Forget Mesh Ballet Flats—In Saint-Tropez, Cool Girls Are Wearing Dresses With This Updated Alt
It girls on vacation agree that in 2026, dresses should be paired with mesh mules rather than mesh ballet flats.
Mesh ballet flats were so last year. Says who, you ask? Chic dressers vacationing in Saint-Tropez this summer. Laura Harrier, in particular, proved this by swapping her ballet flats for an elevated alternative: mesh mules.
While visiting the French Riviera last week, Harrier was seen out with her boyfriend wearing a stylish summer look consisting of a white halter mini dress with a fringed hem and black mesh mules. She accessorized the look with black retro sunglasses and a black mesh tote.
On Laura Harrier: Alaïa shoes
Though flat mules aren't a new silhouette, styles in mesh, leather, and suede have recently been trending. Their backless design makes them easy to slip on and off while maintaining an effortlessly chic aesthetic, which is why Harrier likely opted for them. But it's not just Harrier who is donning them. Other It girls are choosing them as well: Hailey Bieber wore a patent leather pair for meetings in L.A., and Gisele Bündchen selected boat mules—a backless variation of the boat-shoe trend—for the airport.
All that to say, if flat mesh mules feel like your style, keep scrolling to shop a myriad of elegant pairs. The best part is that you'll get your money's worth because you can wear them now with dresses and skirts and then in the fall with jeans and trousers.
Shop Mesh Mules:
These look very similar to Harrier's Alaïa flats.
Chocolate brown flats always look so expensive.
Adding to my wish list.
If you're looking to integrate more color into your wardrobe, start with these flats.
Love a square toe.
This style also comes in black, red, and white.
I should've bought these for my summer trip to Spain.
How cute is the bow?
You can't beat this price.
Last but not least, my favorite pair on the market right now.
