Espadrilles carry centuries of Mediterranean heritage in a very simple build: a braided jute sole and a canvas or suede upper. That jute rope is what sets them apart, and it's what I plan the outfit around. Its matte, nubbly texture looks right with linen, cotton and denim, and slightly odd with anything high-shine unless you do it on purpose. Today you'll find flats, wedges, platforms, ankle-tie styles and slingbacks. Below are 25 outfits, each matched to the espadrille that suits it, with notes on fit, height and where they won't hold up.
Getting the Fit Right Before You Style Them
Espadrilles fit differently from most shoes, and a pair that feels slightly snug in the store is usually the right one. Canvas stretches with wear, and the jute footbed molds a little to your foot.
- Size snug, not tight. If your toes press the front, go up; if the canvas is merely firm across the top, it will relax within a few wears.
- Watch for heel slip. Backless and slip-on styles lift at the heel as you walk. Ankle ties, slingback straps or a closed heel solve that.
- Test the wedge height on a hard floor. A wedge or platform should let you walk with a normal stride; if you're shuffling, drop to a lower height.
- Look underneath. A thin rubber layer on the sole adds grip and protects the jute from wear. Pure jute soles wear through faster on concrete.
Which Height Goes With Which Hem
I match the shoe to the hem rather than to the occasion. Shorts and cropped trousers look best with flats or a low wedge. Midi skirts and dresses can take any height, though a wedge helps petite frames. Maxi skirts, wide linen trousers and jumpsuits usually need a platform or wedge so the hem doesn't drag.
1. White Linen Midi Dress With Tan Wedge Espadrilles
A white linen midi dress with tan wedge espadrilles is the outfit I'd build first for a sunny farmers market. Linen moves and creases; the wedge adds height on a solid base that won't sink into grass the way a stiletto does. Check that the dress hem clears the wedge by a few inches, because linen midi skirts swing into the jute and pick up dirt. A straw tote, oversized sunglasses and small gold hoops are all it needs.
2. High-Waisted Denim Shorts With White Flat Espadrilles
Light-wash high-waisted denim shorts, a tucked white cotton tank and white flat espadrilles with a jute sole: about as easy as summer dressing gets. White canvas uppers show every scuff, so I'd spray them with a fabric protector before the first wear. A brown leather belt marks the waist and a canvas tote finishes it for a boardwalk walk or coffee run.
3. Black Slip Skirt With Canvas Wedge Espadrilles
A bias-cut black slip skirt with canvas wedges is my go-to when someone wants evening polish without heels that hurt. Tuck a fitted white ribbed tank in to give the fluid skirt a firm top. Natural-toned wedges keep it relaxed. Satin shows a ridge wherever underwear sits, so wear something smooth. A small leather shoulder bag and layered pendants carry it from sunset drinks to dinner.
4. Wide-Leg Linen Pants With Closed-Toe Espadrilles
Sand-colored wide-leg linen pants make a long, easy line, and closed-toe black canvas espadrilles anchor it with a little contrast. The closed toe is what makes this work in a creative office; open sandals can read too casual. Hem the pants to just clear the floor in the espadrille, since flats sit lower than people expect. A tucked sleeveless cream blouse, slim belt and structured crossbody bag finish it.
5. Striped Cotton Shirtdress With Platform Espadrilles
A blue-and-white striped cotton shirtdress belted with braided leather, sleeves rolled once or twice, pairs naturally with natural canvas platform espadrilles. The platform adds lift at both heel and toe, so it feels flatter underfoot than a wedge of the same height, which matters on a sightseeing day. A woven crossbody bag keeps your hands free.
6. Cropped Wide-Leg Jeans With Ankle-Tie Espadrilles
Ankle-tie espadrilles need a hem that shows the ties, and cropped wide-leg jeans do exactly that. Black canvas ties crossing the ankle look neat against blue denim. Tie them snug but not tight, since cotton ribbon tightens when it gets damp and can dig in by evening. A white button-down tucked at the front, a tan leather tote and slim sunglasses finish a brunch or gallery outfit.
7. Floral Midi Wrap Dress With Espadrille Wedge Sandals
A blush and lavender floral wrap dress at midi length works with nude espadrille wedge sandals, which lengthen the leg without fighting the print. Nude wedges work best when the tone is close to your own skin, so I'd try a few shades before buying. The wrap defines the waist on most figures. A straw clutch and fine gold jewelry for a garden party or vacation dinner.
8. Cotton Midi Skirt With Canvas Flat Espadrilles
A white A-line cotton midi skirt with a tucked chambray shirt and tan canvas flat espadrilles is easy to walk in all day. Flat jute soles give less cushioning than a sneaker, so for long walking days I'd add a thin cushioned insole. A leather belt and woven shoulder bag add warmth. Good for a picnic or flea market.
9. Tailored Shorts Suit With Platform Espadrilles
A cream or sand tailored shorts suit, an oversized blazer with high-waisted shorts, is summer's take on a suit. Black or camel platform espadrilles give it weight at the foot so the outfit doesn't feel top-heavy. A silky camisole or fitted tank underneath softens the structure. I match the belt and bag to the espadrille color, which keeps the palette tight, for a business lunch or rooftop drinks.
10. White Eyelet Sundress With Peep-Toe Espadrilles
A white eyelet sundress with natural canvas peep-toe espadrilles feels sweet without being too young. Eyelet is cotton with small cut holes, so it needs a lining or a slip under it. The peep toe shows a little of the foot; a pedicure matters here more than with closed styles. A tan crossbody and sun hat suit a vineyard visit, a baby shower or a weekend away.
11. High-Waisted White Trousers With Black Canvas Espadrilles
High-waisted white trousers with black canvas espadrilles give the strongest contrast in this list. Tuck in a black ribbed tank so the top and shoes book-end the white. White trousers show everything underneath, so nude-to-skin underwear is the only option. Gold jewelry and a black shoulder bag keep it crisp for dinner.
12. Cotton Maxi Dress With Lace-Up Espadrille Flats
A tiered sage cotton maxi dress is weightless in heat. Beige lace-up espadrille flats add a slightly bohemian texture, and the ties around the ankle give the long dress somewhere for the eye to land. Lace-up ties loosen as you walk, so I double-knot and tuck the ends. A straw basket bag and beaded bracelets for countryside strolls or a beach dinner.
13. Distressed Denim Shorts With Colorful Espadrille Wedges
Coral or turquoise espadrille wedges are the whole point of this outfit, so keep everything else plain: distressed denim shorts and a white tee. Bright canvas fades in strong sun over a season, which is worth knowing before you pay for a bold color. A straw fedora and layered beaded necklaces suit a festival or boardwalk day.
14. Linen Button-Down Shirt And Tailored Shorts With Flat Espadrilles
A soft blue linen button-down, sleeves rolled and a few buttons open, with tailored cream shorts and tan canvas flat espadrilles reads preppy and cool on a humid day. Tailored shorts with a clean hem look smarter with espadrilles than frayed cutoffs do. A canvas tote is all you need for errands or a seaside lunch.
15. Black Tailored Trousers With Suede Espadrille Flats
Suede espadrille flats in charcoal or olive bring texture to black tailored trousers. With a simple white bodysuit, a sleek watch and a structured leather tote, they stand in for ballet flats or loafers at a casual office. Suede espadrilles are the least weatherproof pair in this list: water spots suede and swells the jute. I'd keep these for dry days and brush them with a suede brush after wear.
16. Flowy Boho Maxi Skirt With Wedge Espadrilles
A muted terracotta boho maxi skirt with a cream peasant blouse tucked in and tan wedge espadrilles. The wedge keeps a long, full skirt off the ground, which flats can't always do. A wide-brimmed felt hat and turquoise jewelry finish an outdoor concert or art fair outfit. I'd go for a mid-height wedge here so you can still walk on uneven grass.
17. Matching Linen Set With Platform Espadrilles
A matching linen shirt and high-waisted shorts in cream or sand look expensive because there's one color top to bottom. Tan platform espadrilles extend that line. Linen sets wrinkle quickly; I'd embrace it on vacation rather than fight it. Oversized sunglasses and a straw tote take it from a beach breakfast to an afternoon in town.
18. Striped Tee And White Jeans With Natural Espadrille Flats
A Breton-striped tee tucked into white straight-leg jeans with natural canvas flats has a nautical feel. A red lip and a navy crossbody add small hits of color. White jeans and natural jute are close in tone without matching, which looks relaxed rather than coordinated. For a ferry ride, I'd pick espadrilles with a rubber layer on the sole for grip on wet decks.
19. Smocked Midi Dress With Ankle-Strap Espadrilles
A cobalt floral smocked midi dress does most of the work. Black ankle-strap espadrilles add stability, which matters at a wedding where you'll stand, walk on grass and dance. The ankle strap stops the heel slipping out of the shoe, a common complaint with espadrilles. Smocked bodices stretch to fit and tiered skirts move well. A black clutch and studs are plenty.
20. Cargo Pants With Boho Espadrille Wedges
Faded olive cargo pants and natural canvas boho wedges: rugged meets soft. A crisp white tank keeps the top simple. Cargo pants are heavy at the hem, so roll or cuff them once to clear the wedge. Gold chains and a slouchy suede bag finish an outfit for city exploring or a casual dinner.
21. Chambray Shirt Dress With Braided Espadrille Sandals
A light blue chambray shirt dress with tan braided espadrille sandals is straightforward and practical. Roll the sleeves, belt it with brown leather and carry a canvas backpack on one shoulder. Chambray softens with every wash, so an older dress drapes better than a new one. A good errands or lunch outfit.
22. Denim Maxi Skirt With Platform Espadrilles
A structured denim maxi skirt has a 70s feel, and blue canvas platform espadrilles continue the denim color down to the floor. A bright mustard sweater vest over a white turtleneck plays to the retro palette, though in real heat I'd swap the turtleneck for a tank. An olive bag ties the earthy tones together for an art fair or record shop.
23. Satin Slip Dress With Espadrille Wedge Sandals
A champagne satin slip dress catches the light; neutral espadrille wedge sandals keep it grounded for a summer evening. A cropped denim jacket over the shoulders takes the edge off the shine. I'd choose a wedge with a slim jute wrap rather than a chunky one, so the shoe doesn't look heavier than the dress. Fine jewelry and a small beaded bag for a birthday or rooftop dinner.
24. White Poplin Shirt And Denim Cutoffs With Espadrille Flats
An oversized white poplin shirt open over a black swimsuit top is the simplest seaside outfit there is. Denim cutoffs and natural canvas flat espadrilles go from sand to a seafood shack. Just keep them out of the waterline; jute soaks up seawater and salt dries stiff. A straw tote and sunglasses finish it.
25. Olive Utility Jumpsuit With Wedge Espadrilles
A sleeveless olive utility jumpsuit cinched with its self-tie belt is one piece and done. Tan wedge espadrilles soften the utility feel. Roll the hems once so the shoe shows; a jumpsuit leg covering the wedge makes you look shorter. Gold hoops and a leather watch for a travel day or casual office.
Rain, Sand and Cleaning Canvas Uppers
The jute sole is the weak point. It's plant fiber, so it soaks up water, swells and can lose its shape or start to smell. Here is how I keep a pair going.
- Skip them on wet days. If they do get soaked, stuff them with paper and let them dry at room temperature, away from a heater or direct sun, which can crack the jute.
- Spray the canvas with a fabric protector before the first wear. Don't spray the jute heavily; light coverage is enough.
- Spot-clean canvas with a soft brush, mild soap and as little water as possible. Never put espadrilles in a washing machine; the glue between upper and sole lets go.
- Brush loose sand and dirt from the jute with a dry toothbrush. A pencil eraser lifts light marks from pale braiding.
- Store them dry, in a breathable bag, not sealed plastic. Trapped moisture is what turns jute musty.
Suede espadrilles need a suede brush and a protector spray. Wedges with a wrapped jute heel show wear at the back first, so check that spot each season.
Jute Soles Do Their Best Work on Dry Summer Days
Espadrilles suit natural fabrics, relaxed shapes and dry pavement. Linen, cotton, chambray and denim all sit well against jute, and the right height depends on the hem: flats under cropped jeans and shorts, wedges and platforms under maxis and midis. If you buy one pair, make it a natural canvas flat or a mid-height wedge in tan, which goes with nearly every outfit above. Keep them out of the rain and they'll last for several summers.
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