How to Wear Espadrilles? | Breezy Summer Style

Espadrilles signal summer before you say a word. The rope-wrapped sole and canvas upper belong to warm weather, so the whole outfit should follow that lead. The secret to wearing them well is matching the shoe’s easygoing character with breezy fabrics and simple proportions. Whether you want a casual daytime look or something slightly smarter, the right pairing comes down to a few dependable choices.

Choose The Right Espadrille For The Occasion

Espadrilles come in three main silhouettes, and each one suits a different level of dressiness. Start by picking the shape that fits where you are going, then build the outfit around it.

• Flat espadrilles are the most casual option. They pair naturally with shorts, mini skirts, casual dresses, and relaxed daytime outfits. Think errands, lunches, or a stroll by the water.
• Wedge espadrilles add height and lengthen the leg line. Stylists recommend them with midi or maxi dresses, flowy silhouettes, and wide-leg pants because they balance proportions that flats can make look heavy.
• Closed-toe espadrilles read as the smarter choice. They work with cropped trousers or chinos when you want a polished look without full-on dress shoes.

That first decision settles most of the rest. A flat with a formal dress will feel mismatched, and a closed-toe with beach shorts will look overdressed.

Match The Fabric Weight To The Shoe

Espadrilles are canvas and rope, so they demand lightweight companion fabrics. Linen, cotton, chambray, and denim all work well. Heavy winter materials do not.

Style guidance is clear on this point: avoid wool and thick winter fabrics with espadrilles. The mismatch in weight is what makes the outfit look off. A linen shirt with cotton chinos feels right; the same shoes with a wool sweater look confused. If you are unsure, pick the lighter fabric and keep the overall feel breezy.

Accessories should stay in the same spirit. Straw hats, woven bags, and simple jewelry all complement the espadrille aesthetic. Neutral or earthy tones are the safest bet, though bold colors and patterns work if the rest of the outfit stays understated. The goal is relaxed, not busy.

Adjust Proportions And Hemlines

Espadrilles sit low on the foot, so how your pants end matters more than with most shoes. The right hemline shows the ankle and keeps the leg line clean.

• Cuff your trousers or chinos to expose the ankle.
• Choose cropped pants that end above the shoe.
• With wide-leg pants, reach for wedges to add height and balance the fuller silhouette.
• For dresses, try wedges with midi or maxi lengths to avoid overwhelming your frame.

For men, the guidance is straightforward: cuffed light-wash denim, summer cotton chinos, denim shorts, swim shorts, and linen shirts all pair well. And go sockless. The no-sock look is part of the espadrille’s casual charm, so skip the hosiery and let the shoe breathe.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Most espadrille failures come from three repeated errors. Skip them and you are already ahead of most people wearing the shoe.

• Winter fabrics. Wool, thick knits, and heavy denim clash with the shoe’s light construction.
• Overdone patterns. Clashing prints and textures fight the shoe’s simple character. Keep one bold element and let the rest stay quiet.
• Wet conditions. Rope-wrapped soles do not hold up well in rain or damp ground. Save them for dry days to keep the soles intact.

Fit deserves a quick note too. Espadrilles should feel comfortable and snug with no heel slipping. Some styles run small, so sizing up can be the right call for certain flats or heels. When in doubt, go with the fit that does not slide when you walk.

If you are shopping for a pair, our tested roundup of the best espadrilles for men covers the top options to start with.