Mesh ballet flats have moved from warm-weather novelty to a year-round styling option. The airy upper feels light, while a slim strap, stud or crystal detail makes the shoe polished enough for evening. I like the balance of delicate mesh with a substantial coat or knit.

A net-like upper with a strap across the top gives the classic flat a little definition. Mesh, hardware and subtle embellishment now show up across plenty of silhouettes, so the appeal is in choosing a version that fits your own wardrobe.

The first set is the mesh ballet flat in its plainest form. I would start with the DKNY Dace in black, a fishnet-style flat with a slim strap, and the Mango Soft Mesh flat, which is stretchy and low in the toe. The Birdies Songbird adds metallic flecks to sheer black mesh, and the Maje Mesh Ballet Flat in black has a patent strap with a gold buckle. The rag & bone Poppi in loden is the odd one, with a square toe and a bungee-cord bow.

My test is simple. Hold the shoe up to a window. If you can see the light through an even weave, it is doing the job. In October I would wear any of these with sheer black tights and a chunky knit, which keeps the shoe in the story and keeps your feet warm.

Studs make a flat feel more graphic, and a mix of mesh, suede and jelly keeps the detail from feeling too precious. A restrained row works for everyday; pearled studs and a bright buckle lean dressier.

The Nine West Burnne and the Dolce Vita Calia are both black mesh with polished studs. The Dolce Vita Mikel goes the other way: light brown suede covered in pearled studs, with a buckle strap. The Mango square-toe flat is white faux leather with polished stud trim, and the Steve Madden Anaya is black with a hook-and-loop strap. The Steve Madden Grove is a tan lattice jelly flat set with bezel rhinestones, which is a lot of fun with bare legs in early fall. The Dr. Scholl's Wexley keeps it minimal, a dark umber mary jane with a few studs.

Flip the shoe over and look at how each stud is set. A good one sits flat, has a clean edge and does not catch on a tight sock. Run a fingertip across the vamp: you should feel a smooth, even row, with no stud lifting at the toe.

What I would skip: studs that are glued in uneven rows on a thin upper, because they will not hold their line after a week of walking.

Crystal flats have an evening feel, especially when sparkle is set against sheer mesh. A small cluster keeps the shoe easy to wear; full coverage gives it a bolder finish.

Mesh and crystals together make a polished combination. The Charles David Westa is black mesh dotted with rhinestones, the Mango Embellished flat is the white version, and the Jewel Badgley Mischka Nuala is sheer black mesh with crystals all around. For a heavier hand, the Alma en Pena ballerina is covered in hand-set black and gold rhinestones, every inch of the upper. The Naturalizer Carla and the Karl Lagerfeld Sabelle both lean on a crystal ornament, the Sabelle with a sparkly tweed texture. The FitFlop Delicato adds pearls and crystals to a soft ballerina, and the Kurt Geiger ankle-strap flat suits a longer hem.

For a dressier mesh flat, look for studded, jeweled or buckled details. With a black dress and sheer tights, any of these works for a dinner in October. Check that the crystals are set deep enough that you cannot easily pick one with a nail.

What I would skip: a crystal flat with a very stiff heel counter, since a flat should still bend where your foot bends.

A strap across the instep turns a ballet flat into a mary jane, and it is the detail that, for me, sells the look in a photo. It also helps keep the shoe on your foot.

The Madden Girl Blaiine is all-mesh with shiny buckle hardware, and the Sam Edelman Michaela is a black mesh ballet shoe with feminine detailing. The Dr. Scholl's Wren is a woven mesh with an adjustable strap, and the Nine West Vanceen has a V-cut topline and faux-leather trims in a light natural shade. For color, the Favorite Daughter Margot in tomato red is an easy way to wear a rich red accent. Further out, the Prologue Fauna has floral embroidery on white mesh, the Naturalizer Cayla has contoured cushioning, and the Dolce Vita Relan is lightweight mesh in french vanilla.

When you try a pair, buckle it on the middle hole and walk across the room. The strap should lie flat across the instep, with no gap at the heel. I would also look for a weave that is tight at the edges, so the strap does not pull it out of shape.

What I would skip: a strap that is a single thin elastic band if you want the buckled look.

Mesh does not stop at the ballet flat. Breathable mesh is a warm-weather favorite, and the same airy idea moves to the slingback, which is a good call once the weather turns and you want a shoe that still looks like a flat.

The Rothy's Almond slingback is a black mesh flat with an almond toe. The Franco Sarto Riona is brown mesh with woven cords over it, and the Birdies Goldfinch is a sheer black mesh kitten heel with soft structure. For a sharper line, the Steve Madden Andromeda is a pointed-toe mesh crochet slingback and the Steve Madden Bri is blush mesh with an hourglass heel. The Cole Haan Jocelyn is black glitter mesh, the Marc Fisher Ceddy pairs mesh with patent in a kitten heel, and the Franco Sarto Pura is leopard-print mesh.

Pair these with a gray wool trouser or a knee-length skirt and sheer tights. Test the back strap: it should stay put when you lift your heel, with no slipping at the sides.

What I would skip: a slingback with a very high heel if you want the easy feel of a ballet flat.

I would begin with the shape you will actually wear: a plain black mesh flat if you like quiet shoes, a studded or crystal pair if you want the dressier side. Then check the weave, the strap and the finish of the hardware, in that order.

In my fashion dreams, she is walking across a cold October street in black tights and a camel coat, and the shoes are what everyone asks about. A sheer shoe against warm layers makes a simple outfit feel considered.

I would pick the pair that works with your own wardrobe, then wear it until you stop thinking about it.

If you love the Alaïa fishnet ballet flats, I’d explore these sheer styles too. If you want to keep browsing, I also put together Alaia Shoes and PUMA Speedcat.