Backyard BBQ Bliss: A Definitive Guide to Styling Espadrilles
The backyard barbecue is a quintessential summer event, a perfect blend of casual comfort and social flair. And while the smoky aroma of the grill and the clinking of iced glasses set the scene, your footwear choice is crucial. Enter the espadrille: the ultimate marriage of rustic charm and effortless elegance. It’s the perfect shoe for navigating grassy lawns, mingling with friends, and enjoying the laid-back vibe. But how do you style them to look effortlessly chic, not just “thrown on”? This guide will provide a detailed, actionable blueprint for building the perfect espadrille-centric outfit for your next backyard BBQ. We’ll move beyond generic advice and provide specific, outfit-building formulas that are both stylish and practical.
The Foundation: Choosing Your Espadrille
Before we talk about outfits, let’s get the star of the show right. Not all espadrilles are created equal. The right choice sets the tone for your entire look. For a backyard BBQ, you want something comfortable, durable, and versatile.
- Flats vs. Wedges: This is the first decision. For a true “relaxed and ready” vibe, a flat espadrille is often the best choice. It’s practical for walking on uneven terrain and exudes an undeniable casualness. Wedges, however, can elevate a simple dress. If you choose wedges, opt for a lower, sturdier heel. Think a 2-3 inch jute wedge, not a teetering 5-inch platform.
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Color and Material: Natural, neutral tones are your best friend. Think beige, tan, off-white, or navy. These colors are incredibly versatile and pair well with a wide range of outfits. Canvas is a classic material choice—it’s breathable and durable. For a slightly more dressed-up feel, consider a soft leather or suede in a neutral tone. Avoid overly embellished or brightly colored espadrilles, as they can be difficult to style and may look out of place in a casual setting.
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Fit and Comfort: This is non-negotiable. Your espadrilles should feel comfortable from the moment you put them on. The canvas or leather should feel soft, not stiff. If you’re buying them for the first time, try them on at the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen to ensure a good fit. They should be snug but not tight, with no pinching in the toe box. A good pair of espadrilles will feel like a second skin, allowing you to focus on the conversation, not your feet.
Actionable Tip: If you’re a minimalist, invest in a classic pair of off-white canvas flat espadrilles. They will be the most versatile shoe in your summer wardrobe. For a touch of flair, consider a striped or subtle patterned pair.
Formula 1: The Linen Look
Linen is the ultimate warm-weather fabric. It’s breathable, chic, and gets better with age. Pairing linen with espadrilles creates a harmonious, laid-back aesthetic that is perfect for a BBQ.
- The Outfit: Start with a linen button-down shirt, either in white, a soft pastel, or a subtle stripe. Roll the sleeves up to the elbow for a relaxed feel. Pair this with a high-waisted pair of linen trousers or shorts. For trousers, a wide-leg or straight-leg cut works best. For shorts, a longer, tailored pair is more polished than a super-short cut.
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The Espadrille: A simple, flat canvas espadrille in a complementary color is the perfect partner. If your outfit is all white, a navy espadrille adds a subtle pop of color. If your linen is a light blue, a tan espadrille will ground the look.
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Accessories: Keep it simple. A woven leather belt in a natural shade ties the look together. A straw hat or a pair of classic sunglasses adds a touch of sophistication and practicality. A simple leather or canvas tote bag is perfect for carrying essentials.
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Concrete Example: A crisp white linen button-down, sleeves cuffed. Paired with olive-green linen high-waisted shorts. On your feet, tan leather flat espadrilles. Complete the look with a braided leather belt and tortoise shell sunglasses.
Formula 2: The Casual Sundress
A sundress is a no-brainer for a backyard BBQ, and when paired with espadrilles, it becomes a complete and curated outfit. This is where you can play with different lengths and silhouettes.
- The Dress: Opt for a sundress in a breathable fabric like cotton, linen, or a cotton-blend. A midi-length dress is incredibly versatile and flattering. Look for a simple A-line or a slip dress silhouette. A dress with a subtle pattern, like a small floral or gingham, works well here. Avoid anything too formal or structured. The goal is comfortable elegance.
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The Espadrille: This is a great opportunity to wear a wedge espadrille if you’re so inclined. A wedge adds a little height without sacrificing comfort. A low wedge in a neutral color will elongate your legs and complement the flow of the dress. If you prefer flats, a classic canvas espadrille works just as well.
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Accessories: This is where you can have a little fun. A woven straw bag is a natural pairing. Delicate gold or silver jewelry—a simple necklace or thin bracelets—adds a feminine touch. If the sun is strong, a wide-brimmed straw hat is both stylish and practical.
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Concrete Example: A midi-length, cotton sundress in a subtle blue and white gingham pattern. Paired with a low, white canvas wedge espadrille. Carry a small woven crossbody bag and add a few gold bangle bracelets.
Formula 3: Elevated Denim
Denim and espadrilles are a classic combination, but for a BBQ, you need to elevate the look beyond just jeans and a t-shirt. The key is in the fit and the details.
- The Denim: Forget the distressed skinny jeans. Instead, opt for a pair of perfectly-fitting straight-leg jeans, a cropped wide-leg denim, or even a denim skirt. A white or light-wash denim feels more summery and relaxed. A dark-wash denim can also work, but keep the rest of the outfit light.
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The Top: A simple, high-quality top is essential. A striped cotton tee, a simple tank top in a rich color, or a delicate camisole with a light cardigan layered over it all work well. The fabric should be natural and breathable. A button-down shirt tied at the waist over a tank is another great option.
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The Espadrille: A flat espadrille in a neutral color is the best choice here. It keeps the look grounded and casual. A striped espadrille can also add a playful touch to a simple denim look.
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Accessories: A statement belt with a vintage-inspired buckle can elevate the outfit. A bandana tied around the neck or wrist adds a touch of bohemian flair. Keep jewelry minimal—perhaps a simple watch and a pair of stud earrings.
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Concrete Example: A pair of white cropped, wide-leg jeans. Paired with a navy and white striped short-sleeve knit top. On your feet, a pair of tan flat espadrilles with ankle ties. Add a thick, woven leather belt and a few silver rings.
Formula 4: The Skirt & Top Combo
This combination allows for maximum versatility. You can mix and match different textures and colors to create a unique look that’s still perfectly suited for a backyard gathering.
- The Skirt: A midi or maxi skirt in a flowy, natural fabric like cotton, linen, or rayon is ideal. A tiered skirt, a simple wrap skirt, or a pleated skirt all work well. Choose a solid color for a monochromatic look or a bold, summery print for a statement.
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The Top: The top should balance the skirt. If the skirt is a bold print, go for a simple, solid-colored top. A fitted tank top, a delicate camisole, or a simple crewneck tee are all great choices. For a more relaxed feel, a loose-fitting tee tucked in at the front works well.
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The Espadrille: Both flats and wedges are excellent options here. A wedge can elevate a simple skirt, while a flat keeps the look grounded and bohemian. If your skirt is a bold color, a neutral espadrille will prevent the outfit from looking too busy.
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Accessories: A crossbody bag made of woven raffia or a simple leather clutch is perfect. Add a pair of large hoop earrings or a stack of bracelets. A silk scarf tied in your hair or around your neck can add a final, polished touch.
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Concrete Example: A high-waisted, tiered cotton maxi skirt in a rich rust color. Paired with a simple white ribbed tank top, tucked in. On your feet, low tan suede wedge espadrilles. Accessorize with a woven straw bag and a pair of gold hoop earrings.
The Final Touch: Beyond the Clothes
Styling espadrilles for a backyard BBQ is more than just about the clothes. It’s about a complete aesthetic.
- Hair and Makeup: The vibe is relaxed, so your beauty look should be, too. Opt for a dewy, minimal makeup look. A little tinted moisturizer, some mascara, and a tinted lip balm are all you need. For your hair, think effortless. A loose ponytail, a messy bun, or natural waves are perfect. Avoid overly structured or formal hairstyles.
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The Bag: Your bag should be a continuation of the relaxed theme. Leave the structured leather work bag at home. Instead, choose a straw tote, a canvas crossbody, or a small woven clutch. These materials complement the natural feel of the espadrille.
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Layering: The weather can be unpredictable. A lightweight cardigan, a denim jacket, or a linen blazer can be a stylish and practical addition. Choose a jacket in a complementary color that you can easily take on and off. A denim jacket over a sundress with espadrilles is a timeless and foolproof combination.
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Comfort is Key: Remember, you’ll be standing, sitting, and likely moving around. Your outfit should allow for free movement. Avoid anything that is too tight, too constricting, or requires constant adjustment. The beauty of the espadrille and the backyard BBQ setting is the ease and comfort it provides.
A Powerful Conclusion
Styling espadrilles for a backyard BBQ is about embracing a relaxed, yet intentional, aesthetic. It’s about finding the perfect balance between comfort and style. By choosing the right espadrille and pairing it with breathable, natural fabrics and minimal, thoughtful accessories, you create a look that is effortlessly chic. The outfits outlined in this guide provide a clear roadmap for achieving this look. Whether you opt for the breezy linen, the classic sundress, the elevated denim, or the versatile skirt combo, your espadrilles will serve as the perfect foundation for a summer-ready ensemble that is both stylish and practical. Go forth, mingle, and enjoy the perfect backyard gathering in your perfectly styled espadrilles.