Mesh Flats Are the Next Best Thing to Being Barefoot

"Our Balla shoe is designed with a classic silhouette," explains Frances. "The upper is cut low on the foot and trimmed delicately in soft tonal leather, so they're easy to style and feel light and breezy in the warm summer months." The shoes are hand-made in Italy and designed to fit snuggly to the foot for a glove-like feel. Offered in both white and black colorways, the minimal mesh shoe is a sartorial testament to a less is more philosophy. 

The mesh flat that started it all. The Row's sock-like style comes in black and beige and offers an unexpected sultriness akin to the effect of lingerie. Plus, given their no-fuss silhouette and design, they feel like you're not wearing a shoe at all. "Feel like slippers, look like shoes," writes a pleased Nordstrom shopper. "These are incredibly comfortable and surprisingly cute. They don't have any support, but they fit like a glove (true to size) and look very cool."

Leave it to J. Crew to hop onto a trend in a way that offers you a chance to join in on a buzzy fashion moment but still feels in line with their classic, un-fussy aesthetic. The Zoe flats in mesh are a quintessential example of the sheer shoe trend: the black mesh delivers a translucent effect while the silhouette remains streamlined and simple. This pair boasts a higher vamp (which gives your toes more coverage) and a plushy sole insert to ensure your comfort.

Khaite's Marcy Flat is another pair that is instrumental to the sheer shoe trend as a whole. You'll see that the breathable shoe it's offered in a gamut of mesh options, including beige with floral embroidery and dark black netting with crystal embellishment. (The style is also available in neutral Nappa leather or begging-to-be-touched shearling). This is also another mesh flat that, if you see your size is available, don't hesitate to input your credit card info, as it's selling out across the internet at exponential speeds. 

Jennifer Lopez recently wore Christian Louboutin's mesh cap-toe flats on a walk around Los Angeles. And what should come as a surprise to absolutely no one is that the style instantly sold out at every retailer imaginable. There's a silver lining here, though: Reformation's Wesley Flat offers a very similar cap-toe look (which is a great stepping-stone style for people just warming up to the idea of peek-a-boo toe footwear) and is about 75 percent less expensive. Snag them in the trendy metallic silver shade or classic black.

If you're not a fan of neutrals, or perhaps you are hoping to push yourself out of your color comfort zone this season, take a gander at Loeffler Randall's Leonie mesh flats in sky blue. With their dainty toe bow and elasticated front strap, the shoe leans into the classic look of a ballet slipper—but with a 2023 twist, of course. And their sizable glass rhinestones will catch and reflect the light, ensuring you stand out as the statement dresser you naturally are.

Sandy Liang is known for her girlish designs that balance freshness and sentimentality. Case in point: these adorable Mary Jane shoes done in a soft baby pink mesh. This saccharine style features a pin-buckle adjustable strap, a padded leather footbed, and a 9 mm stacked heel. Scoop these up while you still can (as you can see, they're selling out like hotcakes), and you'll automatically be inducted into the cool-girl club. Consider styling them with leather separates for a sweet-yet-tough clash of aesthetics.

If you've been itching to add more pizzazz—a little extra dose of drama—to your summer work outfits, consider adding PEDRO's sparkly mesh ballet flats to your virtual cart. They're ideal for elevating your in-office style, as they boast rhinestone embellishments and a subtle sheer look. And while, yes, they're undeniably trendy at the moment, they also promise wardrobe longevity due to their timeless flat silhouette. Opt for the beige pair instead if you prefer more of a nude illusion look.

If you want to tackle the mesh shoe trend but don't have the budget for the Khaite or Sandy Liang iterations (rent must be paid, after all!), try Charles & Keith's see-through Mary Jane flats. Offered in black and blush pink, this shoe utilizes floral lace and mesh to create a sheer effect. They feature a front strap and snap-button enclosure, keeping with the iconic Mary Jane silhouette. Plus, they're an effortless way of tapping into summer 2023's lace trend if you don't think a frilly dress or broderie anglaise blouse will find its way into your seasonal collection.

Feeling collegiate and ready to ace a challenge? Try a mesh loafer—like TOGA PULLA's—for an unexpected take on the already unconventional trend. Designed by Yasuko Furuta, TOGA PULLA  is a shoe line known for its grunge-forward design and slight Western influence. Its lace-up Oxford loafers with ornate mesh paneling and buffed leather represent the brand's aesthetic to a T. Plus, a loafer style offers more trans-seasonality than just a summery flat—you can definitely keep this pair in your fall shoe rotation.

Aquazzura is a brand known for its high-quality footwear that offers easy glamour and refinement—and its Spy Suede flat mules perfectly encapsulate the label's signature modus operandi. The swirling mesh and suede in a sun-burst graphic create visual intrigue, while the classic open-back mule design keeps the shoe grounded with its straightforward silhouette. Furthermore, this is another shoe for those not yet enthused by the prospect of constant pedicure upkeep: the closed-front form and half-suede look keeps your toes relatively hidden.