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10 Best Mesh Ballet Flats That Are Sheer Perfection

We’re showing off our dogs this summer.

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a person wearing sandals
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Raise your hand if you’re always looking for cute shoes to wear once the hottest months of the year roll around, but can never seem to find chic and comfy options? *Raises both hands!* Don’t get me wrong, I always love a sandal moment, but walking around in them for hours can get painful. And I can always turn to sneakers, but sometimes I wanna get a lil more dressed up! So, let me introduce you to the shoe of the summer: the mesh ballet flat.

Now, I might know what you’re thinking (“Wtf?”), but hear me out: These see-through shoes are the perf combo of comfy, stylish, and breezy for the hottest of days. Also, they’re just so dang chic? The fashion gworlies that get it get it. Whether you’re headed on a vacay with lots of steps involved or need some summer office ‘fit inspo, these mesh slip-ons will become your go-to for any type of ensemble.

Ahead, find the best mesh ballet flats that combine comfort and style.

1
these everyday flats

Tony Bianco Melany Flat

Tony Bianco Melany Flat

Need an unfailing pair of shoes that you can wear with quite literally any outfit? These mesh Tony Bianco flats embody the sleekness of the mesh trend, and the Mary Jane style is the perf amount of sophistication. With an adjustable strap and two neutral colorways, you can’t go wrong with these bbs for all your summer ‘fits.

2
these budget-friendly ones

VOLEECE Mesh Ballet Flats

VOLEECE Mesh Ballet Flats
Now 20% Off

Luckily, you don’t need to break the bank to hop on the coveted mesh flats trend thanks to this chic style from Amazon. For $60, this netted style rivals the silhouette and comfort of other luxury pairs. Plus, the adjustable strap and metallic colorways?! A dream!

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3
this splurge-worthy pair

THE MARCY FLAT

THE MARCY FLAT

Much of the naked shoe trend can be accredited to this very ballet flat from Khaite. The brand is beloved by celebs like Taylor Swift and Kendall Jenner—and this slip-on embodies all the luxe vibes with its Swarovski crystals. Plus, our very own fashion editor Danielle Flum is a fan of the IT-girl shoe. “These are an investment for sure, but I wear ballet flats pretty much every day, so I knew I would get good use out of these,” she explains. “The crystals add a special touch, and these shoes always elevate basic outfits like jeans and a T-shirt.”

I’ve never met a Mary Jane shoe I didn’t like, and this mesh pair included! Not only do these boast a goes-with-anything style, but they also feature Madewell’s signature Cloudlift Lite cushioning to keep your feet supported all day long. Plus, these are the most opaque pair on our list to dip your toe into the trend—no free feet here!

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A cap-toe is a flat-out must-have, especially if you don’t wanna fully dive into the see-through trend (and they’re perfect for chipped pedicure days!). These Mary Janes come in black, white, and silver, so there’s sure to be a colorway that would look fab with all your outfits. We’re calling it now: Mesh + leather = *the* summer office shoe!

6
these embellished slip-ons

Steve Madden Auden Flat

Steve Madden Auden Flat
AmazonAlso Consider

When it comes to an on-trend shoe that is equal parts stylish and comfy, you can’t go wrong with Steve Madden. These rhinestone-adorned flats embody the more-is-more look—and we’re totally here for it. The dainty ballerina style coupled with sparkly detailing makes for an eye-catching style that you’ll literally have to rip off our feet.

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If you haven’t caught on, there’s no such thing as having too many rhinestones in your closet. “This mesh flat is my summer ‘It’ shoe—it’s chic, comfortable, and breezy,” says Andrea Zendejas, senior accessories editor. “The crystals add a fun touch and they’re perfect to wear from day to night.” And to say we’re obsessed with the seafoam colorway would be a major understatement.

Okay, now how cool are these?! The plunging v opening, netted style, and ankle wrapping all make these a shoe-in (😏) as your new go-to flats. These are also another pair to ease you into the naked shoe trend, without fully exposing your feet with every step!

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Looking for a pair of barely-there flats? We love this super sheer, plunging silhouette for everyday wear. “The mesh ballet flat trend can be intimidating, but I love how easy these are to wear,” says Cosmo’s v stylish fashion director Cassie Anderson. “Their neutral color goes with any outfit, whether I want to wear them day or night.”

“These flats are the perfect combination of lightweight, breathable, and durable,” says associate shopping editor Daisy Maldonado. “I’m still on the bow train (I probably will never not be) and the front detail gives these such a cute and dainty appearance.” No matter the occasion, these mesh flats are the perf staple accessory for all your upcoming outfits.

Headshot of Jasmine Hyman

Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals. 

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