How To Wear Espadrilles For Summer

Anyone else love their espadrilles? It’s the shoe I swap out to first when the season changes. My espadrille sandals then become one of my go-to summer shoes. They go with jeans, dresses, shorts, you name it. They’re also insanely comfortable to do lots of walking in. They are the ideal shoe for travel, walking and stepping into spring and summer with. From platform espadrilles, to wedges, to flat espadrilles, there’s an option for every personal style, outfit and occasion.

There are a few espadrilles in my closet that I keep on heavy rotation. One of my most worn are my Marc Fisher LTD platform wedges as you see above. They’re comfortable and come in so many colors. And then there are my more classic Castsañer espadrilles with the lace-up detail. There’s even a special way to lace these up that you can see here.

But First, What Are Espadrilles?

My sister always makes fun of me because I always have the correct term for a shoe or garment versus just calling it a shoe or top. But everything DOES have a name and definition. Espadrilles are by definition, a light canvas shoe with a plaited fiber sole made of esparto rope. This translates to many different styles of espadrilles though, but it’s the esparto rope that makes it an espadrille. From flat slip-ons, to wedges, to sandals and more. So long as the sole is esparto rope, it’s an espadrille.

How To Wear Espadrilles

I truly think a great espadrille can go with so many outfits. My nude Marc Fisher LTD wedges are so versatile and go with just about everything in my spring and summer closet. From dresses, to just jeans and a tee to rompers and beyond. I definitely wouldn’t wear them to anything semi-formal, but for all things casual, or going out with some friends on a Saturday night, they’re perfect. Here are a few ideas on how to wear espadrilles for spring and summer the right way.

With Jeans

I usually instantly swap out my fall shoes to espadrilles when the weather is still a tad cool. When I’m wearing jeans, they’re truly a great summer addition alongside a great summer bag. You can wear just about any style of an espadrille with skinny jeans like a lace-up, slip-on, or wedge. But for a wide-leg, I would recommend a wedge or heel of some sort for sure!

Red Espadrilles & Jeans Outfit • Nude Wedges & Jeans Outfit • Cropped Jeans With Espadrilles

With Dresses

The ultimate summer look, a summer frock paired with an espadrille. Nothing makes me happier than this combination. For me, I tend to add a higher heel to a midi or longer dress and then keep my mini dresses paired with shorter heels or even just a flat espadrille.

Black Leather Espadrilles Outfit • White Flat Espadrilles Outfit • Floral Dress Espadrille Outfit

With Summer Shorts

Shorts and espadrilles are a great combination for summer outfits. Whether you do denim cut offs, linen shorts or chino style ones, they ALL work with espadrilles. And they work with all sorts of styles of espadrilles too.

Neutral Gingham Shorts Outfit • Utility Jacket and Espadrilles With Shorts • Chino Shorts and Linen

With Rompers & Jumpsuits

Another great go to that works similarly to dresses are rompers and jumpsuits. They’re a closet favorite for spring and summer for me, rarely do I find myself wearing one in the fall and winter. So these often get paired with espadrilles time and time again.

Black Sequined Espadrilles Outfit • Red Romper & Nude Wedge Espadrilles Outfit • Black Linen Romper Espadrilles Outfit

To The Office For Business Casual Summer Outfits

Wearing espadrilles to work is definitely the hardest of these scenarios. I tend to lean on a more casual style and bending the rules, but traditionally, you won’t want to wear an espadrille to work. If you’re considering wearing an espadrille to the office you have to first take a look at your company’s dress code. Is it casual? Is it super conservative? Do you wear jeans to the office a lot? If it leans more conservatively, I’d honestly recommend NOT wearing them ever. Period.

But if you often show up in jeans, never having to be in a suit and styles are more laid back then I’d recommend wearing a few select styles. First, something traditional like classic closed-toe wedge espadrilles. And second, nothing that screams “I’m going to the beach in my sundress”. Lastly, keep things neutral. Save the hot pink and red espadrilles for summer dresses because that’s exactly what this shoe is intended for.

White Shirtdress And Espadrilles • Floral Jumpsuit Outfit

Featured Image by Julie Livingston Photography