How to (properly) dress in summer with women’s espadrilles?

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Choosing a pair of shoes suitable for summer is not the easiest task, is it?

In the midst of July and August, we often set aside our shoes to let our little feet breathe. And even though our feet enjoy the fresh air and the gentle warmth of the sand, we can still question the style?

Which pair of shoes should you bet on to be stylish and comfortable this summer? Which trendy shoe is best suited for the summer season? Which shoe manages to combine elegance and relaxation?

While pondering these questions, one type of shoe came to mind: women’s espadrilles!

The quintessential summer sandal, the espadrille is a Basque product that has reflected craftsmanship and tradition for generations. Today, it is one of those timeless pairs that is good to have in your wardrobe or to take with you in your suitcase. Like a shoe basic, the espadrille appeals to both trend-savvy fashionistas and those in their fifties for whom comfort is key.

If it is timeless, the question is how to wear it. Because while it suits various profiles and occasions, it is still important to know how to showcase it.

How to choose it? What are the selection criteria? What to wear it with? We answer all of that in this comprehensive mini guide.

A Quick Overview of the Espadrille: Characteristics and Benefits

Characterized as an iconic vacation shoe, the espadrille evokes the sun, the beach, and the sea spray. And precisely, we appreciate it for what it reminds us of: our lovely memories of a summer spent by the sea.

Beyond this symbolism, the espadrille is also a shoe perfectly suited for the summer season. Made of cotton canvas and mounted on a jute sole, it is lightweight and breathable; the foot is neither suffocated nor sweaty. A significant advantage when you want to wear closed women’s shoes in the summer.

However, be mindful of the climate. Check the weather before stepping out in your trendy women’s espadrilles, as this type of shoe does not like water.

Here’s what we love about the espadrille:

• It’s a practical shoe: whether strolling through a picturesque village or heading to the beach while adopting a relaxed yet polished look, it’s the ideal shoe. It’s lightweight, very easy to put on, and takes up little space. If you’re worried about running out of options, this is the type of shoe you can easily pack in multiples in your suitcase.

💡By the way, this is typically the kind of piece to bring along to create a summer capsule collection.

• Its unique style: despite its casual appearance, women’s espadrilles embody authenticity. With an espadrille, there’s no faking it! And it’s this little characteristic that gives it value.

• Its versatility: while it perfectly suits a casual beach look, the espadrille can also be worn with a more polished outfit. In this case, it subtly enhances your outfits. It surprises us where we least expect it, and we love that!

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How to Choose Women’s Espadrilles?

Which women’s espadrille should you turn to?

What criteria should you rely on to choose your espadrille, the one you will fall in love with, and that will accompany you on your summer adventures?

First, opt for a quality pair of women’s espadrilles. Since the shoe is made from natural materials like cotton canvas and jute, make sure you feel good in your shoes. If you choose a pair of poor quality, you might suffer from irritation, especially if you walk for a long time. Our advice? Look for artisan labels that master their craft or brands specializing in footwear.

Next, your choice will also depend on the color. You will find many options: from lighter shades to bold ones like red or orange. If you want to blend into the beach ambiance, prefer light shades that evoke the sea, marine air, sand, etc.: white and shades of blue are safe bets for that. Otherwise, you can also choose to wear colorful women’s espadrilles. This is a way to “break” a classic or minimalist outfit. Ultimately, there are no strict rules, other than respecting your desires and maintaining a certain coherence for your outfit.

Finally, you need to decide on the type of espadrille. If you thought that espadrilles existed in only one form, you are mistaken. Over time, this unique shoe has evolved into various styles. I have identified three main types of women’s espadrilles:

• The flat espadrille: this is the classic one that defines what an espadrille is, and we love it for its authenticity and the aromas of the Basque Country. It’s simple, even minimalist, and that’s precisely why we love it. It suits many summer occasions, and with a flat espadrille on your feet, you always look stylish without trying too hard.

• The wedge espadrille: women adore it for its comfort and elegance. Better than a heeled shoe, it allows you to dance the night away without foot pain, and better than a classic sandal, it inevitably adds character to a summer outfit. Paired with a dress that accentuates the waist and a basket bag, wedge espadrilles create the perfect summer look!

• The contemporary espadrille: this is the reimagined version of classic espadrilles. Often flat, the contemporary style stands out with details that are not usually seen on a classic espadrille. Small bows on the front, patterns, leather tips, or 100% leather espadrilles, laces, sequins… Depending on the brands, the espadrille can be completely reinvented. Much to the chagrin of tradition lovers.

How to Wear Women’s Espadrilles? 3 Inspirations

Casual Espadrilles by the Sea

To create a beautiful casual summer outfit, the espadrille is the quintessential casual element. In this case, the shoe perfectly complements a light outfit in which you feel comfortable and well-dressed.

For example, a linen shirt that reveals your swimsuit, paired with navy cotton voile pants and a pair of cream espadrilles works very well. But you can also match your women’s espadrilles with shorts and a crop top or an off-white strap dress with a V-neckline in the back. The key to showcasing a simple yet stylish beach outfit is to rely on basics. They offer the advantage of being practical to wear while providing a reliable foundation to build a coherent outfit.

Here are 3 models of flat women’s espadrilles:

Wedge Espadrilles for a Trip to the City

Another occasion, another espadrille.

As mentioned earlier, espadrilles are also available in wedge versions. Here, they are worn like heeled shoes. They inevitably add a touch of elegance to the outfit without being over the top. With this type of shoe, you maintain a relaxed vibe while staying stylish. Pair them with lightweight pants like linen or voile pants: it’s a safe choice. But with a dress, that’s where they truly shine!

For a perfect little Parisian look, wedge espadrilles love to pair with a fitted dress that highlights the silhouette and subtly reveals your neckline. This very feminine outfit works for a morning market visit or an afternoon wandering through the streets of a quaint village in southern France.

Here are 3 models of wedge women’s espadrilles to shop:

Rebellious Espadrilles to Counter a (Too) Strict Outfit

If you are the type to enjoy breaking the rules, you can dare to wear espadrilles as a rebellious piece. With their casual style, they will be very bold with a summer suit or a fitted blazer.

The idea here is to pair them with a more formal, straight, and sleek outfit. And it works, as it helps to rebalance the outfit, especially if you wear this kind of ensemble in the height of summer—a time of year when we particularly enjoy looser, softer, and lighter pieces for a chill style.

You can wear dressed women’s espadrilles or luxurious women’s espadrilles with this type of outfit. As for colors, it all depends on the outfit you are wearing. But keep in mind to maintain a certain balance.

Here are three models to shop:

➡️ And you, would you have chosen women’s espadrilles to be stylish this summer?

💡 And to perfect your summer look, be sure to read our article on beach outfits; you’ll understand that a swimsuit is not the only fashionable piece to wear.

Featured image: © Unsplash/Apostolos Vamvouras