In NYC, there are two types of people: those who wear open-toed shoes on the grimy city streets and those who do not. I have friends who say no one should ever wear open-toed shoes around the city. “You’re basically getting every gross thing you see on the streets on your feet,” one friend shuddered. And then there are people who don’t think twice about it and wear Birkenstocks approximately 100% of the time and just ignore the layer of dirt/dust/whatever coating their toes (like me). But one trend I’ve noticed this summer that falls in that gray area—they’re not exactly close-toed, but they’re not really open-toed either—is mesh flats.
Ever since Jennifer Lawrence was spotted walking around NYC in the Alaïa’s fishnet Mary Jane flats, which have been the It shoe of the season (and nearly impossible to get), it feels like I see some version of these flats every time I scroll Instagram. The mesh ballet flats and mesh Mary Janes flats are the two most popular styles, but there is also an ankle-boot style, and there are both round-toe and square-toe takes.
I love how Jennifer Lawrence went for a casual look and styled her Alaïa’s fishnets with wide-leg jeans and a t-shirt. Here’s more outfit inspiration if you’re thinking about adding mesh flats to your wardrobe…
For another casual, everyday look, pair them with trousers and a cropped tank.
And how good are they paired with shorts and an oversized button-down?
You could wear your mesh flats with another popular trend—matching sets. I love the rolled pant legs!
If you’re going for a dressier look, I love them with a flowy maxi skirt or dress.
Many of these are an investment for any wardrobe, but with the style becoming more and more popular, there are a lot of options available at every price point now. Here are a few we’re loving…
Do you like round-toe mules? Try the Marcy Mule by Katy Perry, $40.
The Brandip Ballet Flat by Nine West is on sale and comes in black, light purple, and blush, from $48.
If you like rhinestones, check out these mesh ballet flats by Steve Madden, from $48.
If you love the Alaïa’s fishnets—but not the $850 price tag!—check out these on Etsy, $168
Lookie Atelier, also on Etsy, makes a beautiful mesh ballet flat that comes in a pretty yellow, beige, black, white, and silver, $179.
For some sparkle, Loeffler Randall’s Leonie Caramel/Clear Ballet Flat is lovely, $275.
And finally, for a splurge, take a look at these by Pīferi, $557.
What are your thoughts? Would you wear these? If you’re a staunch supporter of the no-open-toed-shoes-in-the-city club, would you wear a pair of mesh flats around? What other fashion trends have you noticed this summer?
PS. More posts in our Do or Don’t series, including Birkenstocks, Tevas, and emoji jewelry.
(Photo in layout and trousers photo by Sandy Liang, Jennifer Lawrence photo via Vogue, shorts and skirt photo by Débora Rosa, rolled pants photo by Jeanette Madsen.)
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