The Fashion Team Debate Mesh Shoes

It’s been a strange season, with everyone waiting for a standout sandal or summer shoe to take centre stage for SS23. The consensus now is there isn’t one this year. I don’t think many expected mesh shoes to fill that void and become one of the biggest trends, but they have. I love a flat – a pair of Chanel ballet flats has been on my wish list for some time, and I often feel the gape in my wardrobe. It’s the perfect solution when an open toe just won’t do – usually due to the weather or for want of something smarter. But for me the concept of mesh shoes doesn’t quite make sense. They wouldn’t be practical in the rain and, in my opinion, don’t look that polished.  

A few days ago, I saw Danielle Bernstein in the black Dear Frances pair, which are more subtle as the mesh is very fine. I like how she wore hers with ecru jeans, a black waist coat and a Bottega bag. Her monochrome look is chic, but it made me realise that, while others can pull off the trend, I’m not about to change my mind. My own style is classic and feminine – I like to invest in pieces I know I will wear for years to come, so my goal with my wardrobe is to curate a collection I can still rely on next season. While I appreciate trends and do dip my toe into some (pun intended), this one just isn’t for me.

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I’m not usually an Instagram trend follower but I’m on board with mesh ballet flats. I’ve loved Alaïa ever since I heard its name in Clueless and the brand has certainly played a part in establishing the mesh flat as summer’s cult shoe – though I’m pleased there are also some more affordable pairs cropping up on the high street now.

A favourite reinterpretation is Dear Frances’s Balla mesh shoe available in black and white. The mesh is woven tighter to provide a similar finish to hosiery. I’ve always struggled to find a comfortable flat shoe that’s versatile enough for both daytime and evening looks but the mesh ballet flat is up to the task. Check out the Le Monde Beryl leather-trim mesh Mary Janes or Jimmy Choo’s Ade pumps for a more structured look. For a more formal event it would have to be the Christopher Esber Grey Stellas – a perfect statement shoe. 

While mesh shoes are typically reminiscent of couture eclecticism, The Row’s interpretation pitches them as a casual alternative to flat footwear. Styled by the likes of Jenifer Lawrence with casual jeans and a white tee, and Kylie Jenner with an evening leather mini dress, these shoes are the epitome of ‘day to night’. When it comes to anything in fashion, I’m a strong advocate of ‘don’t knock it until you try it’, so while I understand these might not be as practical as leather ballet flats, I’m looking forward to experimenting.

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