Most women think espadrilles are just summer vacation shoes — and that’s exactly why they’re missing out on one of the most versatile pieces in their wardrobe. I’ve been wearing espadrilles for over a decade, and the biggest mistake I see is treating them like they only belong on Mediterranean beaches. The truth is, a good pair of espadrilles can work from spring through early fall, with everything from wide-leg jeans to midi skirts.
The key is understanding what makes espadrilles different from other flats or sandals. That rope sole isn’t just decorative — it adds texture and visual weight that can ground an outfit in a way that regular ballet flats can’t. I learned this the hard way when I first started wearing them with flowing dresses and looked like I was floating. Now I use that rope sole strategically, and it’s changed how I think about proportions entirely.
Styling Tips
Match the heel height to your hemline. This is the rule that transformed how I wear espadrilles. Flat espadrilles work beautifully with cropped pants and shorter skirts, but if you’re wearing a midi dress or wide-leg trousers, you need the lift of a wedge heel. I spent years wondering why my long skirts looked frumpy with flat espadrilles — the proportions were completely off.
Consider the canvas color as part of your palette. Most espadrilles come with canvas uppers, and that fabric color matters more than you’d think. Natural hemp or cream canvas works as a neutral, but if you choose navy canvas, treat it like you would navy shoes in your color coordination. I have a pair of black canvas espadrilles that I initially thought would go with everything, but they’re actually much more limiting than my neutral ones.
Use the texture to your advantage. The rope sole adds rustic texture that can soften overly polished looks or add interest to simple outfits. When I’m wearing a structured blazer with straight-leg trousers, espadrilles prevent the look from feeling too corporate. But when I tried them with a already-textured tweed skirt, it was texture overload.
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Mind the ankle strap placement. If you choose lace-up espadrilles, the way you tie them changes your leg line. I tie mine just above the ankle bone, never higher up the calf, because anything that cuts across the widest part of your calf will make your legs look shorter. This becomes especially important when you’re styling any type of ankle-wrapping flat.
Think about toe coverage for the occasion. Closed-toe espadrilles read more polished than open-toe versions, which means they can work in more professional settings. I wear my closed-toe ones to casual Friday at the office, but save the open-toe versions for weekends and vacation.
Consider your foot shape honestly. The flat front of most espadrilles can make wide feet look wider, while the rope sole can make very narrow feet disappear. If you have wider feet, look for styles with a slightly pointed toe or interesting upper details that draw the eye up rather than across.
Dos & Don’ts
Color Coordination Guide
The rope sole is your starting point for color coordination. That natural hemp color acts as a bridge between your shoe upper and your outfit, which means espadrilles can work with color combinations that might not work with regular shoes. I’ve successfully worn burgundy canvas espadrilles with navy pants because the rope sole provided that neutral buffer.
Classic colors like navy, black, and cream canvas are the most versatile, but don’t overlook metallics if they suit your style. I have a pair of gold leather espadrilles that work surprisingly well with denim and white pieces — the rope sole keeps them from looking too dressy. When you’re planning outfits with any elevated footwear, remember that the goal is balance, not matching.
For prints and patterns, espadrilles work particularly well with florals, stripes, and geometric patterns because the rope texture echoes the organic, handcrafted feel of these designs. I avoid wearing them with very sleek, modern prints — the textures fight each other instead of complementing.
22 Espadrille Outfit Ideas to Try
Green Sweatsuit with Logo Espadrilles
This matching green sweatshirt and joggers combination gets an instant upgrade with colorful strappy espadrilles. The casual athletic pieces balance perfectly with the rope-soled shoes, creating a look that works for weekend errands or casual meetups. The baseball cap adds an extra sporty element that keeps the whole outfit cohesive.
Tip: When wearing matching sets, use your espadrilles as the statement piece — bold colors or interesting straps will break up the monotony.
Striped Oversized Shirt with White Pants
An oversized blue and white striped shirt paired with cropped white jeans creates a classic nautical-inspired look. The black ankle-strap espadrilles ground the light color palette while adding just enough height to elongate the legs. This combination works particularly well for petite frames who want to look taller without sacrificing comfort.
Tip: Black espadrilles with ankle straps create a visual break that can actually make your legs look longer, not shorter.
White Shirt with Light Wash Jeans
A crisp white button-down tucked into relaxed-fit light blue jeans creates an effortlessly polished base for neutral espadrilles. The wide-brim hat adds sun protection while maintaining the casual Mediterranean vibe. This outfit transitions seamlessly from daytime sightseeing to afternoon café stops.
Tip: Light wash jeans work better with nude or tan espadrilles than dark denim — they create a more cohesive color story.
Oversized White Sweater Dress
A loose-fitting white sweater dress provides the perfect backdrop for black wedge espadrilles. The dramatic size difference between the voluminous dress and fitted shoes creates visual interest while maintaining comfort. This look works best on taller frames who can carry the oversized proportions without being overwhelmed.
Tip: With oversized pieces, choose espadrilles with ankle straps or wedges to define where your leg ends — it prevents you from looking shapeless.
Gingham Off-Shoulder Dress
A black and white gingham dress with off-shoulder sleeves paired with metallic platform espadrilles strikes the perfect balance between feminine and fun. The silver shoes add just enough glamour to elevate the playful print without competing with it. Red statement earrings provide a pop of color that complements the monochrome base.
Tip: Metallic espadrilles work surprisingly well with gingham — the shine elevates the pattern from picnic casual to date-night appropriate.
Striped Dress with Navy Cardigan
A navy and white striped fit-and-flare dress layered under a navy cardigan creates a preppy foundation for neutral espadrilles. The rope-soled shoes complement the maritime theme while the layering adds sophistication. This outfit works well for transitional weather when you need versatility throughout the day.
Tip: When wearing stripes, choose espadrilles in a solid color that matches one of the stripe colors — it creates a cohesive look without pattern overload.
Utility Jacket with Rolled Jeans
A relaxed olive utility jacket over rolled skinny jeans creates the perfect casual weekend uniform when finished with tan ankle-strap espadrilles. The earthy tones work harmoniously together while the structured jacket balances the laid-back shoes. This combination is ideal for women who want to look put-together without trying too hard.
Tip: Roll your jeans to hit right at the ankle bone when wearing espadrilles — this creates the most flattering proportions for your legs.
Polka Dot Shirt with White Shorts
A white shirt dotted with brown polka dots tucked into high-waisted white shorts creates a playful summer base for brown lace-up espadrilles. The coordinating brown tones tie the look together while the high waist emphasizes the narrowest part of the torso. A leather belt adds structure to the flowy shirt.
Tip: Match your espadrille color to the accent color in your top rather than your bottom piece — it creates a more sophisticated color coordination.
White Button-Front Dress
A classic white shirt dress with a full skirt provides the perfect canvas for tan ankle-strap espadrilles. The clean lines of the dress allow the textural interest of the rope soles to shine while the neutral color palette feels fresh and summery. A wide-brim hat completes the vacation-ready aesthetic.
Tip: White dresses can wash you out, so choose espadrilles in warm neutrals like tan or cognac to add depth and prevent you from looking pale.
Oversized Hat with Striped Shirt
A black wide-brim hat paired with a navy and white striped shirt creates a classic French Riviera inspired look when finished with distressed jeans and neutral espadrilles. The hat provides both sun protection and instant glamour while the stripes keep things nautical. Platform espadrilles add height without sacrificing walkability.
Tip: When wearing an oversized hat, choose platform espadrilles over flat ones — the extra height helps balance the proportions of the large hat.
White Top with Patterned Shorts
A simple white blouse tucked into colorful printed shorts allows bright espadrilles to be the star of the show. The neutral top balances the busy pattern on bottom while colorful shoes tie into the print’s palette. This combination works best when the espadrilles pick up one of the colors from the shorts’ pattern.
Tip: With patterned bottoms, let your espadrilles echo one color from the print rather than trying to match exactly — it looks more intentional and less matchy-matchy.
Pleated Midi Skirt with White Shirt
A camel-colored pleated midi skirt paired with a crisp white button-down creates an elegant base for nude platform espadrilles. The neutral color palette feels refined while the textural contrast between the smooth shirt and rope soles adds visual interest. This outfit works well for both professional and social settings.
Tip: Midi skirts can cut you off at an unflattering point — choose espadrilles with enough height to elongate your legs and maintain your proportions.
Navy Espadrille Styling Board
This styling flat lay shows the classic navy espadrille as the foundation for a coordinated summer outfit. The rope sole and canvas upper work perfectly with light denim while the navy color provides a sophisticated alternative to basic tan or white espadrilles. The minimal jewelry and structured bag keep the focus on the shoes.
Tip: Navy espadrilles are more versatile than tan ones — they work with both warm and cool-toned outfits and feel more polished for evening occasions.
Patterned T-shirt with Floral Skirt
A black t-shirt paired with a colorful floral midi skirt creates an interesting mix of casual and feminine elements when finished with black platform espadrilles. The dark shoes ground the bright floral pattern while providing enough height to balance the midi length. This combination works well for women who want to incorporate prints without going overboard.
Tip: Black espadrilles are your best friend with bold prints — they anchor busy patterns without competing for attention.
Sage Green Printed Dress
A sage green mini dress with delicate white prints creates a soft, romantic foundation for black ankle-strap espadrilles. The contrast between the feminine dress and structured shoes keeps the look from being too sweet while the ankle straps add a subtle edge. This outfit works particularly well on petite frames who want to show leg while maintaining coverage up top.
Tip: Light-colored dresses with small prints can look washed out — black espadrilles add necessary weight and definition to the bottom of your silhouette.
White Lace Dress with Sun Hat
A white eyelet lace mini dress paired with a wide-brim straw hat creates the ultimate summer vacation look when finished with black and white striped espadrilles. The textural contrast between the delicate lace and rope soles adds visual interest while the striped shoes provide a playful twist on the classic summer white dress formula.
Tip: Striped espadrilles can work as a neutral when the rest of your outfit is solid — they add pattern without overwhelming a delicate dress.
Bright Pink Blazer with Jeans
A vibrant pink oversized blazer paired with rolled blue jeans creates a bold color combination that’s grounded by neutral espadrilles. The casual shoes balance the structured blazer while the bright color makes a confident statement. This look works best on women who aren’t afraid to embrace color and want to stand out in a crowd.
Tip: When wearing a statement blazer, keep your espadrilles neutral — the contrast between structured tailoring and casual rope soles is more interesting than competing bold elements.
Multi-Colored Floral Mini Dress
A vibrant floral mini dress with flutter sleeves creates a bohemian summer vibe when paired with white lace-up espadrilles. The white shoes provide a clean break from the busy print while the lace-up detail adds extra feminine appeal. This combination works well for brunch dates or garden parties where you want to look effortlessly pretty.
Tip: With multicolored florals, white espadrilles are always a safe choice — they won’t clash with any of the colors in the print and keep the focus on the dress.
Orange Paisley Bandeau Dress
A strapless orange paisley mini dress creates a bold bohemian statement when paired with white strappy espadrilles. The white shoes cool down the warm orange tones while the rope soles complement the dress’s free-spirited vibe. This outfit works best on women with defined shoulders who can carry strapless styles confidently.
Tip: Bandeau dresses can make you look shorter — choose espadrilles with ankle straps or laces that draw the eye up and create the illusion of longer legs.
Black Halter Dress with Fringe Detail
A black halter mini dress with side fringe detailing creates drama when paired with colorful platform espadrilles. The playful floral espadrilles provide a fun contrast to the sleek black dress while the platform height balances the dress’s short length. This combination works well for summer festivals or beach parties where you want to make a statement.
Tip: Black mini dresses can handle bold, patterned espadrilles better than other dress colors — the dark base makes colorful shoes pop without looking chaotic.
Brown Wide-Leg Overalls
Relaxed brown denim overalls paired with a black bandeau top create a ’70s-inspired look that’s completed by black platform espadrilles. The casual overalls balance perfectly with the dressier rope-soled wedges while the earthy brown and black color combination feels modern and sophisticated. This outfit works well for women who want comfort without sacrificing style.
Tip: Overalls can make you look boxy — choose platform espadrilles over flats to add height and create a more flattering silhouette.
White Textured Sweater with Bright Shorts
A white cable-knit sweater paired with magenta embellished shorts creates an unexpected but harmonious combination when finished with turquoise espadrilles. The bright color palette screams summer vacation while the textural contrast between the chunky knit and smooth rope soles adds visual interest. This look works best on confident dressers who aren’t afraid of color.
Tip: When mixing multiple bright colors, choose espadrilles that pick up the coolest tone in your palette — it helps balance warm and cool elements.
Navy Blazer with Light Blue Shirt
A structured navy blazer layered over a light blue button-down and paired with white skinny jeans creates a classic preppy foundation for brown leather espadrilles. The casual shoes soften the tailored pieces while maintaining the nautical color scheme. This combination works well for business casual environments or weekend brunches where you want to look polished but not overdressed.
Tip: Brown leather espadrilles work better with navy blazers than black ones — the warm undertones complement the nautical theme and feel less formal.
Striped Top with Star-Print Shorts
A classic navy and white striped long-sleeve tee paired with black star-printed shorts creates a playful mix-and-match look when finished with black espadrilles. The rope-soled shoes ground the busy patterns while providing comfort for all-day wear. This combination works well for women who want to incorporate multiple patterns without looking chaotic.
Tip: When mixing patterns, keep your espadrilles solid and match them to the darkest color in your outfit — it creates a visual anchor for busy prints.
Black Cropped Tank with Skinny Jeans
A simple black cropped tank paired with dark skinny jeans creates a sleek foundation for black platform espadrilles. The monochromatic color palette elongates the silhouette while the rope soles add textural interest to an otherwise minimal outfit. This look works well on women who prefer understated style but still want to make an impact.
Tip: All-black outfits can look flat — choose espadrilles with interesting details like braided rope or metallic accents to add visual texture.
White Off-Shoulder Crop Top with Jeans
A white off-shoulder crop top paired with distressed boyfriend jeans creates a casual summer look that’s elevated by white platform espadrilles. The white-on-white combination feels fresh and clean while the platform height balances the loose-fitting jeans. This outfit works well for women who want to show some skin while maintaining a relaxed vibe.
Tip: White espadrilles with white tops can wash each other out — add a pop of color through accessories or choose espadrilles with contrasting rope details.
Striped Long-Sleeve with Sequined Skirt
A navy and white striped long-sleeve tee paired with a gold sequined mini skirt creates an interesting high-low mix when finished with black espadrilles. The casual shoes balance the glamorous skirt while the striped top keeps the sequins from being too dressy. This combination works well for women who want to incorporate sparkle into daytime looks.
Tip: Sequined pieces can overwhelm casual shoes — choose espadrilles in a dark solid color to ground the sparkle without competing with it.
Summer Vacation Essentials Flat Lay
This styling flat lay showcases the essential pieces for a summer vacation wardrobe, with white espadrilles as the foundational shoe choice. The neutral color palette of white, cream, and natural fibers creates a cohesive travel wardrobe that mixes and matches effortlessly. The eye-motif espadrilles add a playful detail that prevents the neutral palette from feeling boring.
Tip: When building a vacation wardrobe, choose one pair of statement espadrilles that coordinates with everything — fun details like embroidered eyes add personality to simple outfits.
White Tank with Patterned Shorts
A simple white ribbed tank paired with navy geometric-printed shorts creates a clean summer look that’s completed by white espadrilles. The neutral shoes let the print on the shorts be the focus while maintaining the crisp, clean aesthetic. This combination works well for hot weather when you want to look put-together but stay cool.
Tip: Geometric prints can look busy — white espadrilles provide visual relief and prevent the pattern from overwhelming your outfit.
Striped Espadrille Styling Board
This flat lay demonstrates how black and white striped espadrilles can serve as a neutral foundation for summer outfits. The rope sole and canvas upper work perfectly with denim while the stripes add pattern interest without being overwhelming. The quilted bag and simple jewelry complete the relaxed summer aesthetic.
Tip: Striped espadrilles in black and white work as a neutral — they coordinate with almost any color combination and add pattern without clashing.
Black Knit Vest with Denim Shorts
A black button-front knit vest paired with light wash denim shorts creates a casual summer look that’s elevated by black platform espadrilles. The vest adds structure to the relaxed shorts while the platform shoes provide height and sophistication. This combination works well for women who want to look polished while staying comfortable in warm weather.
Tip: Knit vests can look juvenile — choose platform espadrilles over flat ones to add sophistication and visual weight to balance the proportions.
Casual OOTD Styling Board
This styling board shows how white espadrilles can anchor a casual outfit of denim jacket and white dress. The monochromatic white palette creates a clean, fresh look while the gold accessories add warmth and richness. The rope-soled shoes provide texture and casual appeal while maintaining the outfit’s refined aesthetic.
Tip: When styling an all-white outfit, choose espadrilles with natural rope soles rather than white ones — the contrast prevents the look from being too monochromatic.
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Janeeta Khan loves to write and loses herself in the world of fiction during her free time. You will probably find her curled in the corner with a Harry Potter book and a steaming mug of hot cocoa.
