Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Marie Claire
Marie Claire
Lifestyle
Meguire Hennes

I'm Saving a Spot on My Vacation Mood Board for Lily Collins's Mesh Ballet Flats

Lily Collins styled the mesh ballet flats trend in Greece on a day off from filming Emily in Paris Season 6.

Some Emily In Paris fans visit all of Netflix's filming locations in France. I, however, dream of vacationing in Greece like Emily in Season 6, my carry-on overflowing with Santorini-ready summer shoe trends. This week, Lily Collins's mesh ballet flats joined the espadrille sandals already on my (fantasy) packing list.

Despite filming in Mykonos, Collins and her Emily In Paris co-stars earned a day off from filming on Memorial Day. She could've romped around the island in her signature Adidas sneakers, flip-flops, or fresh-off-the-runway It-sandals, given she wasn't limited to Emily's shoe rack. Instead, the leading lady revived a summer staple she's worn for two years straight: the mesh ballet flats trend. Her nude, almond-toe pair appeared to be the $990 cult-classics from Alaïa, which featured sheer netting and thick Mary Jane-esque straps.

Lily Collins soaked up some sun in Greece, wearing the mesh ballet flats trend. (Image credit: Backgrid)

The pedicure-forward flats were just minimalist enough to neutralize the classic Emily charm of her polka-dotted summer dress. She chose a short-sleeve, navy blue midi from New York-based brand HVN, splattered with white dots to match its statement Peter Pan collar. Collins's canvas beach bag was accompanied by a denim Chanel flap bag. To finish, she embraced tourist styling with a raffia sunhat, tortoiseshell sunglasses, and the anklet trend.

Much like Margot Robbie, Jennifer Lawrence, and Dakota Johnson, Lily Collins pledged allegiance to the mesh ballet flats trend back in 2024. Alaïa's black rendition was the first to win her over, when she broke in her $990 Mary Janes at an Emily In Paris Season 4 dinner. From there, she rarely took them off while promoting the Netflix show, and even dressed them down with straight-leg jeans.

Back in 2024, Collins styled them in NYC with a straight-leg jeans look. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Collins adored the Alaïa best-sellers so much, she splurged on another $990 color last summer. (The same thing happened to Robbie and Dua Lipa.) She took cues from her character's affinity for maximalism and chose a metallic gold, almost lemon yellow shade. Collins confirmed the silhouette is indeed appropriate for Wimbledon, when she debuted them alongside a pinstripe sundress from Stella Jean.

At Wimbledon 2025, Collins earned a spot on Marie Claire's best-dressed list, thanks to her Alaïa flats. (Image credit: Getty Images)

It seems Collins is ending her Emily In Paris era with a bang—especially in the footwear department. As of right now, she's worn espadrilles, wedge sandals, and embroidered Mary Janes as my favorite on-screen marketing executive. And that's not even counting the VIP's off-screen shoe trends.

Luckily for my vacation outfits, Collins is still in the thick of filming Season 6. I'll be watching the streets of Mykonos for the next addition to my travel shoe collection. I have a feeling a funky pair of flip-flops is in the queue.

Shop the Mesh Ballet Flats Trend Inspired by Lily Collins

Alaïa Ballet Flats in Fishnet HVN Marina Button Down Dress W. Collar Alaïa Ballet Flats in Fishnet Alaïa Ballet Flats in Laminated Fishnet Dolce Vita Reyes Ballet Flats Lt Natural Woven Raffia ZARA Braided Effect Flat Ballet Flats Sézane Aubane Low Babies Larroudé Verona Macrame in Beige Embroidered Raffia Vivaia Almond-toe Mary Janes AdaptAll™ (Nelly) Stuart Weitzman Leora Woven Mary Jane Flat Veronica Beard Ellie Faux Raffia Weave Mary Janes
Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.