This canvas peasant shoe became popular in Spain and on the French Riviera. It is now a must-have for any well-dressed man. Whether you choose a simple canvas pair or something fancier, they’re light, airy, and surprisingly small. In short, Espadrilles are the perfect summer shoes.
What might surprise you, though, is how many different ways they can be worn. Historically, espadrilles were the underdogs of the shoe world. However, they have come a long way from their humble beginnings and can now be worn on a lot more than just the sun deck. Here, we’ll show you how.
Espadrilles with a Suit
Even though this might not be the first thing that comes to mind, this deconstructed shoe can be the perfect addition to your summer suiting in certain situations. Espadrilles go well with an unstructured linen two-piece because they look as casual as flip-flops but don’t leave a dirty taste in your go.
But there are a few things that must be done for it to work. First, you need to think about the length of the hem. I don’t like it when linen trousers have a break at the hem, and I think the bigger the cuff, the better. Since linen suits are usually worn in warmer weather, you don’t need to make room for lace-up shoes. This is why the legs are shorter.
Color is the other big thing to think about when you want to wear such a casual shoe with a suit. Paler colours give off a more laid-back vibe and are more likely to look good with espadrilles. By making your suit and espadrilles look different from each other, you can also show a bit of your own style. A really great outfit is an olive linen suit with taupe espadrilles. See the list below for a guide.
Espadrilles With Jeans
A pair of skinny jeans and striped espadrilles are the best way to look nautical. Roll up the sleeves and put on a white t-shirt, and you can go from the boat to brunch and back again in this outfit.
When picking denim, any light wash will do, and the more worn it is, the better. Espadrilles are a great way to dress up a pair of worn-out jeans, and it’s one of the few times when looking a little messy is more chic than sloppy.
The jeans-and-espadrilles combo is also a great way to go crazy with colours and patterns. Traditional espadrille makers from Spain and France usually make a variety of styles, and denim is a great material to start with if you want to try something new. If colours aren’t your thing, though, you can’t go wrong with a muted colour scheme like Idris Elba’s.
Espadrilles With Chinos
Most men don’t automatically reach for chinos when they want to dress up their summer slip-ons. But if you choose the right style and colours, this can be a great outfit that says “summer in the Hamptons” even if you’re just going to the shop.
Like suits, the chinos you choose should be on the lighter side, like a cotton blend or a more unusual seersucker. Also, it’s best to avoid styles that are too tight because they can look out of place with such loose shoes. References like the one worn by my old friend Johannes Huebel (pictured below) are great because they walk that fine line between artfully rumpled and classic prep.
Espadrilles with Shorts
Espadrilles and shorts are the most classic summer outfit. They are the best way to show that you have timeless style. On top of that, it’s one of the easiest outfits to put together. You could put this in your suitcase and probably not need anything else besides a tooth brush for a weekend trip.
Still, the simplest looks are the ones that require the most judgement. My advice is to choose high-quality fabrics if you want to stand out from the crowd. Venroy, a local clothing shop, has a great selection of linen shirts, while Orlebar Brown and Ralph Lauren are the brands to go to for shorts.
Whether you want to dress up a pair of board shorts for sundowners or go for something a little more refined, espadrilles will make your summer outfit stand out from the rest.
Socks and Espadrilles
Socks? With canvas espadrilles? Yes, out there. But impossible? Not even close.
With a suit in the style of Naples and an open-neck polo, this look shows that it pays to be brave. With black espadrilles, this outfit is all about being simple. Simple espadrilles and thin black socks can turn an otherwise classic style on its head in a spectacular way when worn with a perfectly fitted suit.
Obviously, this style is not for people who are easily scared. And I’d still choose to get your feet out whenever I could. But if nothing else, this shows that it can be done. You just have to have the, well, shame, to try it.
Wrapping Up
We’re sure you already have a favourite style of clothing that helps you decide what to buy. When buying shoes, for example espadrilles, the same rule should be followed. If you have a casual style in your wardrobe, espadrilles are the shoes you should wear this coming summer. Let your mind run wild and mix and match different styles of espadrilles with your outfit for amazing results. If you want to know how to keep up with the latest fashion trends, you might find it helpful to know that most summer shoes are already espadrilles. This year, in addition to the classic canvas espadrilles, it’s also cool to wear espadrilles made of real leather that are richly coloured in metallic shades.
If you’re still not sure about espadrilles, we hope we were able to show you why they’re the best summer shoes. Summer style starts with shoes that are trendy, stylish, and comfortable. Don’t be afraid to try new things with fashion. You can get a nice, casual look by putting together styles that don’t seem to go together, like trainers and a suit. So get to work, combine, mix, and have fun with fashion!