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Whether you call them mesh flats or Chinese slippers, those colorful and sparkly embellished sheer slip-on house shoes that immigrant grandmothers have been wearing for years are now trending online. Yes, TikTok has declared your grandma's slippers as the hottest shoes of the season.
Of course, this isn't the first time that a fashion or beauty trend traditionally embraced by people of color has been rebranded and made trendy for mainstream consumption. Many of today’s trends, such as dark-lined lips and undone pants, have been influenced by subcultures like the Chonga scene and stars like Aaliyah, so mesh slippers becoming "trendy" doesn’t exactly come as a surprise — after all, they do fall right in line with the trending grandma aesthetic being embraced by celebrities.
Even so, seeing your grandma's house slippers being called the hottest trend of the season can be a bit comical, especially when people are buying the ubiquitous, classic option for inflated prices. That's not to say that you can't embrace the mesh flat trend, though!
Aside from the obvious option, there are plenty of other mesh flats on the market that are actually quite chic and comfortable. Especially now that the weather is getting warmer, they could make for a great addition to your wardrobe thanks to their versatility and ease of style.
Mesh flats got the high-fashion stamp of approval after appearing on the runways thanks to Alaïa and have also been embraced by the likes of Bottega Veneta, The Row, Dear Frances, and more, often in the form of ballet flats. And that's how a multicultural grandma staple went from ordinary to coveted.
If you're perhaps attending a graduation party or a daytime wedding, consider pairing your mesh flats of choice with your look for a fun yet elegant look. For a chill day out with friends, try wearing them with a midi skirt and a simple top. Or, if you prefer a cool and casual look, pair them with your favorite baggy jeans.
If you want to join in on the mesh flats trend, first try checking if your grandma has an extra pair you can borrow or have. (It's sustainable, and you’ll save money!) But if you’re out of luck, we've got you covered. Below, we have compiled the best mesh flats to wear this spring and summer.