Mesh has a reputation problem and we think it’s completely undeserved. The fabric gets written off as too revealing or too niche, but worn well it is one of the most interesting things you can put on for an occasion that actually matters. A birthday dinner. A summer wedding you genuinely want to dress up for. A night out where you’ve decided in advance that you’re going to look brilliant. These are the moments mesh was made for.

What we love about mesh dresses specifically is the texture. It catches light in a way that solid fabric simply cannot. It layers beautifully over a slip or worn with the right underpiece becomes something that reads as intentional and considered rather than accidental. The construction matters enormously here, the best ones have structure built in, not just fabric draped hopefully over a frame.

We’ve pulled together our favourite mesh dresses for the occasions that deserve real effort. Some are embellished. Some are clean and architectural. All of them have that quality of making the wearer look like they planned this. Mesh done properly is not a risk. It’s a decision.