A Definitive Guide to Pairing Espadrilles with Shorts: 6 Stylish Combinations
Espadrilles and shorts are a quintessential summer pairing. The combination evokes images of sun-drenched beaches, leisurely strolls, and effortless style. However, navigating this duo can be tricky. A mismatched pair of espadrilles can transform a chic outfit into a clumsy one. This guide will provide six distinct, actionable combinations to help you master this look, ensuring you step out with confidence and style. We’ll delve into the nuances of color, texture, and silhouette, moving beyond generic advice to provide a practical, detailed roadmap for your summer wardrobe.
The Classic Nautical: Stripe Shorts and Canvas Espadrilles
This combination is a timeless tribute to coastal elegance. It’s a look that feels both relaxed and put-together, perfect for a day by the water or a casual lunch. The key is to balance the visual weight of the stripes with the simplicity of the espadrilles.
The Shorts: Opt for tailored shorts with a clean, vertical or horizontal stripe. A navy and white stripe is the most classic choice, but black and white or even a subtle red and white can work beautifully. The shorts should be well-fitting, hitting a few inches above the knee. Avoid baggy or overly distressed shorts, as they can detract from the polished feel of the look. The fabric should be crisp, such as a sturdy cotton or a linen blend.
The Espadrilles: Stick to a classic, solid-colored canvas espadrille. A navy or white pair will seamlessly complement the nautical theme. The simple design of the canvas espadrille acts as a grounding element, preventing the stripes from becoming too overwhelming. For a subtle twist, consider a pair with a braided jute ankle strap if you’re a woman, or a simple lace-up front for men. The texture of the canvas and jute sole provides a beautiful contrast to the crispness of the shorts.
How to Style:
- For Men: Pair with a simple white or navy linen shirt, left untucked with the sleeves rolled up. A woven leather belt in a natural tan color adds a touch of sophistication. Sunglasses with a classic frame, like wayfarers, complete the look.
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For Women: A solid-colored camisole or a simple white t-shirt tucked into the shorts works perfectly. Accessorize with a straw tote bag and delicate gold jewelry. A wide-brimmed hat adds a touch of glamour and sun protection.
Concrete Example: A pair of tailored navy and white striped shorts, a crisp white linen shirt, navy canvas espadrilles, and a brown woven belt. This is a failsafe outfit for a yacht club or a seaside resort.
The Urban Explorer: Utility Shorts and Leather Espadrilles
This combination merges practicality with polished style, creating a look that’s ready for anything from a city stroll to a weekend market visit. It’s a more modern and rugged take on the espadrille trend.
The Shorts: Choose utility shorts in a neutral, earthy tone like olive green, khaki, or stone. The shorts should feature functional details like cargo pockets or a sturdy belt. The fabric should be durable, such as a thick cotton twill. The cut should be slightly looser than a tailored short, allowing for ease of movement, but not so baggy that it looks sloppy.
The Espadrilles: This is where the leather comes in. A pair of high-quality leather espadrilles elevates the entire outfit. Choose a rich brown or tan leather for a classic, rugged feel. The texture of the leather provides a beautiful contrast to the cotton of the shorts. The leather also adds a touch of structure and durability that canvas might lack, making it perfect for a more active day.
How to Style:
- For Men: A simple, high-quality gray or black crewneck t-shirt. Layer with a lightweight, unbuttoned denim shirt for a touch of texture. A leather watch and a canvas backpack complete the practical, stylish vibe.
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For Women: A fitted black or white tank top. A military-inspired jacket in a similar earthy tone can be worn layered over the shoulders. Opt for a crossbody bag in a matching leather. Minimalist silver or gold jewelry will keep the focus on the textures of the outfit.
Concrete Example: Olive green utility shorts, a black crewneck t-shirt, tan leather espadrilles, and a brown leather watch. This look is perfect for exploring a new city on a warm day.
The Bohemian Vibe: Floral Shorts and Woven Espadrilles
This is a playful, romantic combination that’s perfect for festivals, garden parties, or a leisurely Sunday brunch. It’s all about embracing texture, color, and a relaxed, free-spirited aesthetic.
The Shorts: The shorts should be the focal point. Look for a pair with a vibrant floral or paisley pattern. The fabric should be light and airy, like rayon or a soft cotton. A high-waisted, slightly flared short can be particularly flattering. The colors in the print should be rich and varied, allowing you to pull out one of the hues for your top.
The Espadrilles: The espadrilles should be a textural masterpiece. Look for a woven or crochet-style espadrille in a natural, neutral tone like off-white, beige, or light brown. The intricate weaving adds a handcrafted, bohemian feel that complements the shorts beautifully. Avoid shiny or overly structured espadrilles; the goal is to look effortlessly natural.
How to Style:
- For Men: While this combination is more common for women, a subtle, earthy floral pattern can work with a plain, neutral-colored shirt. A linen-blend polo in beige or off-white would be a great choice.
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For Women: A simple, solid-colored top that pulls a color from the floral shorts is the key. A loose-fitting white peasant blouse with delicate embroidery or a simple tank top in a complementary shade (e.g., a coral tank with shorts that have coral in the pattern) works well. Add a fringed bag and layered necklaces for a truly bohemian feel.
Concrete Example: High-waisted shorts with a rich, colorful floral pattern, a white peasant blouse, woven off-white espadrilles, and a brown fringed crossbody bag. This is an ideal outfit for an outdoor art show or a casual date night.
The Modern Minimalist: Denim Shorts and Suede Espadrilles
This combination is all about elevated simplicity. It takes the classic denim shorts and t-shirt combo and gives it a sophisticated, tactile twist. It’s a look that’s understated but incredibly chic.
The Shorts: Choose a pair of high-quality denim shorts. The wash should be clean and classic—think a medium blue or a crisp white. The fit should be impeccable, neither too tight nor too loose. A clean, non-distressed hem is essential for the minimalist aesthetic. A slightly longer, cuffed short can also work well.
The Espadrilles: Suede is the star here. A pair of suede espadrilles in a rich color like camel, charcoal gray, or a deep navy immediately adds a layer of luxury and texture. The softness of the suede provides a beautiful contrast to the ruggedness of the denim. The overall effect is one of quiet sophistication.
How to Style:
- For Men: A simple, perfectly-fitting t-shirt in a neutral color like white, black, or gray. The t-shirt should be made of a high-quality cotton blend. Layer with a lightweight, solid-colored bomber jacket for a modern touch.
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For Women: A simple silk camisole or a fine-knit t-shirt tucked into the shorts. The simplicity of the top allows the focus to remain on the textures. A structured tote bag and a pair of oversized sunglasses complete the polished look.
Concrete Example: Classic medium-wash denim shorts, a white silk camisole, camel-colored suede espadrilles, and a black leather tote bag. This is a perfect outfit for a casual, but stylish, city weekend.
The Refined Vacationer: Linen Shorts and Espadrilles with a Twist
This combination is the epitome of effortless vacation style. It’s breathable, sophisticated, and perfectly suited for a Mediterranean holiday or a warm summer evening out.
The Shorts: Linen is the only option here. Choose shorts in a light, breathable linen or a linen blend. The color should be sophisticated and neutral: think crisp white, ecru, beige, or light gray. The fit should be relaxed and comfortable, perhaps with a drawstring waist, but still tailored enough to look polished.
The Espadrilles: This is where you can have a little fun. Look for espadrilles with an interesting detail. This could be a metallic accent on the heel, a different colored jute sole, or a slightly different texture, like a linen-blend upper. The key is to find a pair that feels special but still maintains the effortless vibe. A classic solid color is still a great choice, but the unique detail elevates the outfit.
How to Style:
- For Men: A matching linen shirt in the same color as the shorts creates a chic monochromatic look. Alternatively, a polo shirt in a complementary color like sky blue or light green. A classic leather belt and a simple watch are the only accessories needed.
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For Women: A matching linen top for a full set, or a simple, sleeveless blouse with a delicate ruffle detail. Accessorize with a woven basket bag and espadrilles with a wraparound ankle tie. A pair of classic hoop earrings and a few stacked bracelets would work well.
Concrete Example: Light gray linen shorts, a matching light gray linen shirt, espadrilles with a silver metallic accent on the heel, and a woven basket bag. This is a flawless outfit for a sunset dinner on a patio.
The Sporty Preppy: Chino Shorts and Platform Espadrilles
This combination takes a classic preppy staple and gives it a fun, modern twist. It’s a youthful and energetic look that’s perfect for a day of activities or a casual get-together with friends.
The Shorts: Chino shorts are the foundation. Choose a pair in a bright, preppy color like light blue, red, or even a classic khaki. The fit should be a perfect balance between tailored and comfortable. They should hit just above the knee.
The Espadrilles: The platform espadrille is the key to this look. The added height gives the outfit a playful, contemporary edge. A wedge platform is a great option for women, while a thicker, flat platform can work for both men and women, depending on the design. The espadrilles can be a simple canvas or a playful color that coordinates with the shorts.
How to Style:
- For Men: A classic polo shirt in a contrasting color (e.g., a white polo with red shorts) is the obvious choice. A crewneck sweatshirt tied over the shoulders adds a classic, preppy touch.
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For Women: A classic Breton striped t-shirt or a simple white button-down shirt tied at the waist. Accessorize with a canvas tote bag and a pair of colorful sunglasses. The platform espadrilles do a lot of the heavy lifting here, so the rest of the outfit can remain relatively simple.
Concrete Example: Bright red chino shorts, a white and navy striped Breton t-shirt, platform espadrilles with a thick jute sole and a canvas upper, and a navy canvas tote bag. This outfit is perfect for a weekend barbecue or a trip to the local farmer’s market.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of pairing espadrilles with shorts is about more than just throwing two items together. It’s about understanding the interplay of fabric, color, and silhouette. By following these six detailed combinations, you can move beyond basic styling and create outfits that are polished, thoughtful, and perfectly suited for a variety of summer occasions. Whether you’re aiming for a classic nautical look or a modern minimalist vibe, the right combination of espadrilles and shorts will ensure you’re stepping out in style, with every detail considered.