cool white and classic black - but with a fan-base that's already on the rise, these are set to disappear quickly once more.
If you're wondering how to wear these mesh marvels, the good news is that they basically go with everything - from breezy summer dresses to slouchy linen trousers to sharp tailoring and horseshoe jeans and a tee. If you're bored of trainers or not quite ready for sandal season, mesh ballet flats will immediately add a sartorial flourish to your outfit. Plus, if you're off on your hols and are trying to pack light, mesh ballerinas flatten down and are super lightweight meaning you won't lose any valuable suitcase space.
Can't pick a colour? Black is always a safe bet and this pair is slightly less sheer than the other colours, so if you're not feeling the visible toe situation, the black pair is for you. Opt for off-white for a shade that'll easily slip into your everyday wardrobe or for something a little extra, bright red shoes are bang on trend for this season.
Shop: The Best Mesh Ballerinas
www.arket.com
Add a pop of colour to any outfit with the cherry red Arket ballet flats.
www.arket.com
This off-white shade gives a barely there effect, easy to wear and seriously comfortable, these mesh ballet flats will go with everything in your wardrobe.
www.arket.com
If black is your usual go-to, a black mesh ballerina is the perfect alternative to your usual sandals or trainers.
www.zara.com
Coming in at £35.99, these Zara mesh flats are the perfect purse-friendly alternative and also come in a beautiful buttermilk yellow.
uk.dearfrances.com
The viral Dear Frances' mesh ballet flats are tough to beat - available in seven different styles so you can find your faves.
www.massimodutti.com
These sleek black mesh ballet flats by Massimo Dutti have AIRFIT® insoles to give you a more cushioned and comfy fit - ideal for ballet flats which can be tough on your soles.
www.stories.com
Available in super chic cream or black, this pair of mesh ballet flats are slightly ruched making these ballerinas easy to wear and won't slip off.