Ballerinas seemed ready to once and for all take back power in our wardrobes. They are back on the catwalks, at the feet of the stars, in all the windows. However, the flat shoe that so divides did not win the battle so quickly.
Because while some celebrities appear in metallic or gathered ballerinas, another silhouette is starting to attract all eyes. A 43-year-old French singer has just discreetly changed sides. And this choice could well mark the real star shoe of summer 2026.
Jenifer, 43 years old: her look in mesh mules that hits the mark
On Instagram, Jenifer shared a day in the studio in an ultra simple look. High-waisted straight jeans, minimalist black top, natural beauty. On the feet, flat black mesh mules which immediately contrast with the rest of the outfit.
summarizes Grazia about this it-shoe. On Jenifer, this black mesh reveals the skin while remaining very demure. The singer, known for her feminine, sunny and accessible style, proves that you can adopt the trend without looking like a TikTok teenager.
Goodbye ballerinas? A trend that resists net mules
At the same time, the ballerina clan is getting organized. , recalls the site Ma-grande-taille when commenting on Emma Roberts’ patent silver pair, with crossed straps and high vamp. At Cosmopolitan, we also read: . A shoe that clearly continues to get people talking.
The brands are playing the game with two-tone models, with baby-style straps, small square heels or mesh and satin materials. However, mesh mules, or Chinese slippers, are exploding on TikTok with more than 13.5 million pieces of content. Analyzes of fashion platforms even suggest an increase of almost 200% in searches around mules, establishing mesh mules as real rivals.
How to adopt mesh mules instead of ballerinas
Concretely, a pair of net mules are sandals open at the back, in mesh or sometimes beaded fishnet, which reveal the foot without showing everything. Their lightness and transparent side bring an immediate chic touch. You can copy Jenifer with straight jeans and a black top, or wear them with flowing pants at the office, or even a satin dress for the evening.
After 40, it is better to choose mesh mules with enough coverage at the front, in sober tones like black, nude or soft metallic. To limit friction, we aim for a flexible mesh, a stable strap and a small heel of 2 to 3 cm. Some useful tips before buying:
- check that the net does not mark the skin,
- test that the foot does not slip with each step,
- opt for a color that already matches several outfits.
And for long walks or rain, ballerinas still keep their role, but the mesh mule becomes the new desired option to modernize your summer looks.
Are net mules suitable after 40?
Yes, the example of Jenifer at 43 shows that they work very well, especially in sober shades and with covering shapes that structure the foot.
How to wear mesh mules every day?
The easiest way is to pair them with straight jeans, flowy pants or a midi dress, keeping the rest of the outfit simple enough to let the knit do the work.
Are ballerina flats still trendy compared to mesh mules in 2026?
Yes, they are making a comeback in metallic, Mary Jane or mesh versions, but mesh mules represent the striking novelty of summer 2026 for those who want a change without giving up the flat.
Sources
- Grazia
“Goodbye ballerinas, even Jenifer, 43, has adopted the summer star shoe trend”
