The enduring Balletcore trend has put many dance-ready trends on our radar, from leotards and white tights to (and most notably) ballet pumps.
The ubiquitous flats have taken London by storm, a somewhat ironic fact given the city’s propensity to rain at any given time. Highly impractical yet undeniably chic, the sleek shoes come in a myriad of styles, from perforated leather to fishnet and mesh.
As long as you’re prepped to dodge puddles and willing to display your feet for all to see, transparent pumps could be your one-way ticket to style status this spring. Luxury houses such as Khaite, Valentino, Sandy Liang and Alaia have dabbled with embellished or gauzy designs, in what can only be described as a contemporary twist on Cinderella’s glass slipper.
Jennifer Lawrence and Sofia Richie Grainge both own a pair of Alaïa’s £890 sell-out fishnet flats, as do influencers from Claire Rose Cliteur to Marina Norjes. Alexa Chung took the design one step further, stepping out in Gucci’s mesh slingback kitten heels. Forget Kate Moss’ iconic Nineties see-through dress, 2024 is the year of the see-through shoe.
Naturally, the popularity of the shoes, be they high fashion or high street, has sparked debate on social media, with TikTok feeds displaying comments such as “I file those into the category of made for women who get driven everywhere”, and “Elevated swim shoe chic”.
Yet this hasn’t fazed high street heroes such as Massimo Dutti, & Other Stories and Mango who have brought mesh to the masses. Recreations of the high-end designs accompanied by slashed prices are rapidly filling and flying off the shelves, prompting all to test the waters of toe-bearing footwear.
Whether you love them or hate them, there’s no escaping them. Discover the best mesh or crystal-adorned embellished flats to add some feminine flair to your wardrobe this spring and beyond.
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Gucci Demi Mesh Ballet Flats
It comes as little surprise that Gucci’s crystal-embellished flats are a celebrity favourite. The designer slip-ons come in a classic black hue and are bedazzled with the house’s sparkling monogram insignia.
Buy now £700.00, Gucci
Khaite Marcy Crystal-Embellished Mesh Ballet Flats
Add one of the most popular mesh pump designs to your luxury wardrobe. Khaite’s Marcy ballet flats exude high-octane glamour. A sprinkling of sparkling crystals, a black mesh construction and a rounded toe are to thank for this shoe’s sought-after status.
Buy now £840.00, Net-A-Poter
Mango Rhinestone Ballerinas
Slip into Mango’s ballet flats to ace the latest footwear trend. The rhinestone-clad shoes come in both black and nude colourways, making for an easy-wear choice. Pair yours with blue jeans and a white tee for a quiet luxury look.
Buy now £49.99, Mango
Le Monde Beryl Luna Mesh Ballet Flats
Le Monde Beryl has an array of Parisian-chic flats to peruse. The Luna pumps are crafted from breathable mesh fabric and feature comfortable flat soles with leather lining. An almond-point toe adds a touch of elegance to the everyday shoes.
Buy now £355.00, Net-A-Porter
Dear Frances Balla Mesh Crystal Ballerina
Dear Frances’ cult-favourite Balla mesh pumps bring party glamour to your everyday outfit rotation. The shoes’ scatter of fine crystals will glimmer in the spring light, whether you’re dashing off to a coffee morning or heading out on the town.
Buy now £490.00, Dear Frances
Loeffler Randall Leonie Crystal-Embellished Mesh Ballet Flats
Shoewear enthusiasts will be well-acquainted with Loeffler Randall’s deliciously dainty designs. The brand is renowned for sleek flats with quirk, such as these crystal-embellished mesh pumps to coo over.
Buy now £215.00, Net-A-Porter
Dune Happening Embellished Ballet Pumps
A mid-range pick to consider, Dune’s playful pumps come in timeless black and preppy red tones - both of which are replete with sparkle. Bow detailing and a simple strap fastening adorn the shoe, ensuring your foot remains secure and sophisticated at all times.
Buy now £80.00, Dune
Magda Butrym Beige Mesh Ballerina Flats
On the hunt for the perfect pair of wedding shoes? Look no further. Magda Butrym’s Beige Mesh Ballerina Flats are a lavish pair of pumps that radiate ethereal elegance.
A white mesh backdrop is flanked by a buffed calfskin trim and features romantic rose detailing, culminating in the prettiest pair of shoes for special occasions.
Buy now £775.00, SSENSE
& Other Stories Leather-Trimmed Mesh Ballet Flats
Lean into quiet luxury with these crisp, white flats to suit any occasion. While they are avoided when rain is forecasted, this high street offering from & Other Stories will effortlessly complete your clean-girl aesthetic.
Buy now £110.00, & Other Stories
Jeffrey Campbell Mesh Flat Pumps
The sweetest pair of ballet flats we ever did see, these powder blue pumps exude fairytale fantasy. A mesh outer allows the foot to breathe, while the sky blue band ensures the sole is kept firmly (and fashionably) in place.
Buy now £165.00, Anthropologie
Zara Mesh Mary Janes
Grab yours before they’re gone. Zara’s mesh offerings are flying off the shelves, no doubt due to their twee Mary Jane design, black mesh structure and simple strap fastening with buckle detailing.
Buy now £29.99, Zara
Alaïa Patent Leather-Trimmed Mesh Ballet Flats
The ballet flat that started it all, Alaia’s perfect pump has reached icon status. Inspired by classical Japanese shoes and featuring fishnets all over, the must-have summer shoes will cement your elite fashion status upon purchase.
Buy now £650.00, Net-A-Porter
Miu Miu Studded Leather Ballerina Shoes
Be a Miu Miu muse in the brand’s sell-out ballet pumps. All-over silver studding will catch the eye when peeking out from under a pair of Seventies flares. Wear yours with a crisp white shirt and a Nineties shoulder bag for maximum street-style credit.
Buy now £870.00, Farfetch
