Whether you love them or not, this is the sandal trend that fashionable girls are pairing with shorts, jeans, and dresses this summer.

      As fashion seems to shift away from quiet luxury and minimalist styles (at least for this season), shoe trends are echoing that change. It's quite apt to describe this period as our "fun shoe era." Consider the polarizing clogs worn by Zoë Kravitz or the dusty suede lace-up desert boots reminiscent of Mary-Kate Olsen; in 2026, shoes deemed polarizing—or "ugly"—are officially in vogue. The latest controversial footwear on the scene has much more modest beginnings than its current "cool-girl" reputation suggests, and may even feel familiar.

      We're referring to embellished mesh slippers, which are being sported by fashion enthusiasts in the summer of 2026 and closely resemble the Chinese mesh slippers that have long been staples in numerous Hispanic, Black, and Asian households. TikTok influencers previously declared these "grandma slippers" as the season's must-have in summer 2024, and now, two years later, they appear to be making a comeback. This is one of the many Y2K shoe trends that Gen Z has revived; the embroidery, sheer material, and extravagant embellishments align perfectly with the flashy, maximalist vibe defining summer 2026, while the flat footbed and backless design provide the relaxed ease that this generation tends to prefer in their outfits.

      Chinese slipper-inspired mules first entered the high-end fashion scene back in 2015, when Alexander Wang's Balenciaga created a buzz by featuring mules resembling Chinese slippers in its spring/summer 2016 collection. Two seasons later, the New York-based label Gypsy Sport showcased the backless style once more, in an array of colors and decorations. Now, a decade later, they are making a return.

      Whether paired with white cargo shorts and a camo-print tank top like Ruby Lyn (pictured above) or used to infuse bold color into denim as seen on Marie-Victoire Tiangue, these shoes offer an effortless way to elevate even the simplest outfits. Scroll down to shop the embellished mesh slippers trend.

      Shop the Embellished Mesh Slippers Trend

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