When espadrilles come out, I know spring has properly arrived. The rope sole, the canvas upper and the slight give underfoot make them feel lighter than any sneaker, and they come in flats, wedges and platforms that suit very different days. They work with linen separates and floral midi dresses, denim shorts and tailored trousers, so they cover most of a warm-weather wardrobe. Below are 25 complete outfits built around a pair, with notes on which sole height suits each one and where espadrilles fall short.
Flat, Wedge or Platform Depends on the Day
The sole height changes what an espadrille can do. Flats are the most casual and the easiest to walk in, but they offer almost no cushioning, so I keep them for shorter days or add a thin insole. Wedges give height with a stable base, which makes them the best choice for grass, cobbles and long events where you'll be standing.
Platforms sit somewhere in between. The height is spread evenly, so they feel less steep than a wedge, and they suit wide trousers and midi dresses that need some lift. If you are new to espadrilles, I'd start with a low wedge of an inch or two; it works with nearly every outfit below.
- Canvas uppers stretch slightly with wear, so a pair that feels snug in the shop usually loosens up.
- An ankle strap or ribbon tie keeps a wedge secure on stairs and slopes.
- Leather or suede uppers hold their shape longer than canvas.
1. White jeans and espadrille wedges spring outfit
White jeans with espadrille wedges is a classic for good reason: the jute sole looks warm next to bright white denim. I choose straight or slightly cropped white jeans so the ankle strap shows, and tuck in a light knit tank or fitted tee in lavender or butter yellow. Tan or beige wedges keep the colors calm. A raffia or smooth leather crossbody, oversized sunglasses and a couple of fine gold chains finish it. A cropped jean hem matters here; a full-length white jean covering a wedge looks like it's dragging. Good for brunch or casual Friday.
2. Floral midi dress with espadrille platforms
A floral midi dress and platform espadrilles is my favorite pairing for garden parties. I look for a small floral print with a puff sleeve or square neckline, and I keep the platform neutral, beige, cream or soft blush, so it doesn't fight the print. A straw clutch or small basket bag and simple hoops finish it, with a cardigan or denim jacket for cool evenings. Platform espadrilles are lighter than they look, since jute weighs little, which makes them easier on grass than a stiletto. The heel won't sink into a lawn, either.
3. Denim shorts with flat espadrilles
Denim shorts and flat espadrilles is the easiest warm-day outfit there is. I go for a high-rise, slightly relaxed pair in light wash and tuck in a white cotton tank or ribbed crewneck. Flat espadrilles in black or natural canvas keep it comfortable, and a leather belt, canvas tote and cap finish it. Flat espadrilles have almost no arch support, so for a long walking day I'd add a thin insole. Otherwise this is the outfit for coffee runs, errands and weekend strolls.
4. Linen wide leg pants with espadrille sandals
Linen trousers and espadrilles suit each other because both are made from natural fibers that breathe. I pick wide-leg linen in sandy beige or soft white with a fitted sleeveless top or cotton tank tucked in. Espadrille sandals, flat or with a slight heel, in a tonal shade keep the leg long. A thin leather belt and a structured straw bag add shape. The trouser hem should just clear the floor in the shoes you'll wear; linen frays and picks up dirt quickly when it drags. Good for a casual lunch or a seaside walk.
5. Maxi dress and wedge espadrilles
A maxi dress and wedge espadrilles work well together because the wedge lifts the hem off the ground. I choose a tiered cotton or rayon maxi in a solid or a fine stripe, then add closed-toe or peep-toe wedges in a neutral. A denim jacket tied at the waist and a long pendant finish it. Before buying, I try the dress on with the actual wedges, since the right length for flats will be too short for a wedge. It carries from a daytime picnic into an outdoor dinner.
6. Denim mini skirt with espadrille wedges
A denim mini with espadrille wedges sits nicely between casual and polished. I choose a medium-wash or white mini with some stretch and tuck in a puff-sleeve blouse or slim knit. Wedges in warm tan or raffia add height, and a slim belt with a top-handle bag pulls it together. The wedge gives a short skirt a longer leg line without the wobble of a stiletto. Gold hoops are all the jewelry it needs. Good for brunch, shopping or a casual date.
7. T-shirt and straight leg jeans with espadrilles
A good tee with straight-leg jeans is a plain base, and a bright espadrille gives it personality. I tuck a white or striped tee into straight jeans with a raw hem or slight crop so the shoe shows, then wear flats in red, cobalt or emerald. A leather watch, canvas tote and red lip finish it. Bright canvas fades in strong sun over a season, so I keep colorful pairs for city days and wear natural ones to the beach. This is the outfit for school pickup, coffee dates and weekends away.
8. Jumpsuit with espadrille wedge sandals
A jumpsuit with espadrille wedges is about as simple as dressing gets. I choose a sleeveless or short-sleeve style in cotton poplin or lyocell with a defined waist from a tie belt or seaming, then add wedges with an ankle strap. A woven clutch and statement earrings carry it from day into evening. The ankle strap matters on a wedge, because it stops your heel lifting out when you walk downhill. It works for a rooftop dinner or an outdoor wedding with a relaxed dress code.
9. Crop top and wide leg trousers with espadrilles
High-waisted wide-leg trousers with a fitted crop top look balanced and modern. I choose soft crepe or a linen blend in cream, olive or black, and a crop that just grazes the waistband so no midriff shows. Flat or low-wedge espadrilles keep the leg long, and a slim belt, structured shoulder bag and a light blazer cover cool mornings. With a wide leg, a small wedge is often better than a flat, since it stops the hem from swallowing the shoe. Good for a creative office or a spring happy hour.
10. Linen button-down and Bermuda shorts with espadrilles
Bermudas and a linen button-down look sharp with flat espadrilles. I choose linen or cotton twill shorts in khaki, olive or sand, tuck in a relaxed linen shirt and roll the sleeves twice. Flats in a matching earth tone keep everything tonal, and a leather belt, roomy canvas tote and tortoiseshell sunglasses finish it. Longer shorts can shorten the leg, and a low-cut espadrille vamp that shows the top of the foot helps undo that. It works for a casual lunch meeting and a long walk afterward.
11. Chambray shirt dress with espadrilles
A chambray shirt dress is easy, and espadrilles suit its blue denim tones. I wear it buttoned as a dress or open over a tank and shorts, cinched with a braided leather belt. Flat or platform espadrilles in natural jute work, along with a straw fedora or canvas backpack. Chambray softens with every wash, so an older dress hangs better than a stiff new one. It suits a sightseeing day, a picnic in the park or any casual weekend outing.
12. Striped midi skirt with espadrille flats
A striped midi skirt gives an instant nautical feel. I look for vertical or diagonal stripes in navy, cream or soft blue and tuck in a simple white tee or slim tank. Solid neutral flats keep it breezy. A straw circle bag, a thin red belt and a delicate anklet finish it. Horizontal stripes on a full midi add width at the hip, which is why I prefer vertical or diagonal ones here. It's a nice outfit for a waterfront lunch or a baby shower.
13. Bohemian cotton maxi skirt with flat espadrilles
A tiered cotton maxi skirt in an earthy print and flat espadrilles makes a relaxed boho outfit. I choose terracotta, mustard or olive and tuck in a plain white tank or lace-trimmed cami. Flats with ankle ties or a slingback strap keep the shoe on through a long day, and beaded bracelets, a long pendant, a fringe crossbody and a wide-brim hat finish it. Ankle ties come loose with walking, so I double-knot them at the back. It suits a music festival, a beach market or a day in a new city.
14. Tailored cream trousers with espadrille wedges
Cream tailored trousers with wedge espadrilles show these shoes can go to the office. I choose a slight taper or a cropped wide leg and tuck in a silk or satin tank in a pastel or neutral. Beige wedges continue the color down the leg, and a matching cream blazer or linen blend covers cool mornings. A leather tote and minimal gold jewelry keep it clean. Cream trousers show every mark, so I'd keep a stain pen in the tote. It carries straight from office hours into drinks.
15. Matching linen set with espadrilles
A matching linen set, a button-front shirt with shorts or trousers, is one of the easiest outfits to wear in warm weather. I choose oatmeal, sage or pale blue and wear the shirt tucked in or tied at the waist. Flat or low-wedge espadrilles in natural canvas match the linen texture, and a straw tote, a simple pendant and round sunglasses finish it. Linen sets crease within an hour, and that relaxed rumple is part of the look. I pack one for travel days and resort trips.
16. Slip dress with platform espadrilles
A slip dress can work in daytime with platform espadrilles. I choose a midi slip in a soft floral or solid pastel; the chunky jute platform balances the silky fabric. An oversized denim jacket or cropped cardigan adds warmth and contrast, and a mini shoulder bag with layered chains finishes it. Bias-cut slips cling in a breeze, so I wear a slip short underneath for comfort. It works for a birthday brunch, a gallery visit or a dinner date.
17. Lightweight cardigan and skinny jeans with espadrilles
A lightweight longline cardigan over a tank with skinny jeans is reliable for in-between days. I choose a neutral cardigan, dark-wash skinnies and flat espadrilles with a pointed toe to lengthen the leg. A long pendant, leather tote and statement earrings finish it. Pointed-toe espadrilles are less common than round ones, but they look sharper with slim jeans. The cardigan adds warmth without bulk, and the outfit works for travel and casual dinners alike.
18. Linen midi dress with ribbon espadrilles
A linen midi dress in a soft pastel or cream with ribbon-tie espadrilles has a gentle, romantic feel. I look for puffed sleeves, a tiered skirt or a smocked bodice. The ribbons wrap the ankle and tie in a bow, a little like ballet shoes. A small woven bag or bamboo-handle purse, pearl studs and a soft updo finish it. Wrap the ribbons flat rather than twisted, or they dig into the ankle by midday. It suits a baby shower, a bridal brunch or a garden walk.
19. Blazer and denim shorts with wedge espadrilles
An oversized blazer over denim shorts and a tank is a high-low layering trick I use often. I choose a lightweight blazer in a neutral or pastel and raw-hem medium-wash shorts, with a simple tank or bodysuit underneath. Wedge espadrilles add height and some polish, and a structured bag with gold jewelry finishes it. The blazer should end just above or at the shorts hem; much longer, and the shorts vanish. The blazer lifts the shorts, and the espadrilles connect the two. Good for a city lunch or a shopping day.
20. High-waisted beige trousers with espadrille flats
High-waisted beige trousers with flat espadrilles make a clean, minimal outfit. I choose a relaxed fit and tuck in a fitted ribbed tank or thin knit. Flats in matching beige or warm tan keep everything tonal, which lengthens the line, and a leather belt, sleek shoulder bag and oval sunglasses finish it. When the trousers and shoes are almost the same color as your skin, a darker belt keeps the outfit from blurring. It works for brunch, a museum visit or a casual workday.
21. Pleated midi skirt with espadrille wedges
A pleated midi skirt has lovely movement, and espadrille wedges keep it from feeling too formal. I choose a soft pastel, or a metallic finish for a dressier version, and pair it with a fitted tee or light sweater. A slim belt and clutch complete the outfit. Pleats lift in a breeze, so a slightly heavier fabric hangs better outdoors. It suits a graduation, a dressy brunch or a spring wedding with a garden or daytime setting.
22. Tie-front blouse and white jeans with espadrilles
A tie-front blouse in a floral or gingham print with white jeans is a cheerful spring outfit. The tie defines the waist, and white straight-leg jeans keep it crisp. Wedge or platform espadrilles in a color picked from the print tie it together, and a woven bag, gold hoops and a bright lip finish it. Tie the knot slightly off-center so it lies flat over the jeans' button. Good for a brunch date, a bridal shower or a vacation dinner.
23. Olive utility jumpsuit with espadrilles
An olive utility jumpsuit in light cotton or a linen blend is a practical warm-weather outfit with espadrilles. Its relaxed fit and multiple pockets give it a casual feel. I roll the sleeves and add a braided belt to define the waist, then flat or low-wedge espadrilles in warm tan to soften it. A canvas backpack and aviators finish it. A jumpsuit that's too long in the leg covers a flat espadrille, so I cuff it once above the ankle. Good for a day trip or an outdoor event.
24. Light trench coat and ankle jeans with espadrilles
A light trench over a simple tee and ankle jeans is a classic spring outfit, and espadrilles keep it from feeling too serious. I choose a beige or soft pastel trench and ankle jeans with a slight crop so the shoes show. Flat espadrilles in a contrasting color add interest, and a silk scarf at the neck or on the bag adds a French touch. A structured tote and cat-eye sunglasses finish it. On a rainy morning, though, I'd switch to a leather loafer, since wet jute stays damp for hours. It's good for appointments, lunch dates and city walks.
25. Striped sweater and chino shorts with espadrilles
For early spring days with a chill in the air, a light striped sweater with chino shorts and espadrilles is a good balance. I choose a Breton-stripe sweater in cotton or a fine knit, with chino shorts in navy, khaki or blush. Flat espadrilles in a coordinating color, a leather watch, a canvas belt and simple studs finish it. A cotton knit is easier to tie over your shoulders than wool when the afternoon warms up. It works for a casual weekend, a beach walk or a laid-back lunch.
Can Espadrilles Go to a Wedding or the Office?
Several outfits here mention showers, weddings and work, so it's worth being honest about limits. A closed-toe wedge in leather or a smooth satin upper reads polished enough for a garden wedding, a daytime party or a relaxed office. Canvas flats are casual, and I wouldn't wear them anywhere the invitation says cocktail or formal.
For a wedding on grass, though, an espadrille wedge often beats a heel, since it won't sink. Match its color to your dress or bag so it looks chosen, and keep the rope clean, because a scuffed sole is the first thing that makes them look too casual.
Jute Soles Hate Puddles
The braided jute sole is what makes an espadrille, and it is also its weak point. Jute soaks up water, swells, and can lose its shape or start to smell if it stays wet. I check the forecast before wearing a good pair, and on showery days I choose a style with a rubber layer on the bottom of the sole.
If they do get wet, stuff them with paper and let them dry slowly away from direct heat. Dirt on the rope comes off with a dry brush; scrubbing with water spreads the stain. For canvas uppers, a little mild soap on a cloth works, but keep the jute as dry as you can. Stored in a dry spot with air around them, a good pair lasts several seasons.
Rope Soles, Light Fabrics and Easy Spring Days
Espadrilles are all about contrast: woven texture against crisp fabrics, and a rope sole that makes polished pieces feel relaxed. Flats, wedges and platforms each have their place, and these 25 outfits show how far one pair can stretch, from jeans and shorts to midi dresses and tailored trousers. Pick the sole height that suits your day, keep them out of puddles, and pull your favorite pair out the moment the weather turns.
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