10 Chic Ways to Elevate Your Summer Look with Espadrilles
Espadrilles are the quintessential summer shoe. With their rope-soled charm and effortless vibe, they’re a sartorial staple that promises both comfort and style. But moving beyond the basic pairing of espadrilles with sundresses requires a nuanced approach. This isn’t just about wearing them; it’s about styling them intentionally to create a polished, elevated aesthetic. This guide provides ten definitive, actionable ways to incorporate espadrilles into your wardrobe, transforming your summer outfits from simple to stunning.
1. The Power of Monochrome: A Minimalist’s Dream
Monochrome styling is a surefire way to create a sophisticated and elongated silhouette. When applied to espadrilles, this technique becomes a masterclass in understated elegance.
How to do it: Choose a single color palette and build your entire outfit around it. For instance, a head-to-toe white look is a classic summer statement. Pair white canvas espadrille wedges with wide-leg linen trousers and a crisp white camisole. The subtle texture of the espadrille’s rope sole adds a touch of visual interest without disrupting the clean line of the outfit. Another option is to go with a beige or ecru palette. A beige silk slip dress, a matching linen blazer, and beige leather espadrille flats create a look that is both luxurious and effortlessly chic. The key is to play with different textures within the same color family—think linen, silk, and cotton—to add depth and prevent the outfit from looking flat. This method works for any color, from soft pastels like sky blue to earthy tones like olive green.
Concrete examples:
- Look 1: White espadrille wedges + white high-waisted linen trousers + white sleeveless shell top. Accessorize with a simple gold pendant and a woven straw tote.
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Look 2: Ecru espadrille flats + ecru silk midi skirt + ecru oversized cotton sweater draped over the shoulders. Finish with a pair of delicate sunglasses.
2. Tailored Touches: Blending Casual and Formal
Espadrilles, while inherently casual, can be seamlessly integrated into more structured, tailored looks. This juxtaposition of relaxed footwear with sharp tailoring creates a dynamic and modern aesthetic.
How to do it: The secret is balance. Pair your espadrilles with pieces that have a defined structure. Think about a well-cut blazer, tailored shorts, or a crisp button-down shirt. For a chic office-to-dinner look, wear a pair of classic black espadrille flats with high-waisted, pleated trousers in a neutral color like gray or navy. Top it off with a tucked-in silk blouse or a simple, fitted tee. The espadrilles ground the look, making it feel less formal and more approachable, while the trousers maintain a polished edge. Another great option is to pair a double-breasted linen blazer with tailored Bermuda shorts and simple canvas espadrille sneakers. This look is perfect for a smart-casual event or a stylish weekend brunch. The key is to ensure the tailoring is impeccable, as it elevates the casualness of the espadrille.
Concrete examples:
- Look 1: Espadrille flats + black tailored pleated trousers + tucked-in white silk button-down shirt. Add a structured leather belt and a minimalist watch.
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Look 2: Lace-up espadrille wedges + tailored denim Bermuda shorts + a linen blazer. Carry a small leather crossbody bag.
3. The Midi Skirt Equation: Proportional Perfection
The midi skirt is a versatile piece that pairs beautifully with espadrilles, but getting the proportions right is crucial for a flattering silhouette.
How to do it: The hemline of the midi skirt should fall at a point that shows off the ankle and the ankle strap of your espadrilles. This creates an elegant line and prevents the outfit from looking frumpy. For espadrille wedges with ankle ties, a flowing A-line midi skirt in a floral or solid pattern is an excellent choice. The skirt’s movement complements the delicate ties of the shoe. For flat espadrilles, a more structured or pleated midi skirt works well. A high-waisted pleated midi skirt in a vibrant hue, paired with a simple T-shirt and flat espadrilles, creates a playful yet polished look. Avoid overly voluminous or heavy midi skirts with flat espadrilles, as this can weigh down the silhouette. Instead, opt for lighter fabrics like cotton or silk.
Concrete examples:
- Look 1: Espadrille wedges with ankle ties + a floral A-line midi skirt + a tucked-in white T-shirt.
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Look 2: Flat espadrilles + a high-waisted, pleated midi skirt + a sleeveless knit top.
4. The Jumpsuit Connection: Effortless All-in-One Style
A jumpsuit offers a complete, stylish look with minimal effort, and espadrilles are the perfect footwear to complete the ensemble, adding a touch of laid-back sophistication.
How to do it: The type of jumpsuit and espadrille should complement each other. For a more dramatic or wide-leg jumpsuit, espadrille wedges are the ideal choice. The height of the wedge helps to balance the volume of the jumpsuit, creating a long, lean line. A wide-leg linen jumpsuit in a deep terracotta or navy blue with matching espadrille wedges is a powerful, cohesive look. For a more casual, utility-style jumpsuit or a slimmer-fit option, flat espadrille sandals or sneakers work beautifully. This combination is practical and stylish, perfect for a day of running errands or a casual weekend outing. The key is to choose a jumpsuit in a lightweight, breathable fabric like linen, Tencel, or cotton for a true summer feel.
Concrete examples:
- Look 1: Espadrille wedges + a wide-leg linen jumpsuit. Add a wide-brimmed straw hat and oversized sunglasses.
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Look 2: Flat espadrille sandals + a cropped, utility-style cotton jumpsuit. Wear a belt to cinch the waist and a simple tote bag.
5. Denim Diversification: Beyond the Basics
Pairing espadrilles with denim is a classic combination, but moving beyond basic skinny jeans can elevate the look significantly.
How to do it: Experiment with different denim cuts and washes. Straight-leg jeans with a slightly cropped hem are a perfect match for espadrille wedges, as they highlight the ankle and the shoe’s height. Cuffed wide-leg jeans in a light wash with flat espadrille sandals create a relaxed, bohemian-inspired look. Another stylish option is to pair a denim midi skirt or a denim dress with espadrilles. A fitted denim dress with espadrille flats creates a chic, summery ensemble that is both comfortable and put-together. Avoid overly distressed or baggy denim with espadrilles, as it can look messy. Instead, opt for clean lines and a good fit to keep the look polished.
Concrete examples:
- Look 1: Espadrille wedges + straight-leg jeans with a raw or cuffed hem + a simple silk camisole.
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Look 2: Flat espadrille sandals + a light-wash denim midi skirt + a striped Breton top.
6. The Shorts Strategy: From Casual to Elevated
Styling espadrilles with shorts can feel tricky, but it’s all about choosing the right pair of shorts to avoid a juvenile or overly casual appearance.
How to do it: Ditch the distressed cutoffs and opt for more refined shorts. Tailored shorts in linen, cotton twill, or even leather are excellent choices. A pair of tailored paperbag shorts with a tucked-in blouse and espadrille wedges creates a sophisticated look that is perfect for a day out. Bermuda shorts, which fall just above the knee, are also a fantastic option. Pair them with a fitted tank top and espadrille flats for a classic, preppy feel. The key is to ensure the shorts have a clean, structured silhouette. The espadrilles then add a touch of texture and a relaxed vibe to an otherwise polished outfit.
Concrete examples:
- Look 1: Espadrille wedges + tailored paperbag shorts + a sleeveless silk blouse.
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Look 2: Flat espadrilles + high-waisted Bermuda shorts + a simple crewneck sweater.
7. The Maxi Dress Matrix: A Summer Staple Refined
The maxi dress and espadrille combination is a quintessential summer look. The key is to choose silhouettes and fabrics that work in harmony.
How to do it: For a flowing, bohemian-style maxi dress, flat espadrille sandals are the perfect complement. This combination creates an effortless, relaxed vibe that’s ideal for a beach vacation or a casual weekend. For a more structured or fitted maxi dress, especially one with a side slit, espadrille wedges are the better choice. The height of the wedge elongates the legs and adds a touch of elegance, making the look suitable for a summer wedding or a garden party. Choose a maxi dress in a lightweight, breathable fabric like cotton, chiffon, or linen. Prints are a great option here, from classic florals to modern geometric designs.
Concrete examples:
- Look 1: Flat espadrille sandals + a printed bohemian maxi dress. Add a wide-brimmed straw hat.
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Look 2: Espadrille wedges + a solid-colored maxi dress with a side slit. Accessorize with statement earrings and a clutch.
8. The Knitwear Connection: Layering for Cool Summer Evenings
Espadrilles aren’t just for hot, sunny days. They can be a stylish addition to layered looks for cooler summer evenings or days with a breeze.
How to do it: The trick is to choose lightweight knitwear. Think about a fine-gauge knit sweater, a cardigan, or a knit polo shirt. A striped Breton top with espadrille flats and white linen trousers is a timeless, nautical-inspired look. For a slightly cooler evening, wear a pair of espadrille sneakers with a silk slip dress and a lightweight oversized cardigan draped over your shoulders. The combination of textures—the rope sole of the espadrille, the smooth silk, and the soft knit—creates a rich, sophisticated aesthetic. Avoid heavy or chunky knits, as they can look out of place with the summery feel of espadrilles.
Concrete examples:
- Look 1: Espadrille flats + white linen trousers + a striped fine-gauge knit sweater.
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Look 2: Espadrille wedges + a slip dress + a lightweight knit cardigan.
9. The Belt as a Unifier: Cinching the Look Together
A belt is a simple but powerful accessory that can tie an entire espadrille-centric outfit together, creating a polished, put-together feel.
How to do it: Use a belt to define your waist and add a new dimension to your look. For an A-line dress or a flowy skirt, a woven straw or leather belt can cinch the waist, creating a more defined silhouette and adding visual interest. The texture of a woven belt often complements the rope sole of the espadrille beautifully. For a jumpsuit or a pair of high-waisted trousers, a classic leather belt in a neutral color can elevate the look from casual to chic. The belt helps to break up the color or pattern of a single garment, adding structure and polish.
Concrete examples:
- Look 1: Espadrille wedges + a flowy cotton dress + a woven belt at the waist.
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Look 2: Espadrille flats + high-waisted linen shorts + a simple leather belt.
10. The Printed Ensemble: A Play with Patterns
Pairing espadrilles with patterned pieces can be a fun and stylish way to express your personality, but it requires a careful hand to avoid clashing.
How to do it: When wearing a patterned garment—be it a floral dress, a striped top, or a paisley skirt—it’s best to keep your espadrilles simple. A solid-colored espadrille in a neutral shade like black, white, or tan will anchor the look and prevent it from becoming too busy. For a bolder approach, you can choose a striped espadrille to go with a solid-colored outfit. A simple white dress with striped espadrille sneakers creates a playful, preppy look. Another option is to mix patterns intentionally, but this requires more confidence. For example, a striped top with a polka-dot skirt can work, but the colors should be in the same family. The espadrilles in this case should be a solid, neutral color to act as a visual resting point.
Concrete examples:
- Look 1: Neutral espadrille flats + a bold floral maxi dress.
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Look 2: Striped espadrille sneakers + a simple white shift dress.
Espadrilles are a versatile and essential summer shoe. By moving beyond basic pairings and applying these ten deliberate styling techniques, you can transform your summer wardrobe. Each method provides a clear, actionable path to creating chic, polished, and effortlessly stylish looks. The key lies in understanding balance, proportion, and the power of mixing textures and silhouettes. Now, go forth and master the art of espadrille styling.