Summer Trend Highlight: Espadrilles
When spring and summer roll around and temperatures continue to rise, it can only mean one thing: sandal season is finally here. But instead of opting for a simple pair of flip flops or Birkenstocks, try upping your fashion game with a pair of Espadrilles, the sandal that’s been making its way around stores, Instagram and fashion blogs for a while but has only recently arrived at the forefront of this spring and summer’s fashion must-haves.
Espadrilles are a lightweight shoe usually made out of a canvas fabric and a fiber or rope sole. Dating back to 14th century France and Spain, the shoe was originally worn by both men and women of the lower class, and represented a staple of working class life due to its sturdy sole and resilience in extreme temperatures. In the 1920s, the family-run brand Castañer began mass producing espadrilles in Catalonia for leisure wear and for use in the Spanish Civil War as nationally recognized military wear. Castañer has since grown into a full-fledged company and still operates today, producing espadrilles for popular designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Manolo Blahnik. Espadrilles started to gain popularity in the United States in the 1940s, after its popularization by Hollywood icons like Rita Hayworth and Lauren Bacall. However, espadrilles were only launched into high fashion in 1970 when Yves Saint Laurent, after working closely with Castañer, transformed the humble look into one of elegance and grandeur with the addition of a wedge heel.
Nowadays, espadrilles are ubiquitous, appearing in almost every major women’s clothing store. Brands like Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, and Topshop have incorporated the shoe in their spring/summer collections. Espadrilles are even featured as the first results on the “Women’s Shoes” page on the Urban Outfitters’ website. Urban Outfitters sells multiple variations on the classic espadrille look, with striped, floral, or checkered prints as well as in platform, heeled, and slides versions.
Depending on the style, Urban prices them from $20 to $60, but Forever 21 also carries many different types of espadrilles with more designs and patterns including a gingham print espadrille platform. Forever 21 is also moderately cheaper than Urban Outfitters at prices ranging from $20 to $45.
Whether heeled or flat, lace-up or slip-on, patterned or solid colored, espadrilles are the perfect addition to any spring/summer look. Wear with jeans and a tee for a more casual, everyday look or with shorts and a tank top for an effortless beach aesthetic. The patterned or bejeweled espadrilles can often add a little flair to the classic t-shirt and jeans combo, making the ensemble more stylish and modern. The lace-up espadrilles can go especially well with a nice brunch outfit: white culottes and nice off-the-shoulder blouse. They could even be paired with a black jumpsuit for a night-out look, making it a highly versatile wardrobe staple that is key for a stylish yet carefree summer look. How will you wear your Espadrilles?