There’s something deeply freeing about summer footwear. While winter practically mandates practical boots and hardworking trainers, the sunshine offers a conveyor belt of more fun and creative options. Suddenly, we’re spoilt for choice: heeled flip-flops from the noughties mood boards are back, slim wedges have high fashion adopters, and even backless trainers are having a moment. But beyond the usual suspects, one shoe trend has caught the fashion set’s attention: sheer ballet flats. Part ballet pump, part naked shoe, it’s emerging as summer 2026’s new it shoe, and for good reason.
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If you’ve been keeping a close eye on fashion insiders over the last few years, you’ll have noticed that see-through ballet flats took over back in 2024 thanks to Alaïa’s leather sandals. But the sheer flats I speak of this season have evolved beyond the netted designs. Instead, you’ll find pared-back mesh that feels elegant, crafty crochet knits, and barely-there slippers.
With fashion editors, influencers and celebs including Gigi Hadid, Lily Collins and Dua Lipa all embracing sheer ballet flats for casual days and summer events alike, the see-through shoes have firmly established themselves as a fun and chic alternative to classic ballerinas. A major part of their appeal is that they solve one of summer dressing’s trickiest dilemmas: keeping your feet cool and breezy without fully committing to bare toes (because, frankly, flip-flops in the office still sound like a step too far). The delicate mesh also offers enough coverage to let you skip that emergency pedicure appointment. Plus, unlike flip-flops, these still provide a welcome layer of separation between your toes and the Tube floor for sweltering commutes.
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If you’re looking to splurge, you can expect luxury brands to deliver, like Isabel Marant’s boho chic crochet ballerinas or Christian Louboutin’s bridal pointed-toe mesh flats. Alternatively, the high street is also awash with affordable designs. A key favourite currently on our wishlist? Sézane’s Aubane Low Babies, which come in purple, white or black mesh with polka dots, a dainty Mary Jane strap and a low heel. Understated yet trendy thanks to the dotted pattern, these sheer ballerinas will look brilliant with jeans and more formal dresses alike.
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Shop: Sézane’s Sheer Ballet Flats
Not only are these mesh ballerinas chic and bang on trend, the low heel and smooth leather insole make them a dream to walk in all day long.
Elsewhere, Zara adds a crochet flair on the trend while Ancient Greek Sandals has a shell-embellished pair that’s perfect for beach holidays. Whether you’re swapping your stuffy loafers for the office, looking for a chic and comfortable off-duty shoe or not keen on heels for a summer wedding, there’s no shortage of sheer ballet flats, and we’ve curated an edit of the best worth stepping out in this summer and every one that follows.
Shop: The Best Sheer Ballet Flats
One for the maximalist dressers, these leopard print mesh ballerinas from Ganni are perfect for adding a unique finish to any summer look.
Arket’s mesh ballerinas closely resemble classic ballet flats with a slightly squared toe and a soft pink shade. Wear yours with jeans and white maxis this season.
Zara’s take on the see-through ballet flats comes in the form of this floral print crochet design. It’s vibrant, comfortable, and perfect for summer.
A cult favourite, Dear Frances’ Balla mesh shoes are the kind of versatile piece that’ll easily slip into your everyday rotation.
Crafted from PVC these woven jelly ballet flats from Ancient Greek Sandals come with shell-shaped embellishments along the Mary Jane straps – perfect for sunny days by the shore.
For an edgier take on the romantic trend, look to Mango’s studded ballet flats. They’re comfortable, chic and look much more expensive than their £59.90 price tag suggests.
If you’re a bride shopping for shoes for your big day, a night-before or the day after the wedding, these Louboutin Miss Z ballet flats come with faux pearls and crystals for a touch of glamour, while the low heel will keep you comfortable all day long.
Pretty and simple, these H&M mesh ballet pumps are as classic as they come, with a dainty bow and an elasticated top.
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From flouncy dresses to suede accessories, boho chic is in for summer 2026, and these metallic hand-crocheted ballet flats are the perfect boho footwear for summer.
Adored by celebs and editors, Alaïa’s mesh ballet flats practically kickstarted the trend. Wear yours with baggy jeans for off-duty looks and with linen midis for dressy evenings.
Lean into the dancer origins of the shoe with these mesh ballet flats that come with delicate bows and wide elastic straps. Plus, the signature Margiela numerics on teh strap and white stotch at the back will give you instant fashion credentials.
Beaded with tulip motifs, these padded mesh ballet flats are made for dressy summer events – from weddings to garden parties and Ascot.
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Le Monde Beryl’s sleek sheer ballerinas are a timeless investment that’ll elevate causal outfits and look perfectly home with formal dresses too.
Main image credits: ©Getty Images
Hitanshi Kamdar is the deputy commerce editor for Grazia. Hitanshi is always on the hunt for the latest trends, emerging designers and the internet’s most bizarre style discourse. When not writing, she can be found IDing outfits during Netflix binges and scouring the internet for designer sample sales.
