Fashion might be notorious for its fleeting trends, but if there’s one object that’s shown true staying power in recent history, it’s the mesh ballet flat. It all started in May 2022 when Alaïa introduced the now-iconic La Ballerine. Inspired by traditional Japanese shoes, the strass-embellished ballet flat-Mary Jane hybrid went viral, selling out online and at various retailers. Given its raging success, the French luxury maison has since then launched a steady stream of iterations, each equally if not more covetable.
We’ve written about the ballet flat and its many new forms before. Its banded cousin, the Mary Jane, has cemented it’s status as a modern classic. But the very specific style that has captured our collective attention more than anything else in 2024 is the see-through pair. Jennifer Lawrence, Dua Lipa, Lily Collins, Anne Hathaway (and her go-to stylist Erin Walsh) are just a few of the fashionable set who’ve taken Alaïa’s peekaboo pair for a spin in the past year.
While sheer styles may have entered the mainstream only recently, mesh slippers have been ubiquitous in Asian households, worn by aunties and grannies for ages.
Part of why the sheer style is so popular is functionality. They’re the perfect shoes for sweltering days: they offer ventilation and easy to slip on, and have endless styling potential. You could wear them with virtually anything. They can be easily dressed up or down and are just as suitable for a night on the town or a date as they are for running errands. Now, with winter here, you can even wear them with tights. If you’re still on the fence about adding a pair to your cart, we’re here to assure you, they’re worth the investment.
Thankfully, Alaïa isn’t the only brand making versions of the It style. There are tons of options whether you’re looking for something equally aspirational or more affordable. Below, see our picks of the most fun mesh flats, complete with crisscross bands, bows, and rhinestones.
