There are some trends that, when they do return to the trend cycle, surprise even the most astute trend forecasters. Low-rise jeans returned to the fashion zeitgeist amidst the Y2K revival, managing to tempt some who refused them the first-time round. ’80s-esque, broad-shouldered blazers were all over Saint Laurent’s Spring/Summer 2025 runway, and the jelly sandal from The Row’s pre-fall 2024 collection caused a tidal wave of imitations in the seasons that followed. Nostalgia is a powerful muse for the style set.

The resurgence of the netted flat started at Alaïa in 2023, when the house’s own take — a style they had been making since creative director Pieter Mulier’s very first collection in 2021 — began turning heads on the streets and in the front row. Adopted early by the most astute of the fashion pack, soon after, variations of the fishnet slippers were everywhere. The shoe, along with The Row’s very luxe take on the jelly sandal, were the biggest shoes of the northern hemisphere’s summer. Though they began quietly trending Down Under late last year, they’re predicted to reach fever pitch this coming season. So, this summer, we’ll be trading our Birkenstocks for these flats which look sweet with everything from dresses to capris.

Ready to slip into summer? Read on for the most wearable takes on the mesh flats trend, all shoppable at the QVB.

A sweet nod to Alaïa’s mesh version, Country Road’s feminine embellished flats are a lighter take for summer. They’ll pair beautifully with a puff-sleeve white linen midi dress and a raffia crossbody bag.

Esme Ballet Flats, $159 from Country Road, Ground Floor

Taking its cues from fisherman sandals — a style spotted on menswear runways recently — Jo Mercer’s woven flats are equally chic worn with wide-leg pants to the office or shorts on the weekend.

Ellie Casual Flats, $129 from Jo Mercer, Lower Ground 2

An elevated take on the mesh flat, Jimmy Choo’s version is a ballet flat-Mary Jane hybrid. Taking the pointed toe of a pump and the demure block heel of a Mary Jane, it’s a levelled-up office-appropriate take.

Carolyn Black Mesh and Patent Leather Flat, $1395 from Jimmy Choo, Ground Floor

A ballet flat that’s as comfortable as a sneaker and adds a summery pop of colour to an outfit, Camper’s apricot flat is a quirky take on cool girl shoe of the moment.

Right Orange Ballerinas, $240 from Camper, Lower Ground 2