Mesh Shoes Are Trending, Here's How To Style Them

The late summer/early autumn footwear trend that’s taken the fashion crowd by their literal heels? Mesh shoes. While the usual suspects – ballet pumps, loafers, dad sandals and socks – have of course been making their annual appearances, mesh shoes are having more than a moment too.

If I’m totally honest with myself; I saw it coming. They’ve been slowly gaining traction since Bottega Veneta introduced their Stretch silhouette, and this year they really hit the ground running. The Nensi Dojaka spring 2023 collection saw them grace the catwalk for every ready to wear look, and then, almost simultaneously, they began appearing on the feet of every ‘it’ girl I follow on Instagram.

Stretch Ballerina Flat

Nensi Dojaka Cut-Out Crystal Embellished Leather Ballet Flats

WWD

Jeremy Moeller

While I’m usually not one to shine the spotlight my own tootsies, I will admit they intrigue me, and it seems I’m not alone. Several other designer brands (think: The Row, Khaite and Alaïa) all have their own iterations of mesh shoes – some more elaborate than others – with the high-street taking taking their lead and deeming them the latest ‘must have’ addition to every transitional wardrobe. Mine included.

Their most popular form is the flat shoe version, which, again, comes as no surprise. The humble pump has had a makeover almost every season for the past few years now – hark back to the Miu Miu satin ballerina styles we saw last summer, and the Mary Jane’s that have taken over since – but their latest, more breathable reinvention seems far more modern and perhaps a little edgier than people’s comfort zones usually permit.

Edward Berthelot

Instagram content

This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.

So how to actually style them? Well, exactly how you’d wear your usual autumn shoes apparently. I’ve seen celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence tone them down with jeans and a T-shirt, and influencers/stylists like Débora Rosa pair them with chino shorts and a minimalist oversized shirt, so there aren’t really any rules where mesh shoes are concerned – except maybe to treat yourself to a pedicure before donning them.