Espadrilles: how a country shoe turned city chic
10.6.2021
Espadrilles are here to stay. The summer classic with the braided sole is especially versatile this season. Keep reading for the wear and care of the shoe.
It was fashion designer Gabrielle Chanel who made espadrilles fashionable in the 1930s. The simple footwear’s origins are in Spain and southern France, where the shoe, made of fabric and a braided rope sole, was worn by peasants. The French designer and style icon was an advocate of comfortable fashion, and she discovered the fabric shoes for herself. Stars and starlets soon took notice. A success that lasted. In the forties and fifties, these summer shoes were celebrated by Hollywood legends like Lauren Bacall, Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn. By the way, the first espadrilles with wedge heels were designed in the seventies by Yves Saint Laurent in collaboration with the Castañer brand.
Buzz about the shoe died down in the nineties and around the millennia, but the classic has seen a comeback in recent years. Not only are they lightweight and comfortable, but they’re a perfect match for your summer wardrobe. The natural braided sole harmonises with airy fabrics and denim skirts and shorts.
How-to
In addition to the classic variant, there are now also differences in terms of sole thickness and upper material: models with platforms, sequin applications, fringes or special lacing provide variety.
«Classic» espadrilles
The typical and at the same time most plain type is made of materials such as canvas, cotton or linen and has a flat, braided sole. You can’t go wrong with this style: from shorts to denim pants, a simple T-shirt or a striped sweater, everything goes – except socks.
For a more playful look, wear a playsuit or a sundress. When styling your look, make sure you either stay in one colour scheme or add contrast to a monochromatic outfit with a special pop of colour. For example, combine a beige outfit with red espadrilles or a white outfit with blue ones.
Because classic espadrilles, made of canvas or cotton, have an inherent casual look, add a sophisticated touch with a pair made of suede, smooth leather or metallics – these looks are business chic.
Espadrilles with a wedge heel
Choose a model with a wedge heel for an even more sophisticated look. It looks especially beautiful combined with a maxi dress or a denim skirt. Make the shoes shine with nice fitted pants or wide swinging skirts.
Make the shoe office-appropriate by wearing it with dark pants, a shirt and a light linen blazer. The wedge espadrilles make the maxi dress office appropriate, too. Want a heel? But like a sporty look? The model with a full-length platform is the ideal match for you.
Sneakerilles
This model is a hybrid of a sneaker and espadrilles – effectively a sneaker on a bast-fibre platform. This shoe adds a sporty touch to your outfit and goes equally well with shorts, long jeans or a summer dress. Nice side effect: because many sneakerilles have a platform heel, you’ll appear taller with them.
Lace-up espadrilles
This trendy shoe is available with a wedge heel, and as a flat.
If you’re not a fan of high heels but still want playful espadrilles, this model is a great choice. It adds focus to your legs with satin, leather or linen laces that you tie around your ankles. The material of the laces varies depending on the style. It would be a shame to hide the lacing under a long pant leg or skirt. That’s why I recommend you go for shorts, skirts or dresses, or ¾-length culotte pants. For the latter, a model in denim provides a casual contrast.
Buying and care tips
Before you buy:
- Bigger isn’t always better. On the contrary: since the fabric expands somewhat during the break-in process, you should make sure that the shoe fits snugly on your foot at the beginning. Buy espadrilles half a size smaller, or make sure that the shoe fits rather tight, but not too tight. Your toenails shouldn’t show under the fabric.
- In high-quality models, the tread of the soles is fully or partially covered with a thin rubber layer to prevent any wearing out. It’s worth it.
Cleaning:
- Water is a no-go: whether in the form of rain or in the washing machine. The sole made of knotted plant fibres swells upon contact with water. So think twice before putting on your espadrilles before an upcoming thunderstorm. If you do get caught in the rain, stuff them at home with a washcloth or small kitchen towel and lay them on a clothesline to dry.
- Dirty espadrilles can be cleaned with a textile or shoe brush. If the stain can’t be removed in this way, use a damp cloth with a little liquid soap – or leather care if the model is made of leather. The sole plate shouldn’t come into contact with water. By the way, you can treat the upper material of your espadrilles with a waterproofing spray before wearing them for the first time. The spray protects your summer shoes from moisture and dirt.
Click here for our espadrilles assortment.
When I’m not exploring the depths of the sea as an open water diver, I enjoy plunging into the world of fashion. On the streets of Paris, Milan and New York is where I keep my eyes peeled for the latest trends. And I’ll show you how to take them from the catwalk to your everyday life.
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