From Wicker Wedges to Canvas Classics: Your Ultimate Guide to Styling Espadrilles in a Vintage-Inspired Wardrobe
Espadrilles are more than just summer shoes; they are a bridge to a bygone era of effortless elegance. With their rustic charm and bohemian spirit, these humble footwear icons can transform a modern outfit into a curated, vintage-inspired masterpiece. This guide is your definitive resource for seamlessly integrating espadrilles into your retro aesthetic, moving beyond the obvious beachy looks and into a world of sophisticated, time-traveling style. We’ll delve into specific silhouettes, color palettes, and styling strategies to help you craft outfits that feel authentic, detailed, and utterly chic.
The Foundation: Understanding the Vintage Vibe of Espadrilles
Before we build the outfits, let’s establish why espadrilles work so well with vintage fashion. Their history is deeply rooted in peasant footwear from the Pyrenees, but they rose to global prominence in the 20th century. Think of Brigitte Bardot on the French Riviera in the 1950s, or the bohemian chic of the 1970s. This history gives them an inherent versatility that spans multiple decades. The key is to match the espadrille style to the specific vintage era you’re emulating.
- 1950s: Think elegant, structured espadrille wedges. They pair perfectly with full skirts and cinched waists.
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1960s: Flat espadrilles in canvas or lace work well with A-line dresses and cropped trousers.
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1970s: The era of the platform espadrille. This is where you can go bold with flared jeans, maxi dresses, and vibrant prints.
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1980s & 90s: Simpler, more minimalist espadrilles emerge, ideal for pairing with high-waisted shorts and relaxed silhouettes.
By understanding this timeline, you can select the right pair of espadrilles to anchor your vintage look, ensuring every detail feels intentional.
Styling Espadrilles for a 1950s Pin-Up & Riviera Chic Look
The 1950s aesthetic is all about polished femininity, and espadrilles can add a touch of playful sophistication. The goal is to create a silhouette that accentuates the waist and flows elegantly.
The Essential Espadrille:
- Style: Closed-toe wedge espadrilles with a moderate heel height (2-3 inches). Look for styles with an ankle strap for extra support and a classic feel.
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Color: Classic shades like black, navy, or red. For a softer look, go for cream or pastels.
How to Build the Outfit:
- The Top: A structured, button-down blouse in a lightweight cotton or linen. A crisp white blouse with a Peter Pan collar or a polka-dot print is a great choice.
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The Bottom: A full, knee-length A-line or circle skirt. Think floral prints, gingham, or solid colors. The key is the volume and the way it moves.
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Accessories: A straw tote bag or a wicker basket purse. A silk neck scarf tied neatly around your neck or in your hair adds a touch of glamour. Large, cat-eye sunglasses are non-negotiable.
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Example Outfit: A navy espadrille wedge with a white and red gingham circle skirt and a simple, fitted red t-shirt. A woven belt cinches the waist, and a pair of white cat-eye sunglasses completes the look. This outfit is a perfect blend of playful pin-up and sophisticated Riviera style.
Practical Tip: When wearing a full skirt with espadrille wedges, pay attention to the hemline. The skirt should fall just at or below the knee to maintain the elegant, proportions of the era.
Channeling the 1960s: Mod & Bohemian with Espadrilles
The 1960s saw a shift from structured silhouettes to more playful, youthful shapes. Espadrilles fit seamlessly into both the Mod and the emerging bohemian styles of the decade.
The Essential Espadrille:
- Style: Flat, closed-toe espadrilles, often with a lace-up ankle tie. Look for styles with a simpler, less ornate design. A peep-toe or a low-wedge style can also work.
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Color: Bright, solid colors like cobalt blue, yellow, or hot pink for a Mod look. Natural tones like beige, white, and tan for a bohemian feel.
How to Build the Outfit:
- The Top: For a Mod look, a simple, solid-colored turtle neck or a striped knit top. For a bohemian feel, a peasant blouse with embroidery or bell sleeves.
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The Bottom: A-line mini-skirt in a bold print like florals or a geometric pattern. High-waisted, cropped trousers or bell-bottoms are perfect for the late 60s bohemian aesthetic.
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Accessories: A small, structured shoulder bag. Bold, geometric earrings or large hoops. A wide-brimmed floppy hat for a Woodstock-inspired vibe.
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Example Outfit (Mod): Black flat espadrilles with an A-line mini-dress in a bold black and white polka dot print. A white, long-sleeved top can be layered underneath. A small black shoulder bag and large, round sunglasses complete the ensemble. The simplicity of the espadrilles keeps the focus on the graphic print of the dress.
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Example Outfit (Bohemian): Lace-up espadrille flats in a natural jute color paired with flared, high-waisted denim jeans. A cream-colored peasant blouse with subtle embroidery and a fringe-detail crossbody bag create a quintessential late ’60s look.
Practical Tip: The key to a successful 1960s outfit is balance. If your clothing is bold and graphic, choose a simpler espadrille. If your clothing is more muted, your shoes can be a pop of color.
The 1970s Revival: Platform Espadrilles and Disco Glamour
The 1970s is arguably the decade where espadrilles truly found their flamboyant footing. The rise of the platform heel made espadrilles a statement piece, not just a casual shoe.
The Essential Espadrille:
- Style: Platform espadrilles, either with a classic ankle strap or a more dramatic lace-up design. The thicker the platform, the more authentic the 70s vibe.
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Color: Earthy tones like rust, mustard yellow, and forest green. Also, rich jewel tones and bold, multi-colored stripes.
How to Build the Outfit:
- The Top: A fitted, ribbed knit top or a plunging-neckline silk blouse. For a casual look, a simple vintage band t-shirt.
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The Bottom: High-waisted, wide-leg trousers or flare jeans. Maxi skirts and dresses in floral or paisley prints are also essential.
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Accessories: A large, slouchy hobo bag. A wide, leather belt with a statement buckle. Oversized sunglasses, of course. For a disco-inspired look, don’t forget the gold jewelry.
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Example Outfit: A pair of rust-colored platform espadrilles with wide-leg, high-waisted denim jeans. A mustard yellow ribbed knit top is tucked in, and a brown leather belt with a large circular buckle completes the look. A patterned silk scarf is tied around the neck.
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Example Outfit (Disco Glam): Gold or metallic-toned platform espadrilles paired with a flowing, patterned maxi dress with a deep V-neckline. Layer on some delicate gold necklaces and finish with a pair of large, gold hoop earrings.
Practical Tip: The key to styling platforms is to ensure your pants or skirt are long enough to create a fluid, uninterrupted line. The hem of your pants should just graze the top of your espadrilles, not bunch up around the ankle.
Exploring the 1980s & 90s: Relaxed Silhouettes and Minimalist Chic
While the 80s are often remembered for bold colors and shoulder pads, there was also a more understated, preppy side. The 90s embraced minimalism and a relaxed, effortless aesthetic. Espadrilles can be a grounding element in both.
The Essential Espadrille:
- Style: Simple, flat espadrille mules or classic closed-toe flats. The key is a lack of embellishment and a focus on clean lines.
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Color: Neutrals like black, white, and tan. A classic stripe is also a great option.
How to Build the Outfit:
- The Top: An oversized, boxy t-shirt or a simple tank top. For a preppy ’80s feel, a pastel-colored polo shirt.
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The Bottom: High-waisted, straight-leg denim jeans (the “mom jeans” silhouette). High-waisted shorts with a loose fit. A simple slip dress for a quintessential 90s look.
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Accessories: A fanny pack or a small, minimalist leather backpack. A simple gold chain necklace. A pair of Ray-Ban-style wayfarer sunglasses.
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Example Outfit (’80s Prep): White flat espadrille mules paired with high-waisted, white linen shorts and a pastel-colored polo shirt tucked in. A navy blue sweater is tied casually around the shoulders.
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Example Outfit (’90s Minimalist): A simple black slip dress paired with black espadrille flats. A slightly oversized, unbuttoned white linen shirt is layered over the top. A small, black leather backpack and delicate silver jewelry complete the effortlessly cool look.
Practical Tip: The success of this era’s outfits lies in the proportions. An oversized top should be balanced with a more fitted bottom, and vice versa. The espadrilles act as a simple, grounding element that doesn’t compete with the silhouette.
Beyond the Decades: The Art of Layering and Texture
A truly great vintage-inspired outfit isn’t just about recreating a specific decade; it’s about blending elements to create a unique, personal style. Espadrilles are perfect for this because their texture and material—the woven jute, the canvas or leather upper—adds a tactile element to any look.
How to Incorporate Texture:
- Combine with Denim: The rough, sturdy texture of denim provides a perfect contrast to the woven delicacy of the espadrille’s sole. This is a timeless pairing that works across multiple decades.
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Pair with Linen & Cotton: Linen and cotton are the quintessential summer fabrics, and their natural, breathable qualities are a natural match for espadrilles. A linen jumpsuit or a crisp cotton sundress feels instantly elevated with a pair of espadrilles.
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Add a Knit Element: A chunky knit sweater or a crochet top adds another layer of texture. Imagine a pair of espadrille wedges with a crochet maxi dress for a full-on bohemian look.
Example Outfit (Textural Mix): A pair of tan espadrille wedges with a white, loose-knit cotton sweater and a simple denim A-line skirt. The combination of textures—the knit, the denim, and the jute—creates a rich, visually interesting outfit that feels both modern and vintage-inspired.
The Finishing Touches: Accessories and Styling Details
A vintage-inspired outfit is only as good as its details. The right accessories can elevate your espadrilles from just shoes to the cornerstone of your look.
- Bags: Woven bags, wicker purses, and straw totes are the most natural partners for espadrilles. For a more structured look, a vintage-style box bag or a simple leather shoulder bag works well.
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Headwear: A wide-brimmed straw hat is a classic choice for a ’50s or ’70s look. A silk headscarf tied neatly is a fantastic 1950s or ’60s detail.
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Jewelry: Keep it simple and authentic to the era. Chunky resin bracelets and geometric earrings for the ’60s, delicate gold layers for the ’70s, and minimalist silver for the ’90s.
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Sunglasses: The shape of your sunglasses can instantly set the tone. Cat-eye for the ’50s, round for the ’60s, and oversized for the ’70s.
Your Vintage Espadrille Wardrobe, Decoded
By now, you have a comprehensive toolkit for styling espadrilles in a vintage-inspired way. It’s about more than just throwing on a pair of shoes; it’s about understanding the specific silhouettes, textures, and details of each era. The key is to be intentional with your choices and to build an outfit that tells a story. From the structured elegance of a 1950s pin-up to the free-spirited glamour of a 1970s icon, espadrilles are your versatile, stylish companion on this journey through fashion history.