Sofia Richie and Dua Lipa Wear the Surprising Shoe Trend That’s Going to Be Everywhere This Summer

Every year without fail, there’s a new ‘It’ shoe that starts to pop up on the feet of celebrities and influencers. Then, as if overnight, everyone on your TikTok feed and morning commute is wearing it. This spring and summer, that ‘It’ shoe is a mesh flat. 

The unexpected footwear trend may seem polarizing to some, but this is far from the first time that an unconventional shoe has become the most coveted accessory of the season. Besides, celebrity fans of the trend have made the case that mesh flats are not only chic, but also a practical sartorial choice for summer, combining both comfort and style.   

Best Mesh Ballet Flats to Shop

• Arqa Women’s Mesh Ballet Flats, $49 (originally $64)
• Jeffrey Campbell Swan Lake Flats, $145
• Dolce Vita Cadel Pearl Ballet Flats, $125
• Mango Mesh Semi-Transparent Ballerinas, $70
• Zara Mesh Ballet Flats, $50
• Steve Madden Auden Flats, $99
• Badgley Mischka Cam Ballet Flats, $198
• Madewell Greta Round-Toe Mesh Ballet Flats, $110
• Open Edit Desi Mary Jane Mesh Flats, $56 (originally $70)
• Voleece Tulle Mesh Ballet Flats, $55 

Sofia Richie Grainge, for example, was one of the earliest adopters of the look, repeat-wearing Alaïa’s black fishnet flats last summer. Grainge demonstrated the versatility of mesh flats, styling hers with belted jeans and a button-down for a polished look and a slouchy romper on a hot August day. More recently, Dua Lipa and Jennifer Lawrence have been photographed in the Alaïa flats, as well. Lawrence is also a fan of The Row’s interpretation of mesh flats, a lowkey sock silhouette in a nude colorway.             

As Grainge, Lipa, and Lawrence prove, the ultimate appeal of mesh flats is their effortlessness. They exude a cool, fashion-forward sensibility, but they’re also comfortable, thanks to both their flat soles and the breathability of mesh fabric. Plus, they come in all different colors and styles, so you’re bound to find a pair that works for you. Below, I rounded up 10 of the best mesh flats to shop now, including affordable lookalikes for the celeb-loved styles.         

Arqa Women’s Mesh Ballet Flats

The Alaïa fishnet flats favored by Grainge, Lipa, and Lawrence will set you back $890, but you can copy the look with these under-$100 lookalikes from Amazon. These chic flats have a strap across the foot and a round toe for a classic Mary Jane style, complete with a silver buckle. Style them with jeans and a tee for a cool, casual look, or pair them with a sundress for an everyday summer outfit. You can snag them for a few bucks less right now thanks to a few coupons at checkout. 

Jeffrey Campbell Swan Lake Flats

If you prefer to accessorize with a pop of color, the Jeffrey Campbell Swan Lake Flats are such a cute option. These precious Mary Janes combine two of this spring’s biggest trends—mesh flats and cherry red. I recently bought these myself, and I can’t wait to wear them with a breezy white shift dress and matching red lip.   

Dolce Vita Cadel Pearl Ballet Flats

For a slightly dressier vibe, the Dolce Vita Cadel Pearl Ballet Flats elevate the mesh trend with faux pearl embellishments. Between the blush pink shade and tiny bow detail, these shoes embody balletcore. If you’re not into pink, though, you can opt for the ivory colorway and still get the same ultra-girly look. FYI: Be sure to size down, as these flats run half a size large, according to the brand.      

Mango Mesh Semi-Transparent Ballerinas

Meanwhile, the Mango Mesh Semi-Transparent Ballerinas are a minimalist take on the mesh flats trend. Lacking a Mary Jane strap or any other stylistic details, these flats are a sock-like style. Consider them the high-fashion alternative to flip flops this summer—they’ll show off your pedicure and are versatile enough to throw on with any outfit. 

Zara Mesh Ballet Flats

At $50, the Zara Mesh Ballet Flats are one of the cheapest options on this list. Like the Mango flats, they have a higher vamp (meaning the shoes cover more of your foot past your toe) for that unique sock-like style. The most notable aspect of these flats, however, is the creamy yellow shade, tapping into another major trend this season—buttery hues.    

As you can tell by the range of options above, mesh flats are surprisingly wearable and adaptable to any style. If you still haven’t fallen in love with the celebrity-endorsed footwear trend, keep scrolling for more adorable choices, from a rhinestone embellished pair to square-toed Mary Janes.  

Steve Madden Auden Flats

Badgley Mischka Cam Ballet Flats

Madewell Greta Round-Toe Mesh Ballet Flats

Open Edit Desi Mary Jane Mesh Flats

Voleece Tulle Mesh Ballet Flats