Jennifer Lopez’s Lace-Up Ballet Flats May Be This Season’s Answer to the Mesh Trend
Cross our hearts
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.
Loeffler Randall; Penske Media / Contributor/Getty Images; Zara
Earlier this year, we saw everyone from the likes of Zendaya to J.Lo rocking mesh ballet flats that were perfectly lightweight and airy for the summertime months. But, as with the seasons, trends are always shifting. Now that fall is in full swing, Lopez has been sporting ballet flats with unique lace-up details, leading me to wonder: Are lace-ups the new mesh? And, has the Hustlers actress sparked yet another ballet flat trend?
Want to know which buzzy products are *really* worth buying? Sign up for our shopping newsletter to uncover our favorite finds.
Bellocqimages/Bauer-Griffin / Contributor
Lopez was seen wearing a fully black monochrome outfit while out and about in Los Angeles this week. She kept things simple with elevated everyday basics like her button-down cashmere sweater and low-rise and roomy cigarette pants, but that pair of elegant Dior ballet flats instantly caught my eye. With their particularly trendy bow detailing and crisscrossed ankle straps, they truly take the ballet-core look to chic new (lace-up) heights that work perfectly in the autumn months. IDK about you, but I'm ready to follow J.Lo's lead and jump on the shoe trend before it inevitably blows up. Luckily, I've found four similar styles—like these Dolce Vita Ryder Mary Janes ($130; $78) to shop now.
Shop Lace Up Ballet Flats
This sleek and simple pair of square-toed Dolce Vita flats is made with a nappa leather upper that I imagine feels as good as it looks. The intertwined leather ankle wrap tie closure is detachable for a versatile fit, plus, they're currently on sale—score!
Crafted with a soft black faille fabric, these beauties have laces that crisscross over the foot and tie at the ankle for some serious ballet-inspired flair. Although they look like they belong on stage, their padded footbed helps to cushion the foot, allowing for ultimate comfort and everyday wear.
Satiny and elegantly dainty, this pair of Zara tied flats really embody the look of a ballet shoe, albeit with a touch of modern edge. The ribbon laces can be tied at the ankle or stretched up the calf to lengthen the shoe's silhouette (and the look of your legs—no pliés required). They also come in brown if you're opting for more of a boho vibe, which happens to be oh-so-fitting this fall.
The Dream Pairs ballet flats are great for women on-the-go. Easy to slip on, durable and complete with a slip-resistant TPR outsole, these are shoes you'll definitely be reaching for on the daily. Made with faux leather, the style is meant to have a snug fit that molds to the foot with each wear. The elastic cross strap mimics the look of a lace-up dance shoe while providing support and security—sans the need to actually tie anything. It's finished off with a square toe and a 5-millimeter-thick foam insole for commuter-friendly relief.
Assistant Editor
- Covers beauty, fashion, news, entertainment, travel, wellness, money and LGBTQ+ culture
- Has worked in media for the last eight years and has held positions at Boston Magazine, Boston Common Magazine and Northshore Magazine
- Graduated from Emerson College in 2019 with a degree in Writing, Literature and Publishing with a minor in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.