Mesh ballet flats are the shoes I want to love on a warm day, then question the moment the pavement gets rough. The Alaia Suede-trimmed Mesh Ballet Flats have an open, light look that makes a simple outfit feel intentional, but I judge them by the route I actually walk, not by a polished photograph. The Alaia Metallic Leather-trimmed Mesh Ballet Flats push the same idea toward evening, where a shorter walk matters less than the shine. I try both with the trousers, skirts and socks already in my closet, then take a real walk around the block before keeping a pair. Check whether the edge rubs and whether the mesh makes you self-conscious the moment the weather turns.

Once mesh has proven it can survive a real walk, the rest of the range is about how much structure you want around the foot. The Alaia Suede-trimmed Shell Ballet Flats trade some of the mesh's openness for a sturdier shell that holds its shape through a longer day. The Alaia Crystal-embellished Leather Ballet Flats go the opposite direction, adding shine for an evening rather than durability for a commute. Between those two points sit plainer leather and suede pairs that simply need to be comfortable and quiet. I would decide first how many hours the shoe needs to last, then let the finish follow from that answer.