How to Style Espadrilles: Outfit Ideas for 2026
Espadrilles in 2026
The espadrille — characterised by its rope or jute sole and canvas, leather, or fabric upper — occupies a specific seasonal and aesthetic register that is simultaneously casual and distinctly elevated above ordinary flat shoes. The rope sole and natural construction materials give espadrilles a Mediterranean, holiday, and artisanal character that makes them feel inherently summer-appropriate and occasion-specific in a way that plain trainers or plain sandals do not.
In 2026, the most relevant espadrille styles are flat espadrilles (in canvas, leather, or neutral fabric) and wedge espadrilles (which add height while maintaining the rope-sole character). Both styles reward the same core styling approach: they work best with summery, Mediterranean-inspired, or holiday-appropriate outfit directions and sit less naturally with very urban or very casual streetwear.
Flat Espadrille Outfits
Flat Espadrilles with Midi Dress
A quality flat espadrille — in natural canvas, white, or a warm neutral — with a quality midi dress in a floral print, a simple stripe, or a quality solid colour. Flat espadrilles with a midi dress is the most naturally effective espadrille outfit combination because both pieces share a Mediterranean, summer, holiday-adjacent character that makes the pairing feel coherent and considered. The flat espadrille has enough visual character (the rope sole, the canvas or leather upper) to function as a deliberate footwear choice rather than simply a practical flat shoe.
Flat Espadrilles with Linen or Cotton Separates
Quality flat espadrilles with quality wide-leg linen trousers or quality midi skirt in a natural fabric, and a quality simple top — quality fitted linen shirt, quality simple fitted tee, or quality simple knit. Flat espadrilles with quality linen separates is the most relaxed and most casually elegant espadrille formula: linen and espadrilles share the same natural, artisanal, warm-weather character and the combination reads as coherent and deliberately Mediterranean-casual. Natural espadrille tones (beige, natural, white) work particularly well with natural linen colours.
Wedge Espadrille Outfits
Wedge Espadrilles for Occasions
Quality wedge espadrilles — in natural jute with a canvas, suede, or leather upper — with a quality midi dress or quality wide-leg quality trousers and a quality top, for a summer occasion or smart-casual event. Wedge espadrilles elevate the espadrille into smart-casual and occasion-appropriate territory: the additional height and the more structured silhouette of the wedge make the same summer outfit formulas read as more occasion-dressed. A quality wedge espadrille in a quality neutral with a quality floral midi is appropriate for a summer wedding as a guest, a garden party, or a smart summer lunch.
Espadrilles Colour Styling
Natural, beige, and off-white espadrilles: the most versatile — work with virtually any summer colour palette. White canvas espadrilles: a slightly crisper, more deliberate version of the natural; particularly effective with white or cream outfits and with block-colour summer looks. Black espadrilles: the most versatile for non-summer-specific contexts and for smart-casual summer looks. Tan leather espadrilles: a more refined, slightly less casual alternative that reads as more considered for occasion settings. Avoid very heavily embellished or pattern-heavy espadrilles that compete with print clothing — the most versatile espadrilles are clean and relatively simple in design.
Frequently Asked Questions
What outfits go with espadrilles?
Espadrilles work best with summer-appropriate, Mediterranean-inspired, or holiday-adjacent outfit directions: quality midi dresses in floral or simple prints, quality linen separates, quality wide-leg summer trousers, and quality casual summer skirts. They sit less naturally with very urban streetwear or very formal pieces. For smart-casual settings, quality wedge espadrilles with a quality midi or quality wide-leg quality trousers read as occasion-appropriate. The key is choosing outfits that share the espadrille’s inherent natural, warm-weather character.
Are espadrilles in style in 2026?
Yes — espadrilles remain a strong and consistently worn summer footwear option in 2026, particularly for holiday, Mediterranean, and warm-weather occasion contexts. Their combination of natural construction, casual comfort, and distinctive visual character makes them a perennial summer wardrobe staple rather than a trend piece. Both flat and wedge styles remain relevant. The most wearable 2026 espadrilles are clean, relatively simple designs in neutral or warm natural tones.
