The spring/summer 2023 showings brought in a flurry of adaptable, wearable trends—from cargo pants to denim mania. But one in particular that we’ve spotted from the red carpet to off-duty was the sheer, skin-baring silhouette, a.k.a “naked” dressing. From the runways, Nensi Dojaka and Versace served up sexy bedroom boudoir while Saint Laurent presented a mastery of lightness and sophistication. The perfect dress-up plan in our opinion, considering temperatures have been been spiking up all over the world. And now, that train of thought has extended to our feet—with “naked”, mesh ballet flats dominating the streets.
Loewe rung it in first, on its spring/summer 2023 runway–with a see-through PVC pump. Albeit, a divisive shoe, given your feet are pretty much on display. Then, Alaïa’s fishnet ballet flats hit the shelves, catapulting the peek-a-boo trend to cult status, especially fuelled by Jennifer Lawrence and model Elsa Hosk’s stamps of approval. For hotter climes, the idea of baring your feet comes especially nifty—via gossamer thin styles in the vein of The Row (also JLaw-approved) and Khaite’s bejewelled number.
But beyond the parameters of comfort, the sheer switch-up is the ultimate alter-ego to dainty ballerina flats. That spring of ease, best channelled with anything from baggy wide-leg jeans to billowing maxis. While you might be scouring the resale market, given the viral Alaïa fishnet flats are now sold out online, the good news is that more designer styles have emerged for your perusal.
From luxury designer houses to smaller labels like Studio Amelia and Dear Frances, here is Vogue Singapore’s shortlist of mesh ballet flats alongside other breathable alternatives.
2 / 9
Loeffler Randall Leonie crystal-embellished tulle ballet flats, $363
Available at Net-a-porter.
5 / 9
Christopher Esber Minette flat, $869
Available at Christopher Esber.
6 / 9
Studio Amelia trinket crochet ballet flat, $586
Available at Studio Amelia.
9 / 9
Khaite Marcy crystal-embellished mesh ballet flats, $1,416
Available at Net-a-porter.
