How to Wear Espadrilles

Co-authored by Paul Julch, MA

Last Updated: November 18, 2021 References

Espadrilles—initially created as a cheap footwear option for 14th-century fishermen—came to represent the glamor of the French Riviera in the mid 20th century, when they were worn by movie stars including Grace Kelly and Lauren Bacall. Today, espadrilles are popular with men and women looking for a breathable, fashionable summer shoe. Wear espadrilles with a linen suit for a formal summer outfit, or pair espadrille wedges with a floral dress for an elegant yet laid-back look.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Styling Espadrilles

1
Wear espadrille flats as a summer-friendly alternative to sneakers. Espadrilles can be a great alternative to sneakers or flat boots during the warm summer months. Not only do they provide full coverage of your feet and are comfortable to walk in, but they’re also breathable and can handle a bit of sand or surf. ^{[1]
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- Avoid wearing regular socks with espadrilles. Either ditch the socks altogether, or find a pair of no-show socks.
2
Slip on espadrilles with a pair of shorts or cuffed jeans. These summer shoes look great with pretty much any style of shorts, from patterned to khaki. They can also be matched with jeans, for a look that works equally well at the boardwalk or at dinner.^{[2]
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- Light-wash jeans are typically better suited for pairing with espadrilles than very dark washes.
- If your espadrilles tie around the ankle, stick to cropped pants rather than full-length.^{[3]
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  Expert Source
  
  Paul Julch, MA
  Personal Wardrobe Stylist & Speaker
  Expert Interview. 16 November 2021.}
- Espadrilles also look great with summer dresses.^{[4]
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  Expert Source
  
  Paul Julch, MA
  Personal Wardrobe Stylist & Speaker
  Expert Interview. 16 November 2021.}
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3
Lengthen your legs and add height with espadrille wedges. Espadrille wedges are perfect for more formal warm-weather events, such as church or a wedding. Pair with a floral dress for a more feminine look, or with a pair of jeans and a flowy blouse. Open-toe wedges are more casual and trendy, while closed-toe styles generally look more sophisticated and sweet.^{[5]
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- Choose a pair in a neutral tone like beige, brown, or light pink to make your legs look longer.^{[6]
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- Since they are wedges and not traditional heels, which provide less arch support, espadrille wedges can be a great day-to-night shoe.
4
Try a lace-up pair of espadrilles for an elegant fashion statement. Lace-up espadrilles come as both wedges and flats. Flats can be worn with a light swing dress and a hat—a cute outfit that’s also great for a day of exploring. Lace-up wedges add an extra touch of glamor to a flowy dress.^{[7]
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- Decide whether you want to tie your laces around your ankle or wind them up your calf for a more dramatic look.
5
Pair espadrilles with a linen suit for a formal warm-weather look. An unstructured linen two-piece suit matches perfectly with espadrilles. Pale, neutral colors like white, cream, beige, or gray are typically a safe bet for your shoes. Or, pick a pair of espadrilles in a bright hue that contrasts with your suit—such as royal blue or coral—to add a bit of personal flair.^{[8]
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- For the most polished look, cuff the hems of your linen trousers. A shorter pant leg looks stylish when paired with espadrilles.
6
Swap out your rubber-soled sneakers for espadrille sneakers. Espadrilles come in lace-up, sneaker styles that still sport traditional jute soles. These are a great everyday option for the summer. Wear them with shorts and jeans for a more casual look.^{[9]
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- Go for a solid color, like navy or gray, rather than a pattern.
7
Find espadrilles in leather or suede for a more professional option. Although traditional espadrilles are generally not office-appropriate, a pair made using more upscale materials like suede or leather generally look more polished. A pair of suede espadrilles paired with cuffed khakis could be a great summer option for a more casual office.^{[10]
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- Wear a pair of brown leather espadrilles with white, slim-fit pants and a chambray shirt for a sophisticated take on the summer shoe.
- Try styling a pair of black leather espadrilles with black leather pants, a white sweater, and a beige peacoat for a dressed-up version of these summer shoes.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Buying and Caring for Espadrilles

1
Choose a pair that’s snug when you first try them on. Most espadrilles are made from cotton canvas, which will stretch significantly over time. Choose a pair that’s snug on your feet when you purchase them. The heel will stretch back first, then the toe.^{[11]
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- If you are purchasing a pair made from leather or suede, it will stretch less than canvas. Keep that in mind when sizing your espadrilles.
2
Clean your espadrilles with detergent and water. If your shoes get dirty, you’ll need to wipe them off with a mixture of detergent and water. Mix 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of mild detergent with 2 cups (470 mL) of water in a bowl, then dip a cotton cloth into the soapy water and scrub dirt off the canvas using a circular motion. Rinse the shoes with a clean cloth dipped in warm water, and allow them to air dry.^{[12]
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- To clean the jute soles, dip a toothbrush in the soapy water and gently scrub off any dirt. You can rinse off the soap with a cotton cloth dipped in lukewarm water.
- Never put your espadrilles in the washing machine, which will ruin the jute soles.^{[13]
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3
Stuff your espadrilles with newsprint if the jute sole gets wet. The jute soles of your shoes can be ruined by water damage, so try not to get them wet. If you do happen to get caught in the rain or splashed with water, ball up pages of a newspaper and stuff them inside each shoe. Then, let your shoes air dry and remove the newspaper.^{[14]
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- You can replace the balled-up newsprint with dry pages after an hour or two, which will help speed along the drying process.
4
Use leather cleaner to spiff up leather espadrilles. Certain espadrilles are made with leather rather than canvas. In this case, you’ll need to use commercial leather cleaner to remove any dirt. Rub the cleaner into your shoes with a cotton cloth, working in a circular motion. Then, allow your shoes to dry before putting them on.^{[15]
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- Make sure to check the instructions for your particular brand of leather cleaner. It will tell you how much product to use to clean your shoes.