The Ballet Flat Revival Implies An Espadrille Renaissance For Summer
It's a natural fashion progression.
I can’t explain it, but when I hear the TTPD lyric, Now I’m running with my dress unbuttoned/Screaming “But Daddy, I love him”, I just know Taylor Swift is wearing espadrilles with that dress. To me, there is simply no more romantic shoe! The humble espadrille is practical but sweet, easy but undeniably feminine, despite its unfussy, gender neutral origin.
What’s more, it’s timeless (No, that’s not another Taylor Swift reference, but rest assured she’ll come up again later). Originating in the 1300s, the espadrille silhouette crossed over from basic footwear to “fashion” in the 19th century, when bohemians of the moment felt it suited their creative aesthetic. Perhaps the poets of that time were in their cottagecore era, seeking out a shoe once reserved solely for peasants out of pure practicality.
Isn’t it strange to think Pablo Picasso and Salvadore Dalí donned their espadrilles at the same time Grace Kelly sported them as Frances in Hitchcock’s To Catch A Thief (1955), or Jeanne Moreau as Catherine in Truffaut’s Jules et Jim (1962)? In some ways, espadrilles were to their generation what the Adidas Sambas are to Gen Z, or the UGG Tasman slippers were to Millennials in the early aughts. They went with everything, and suited everyone.
It was Yves Saint Laurent who upped the ante on espadrille fashion in 1972, when he asked Lorenzo and Isabel Castañer to help him create the first pair of wedge espadrilles. From there, iconic espadrille sightings multiply until there are too many to count — but for me personally, the image of Taylor Swift sat on the lap of Tom Hiddleston, both wearing espadrilles remains burned into my brain. Maybe this is why it’s so easy for me to picture the singer wearing them in the music-video-style scenarios I make up in my head.
While I’ve always appreciated their lush history, I didn’t fancy myself a true espadrille fan until Boden gifted me their Ankle Tie Espadrilles in Gold Foil ($43.99, originally $110) last year and I became quickly enamored. I didn’t want to get dressed without them, and I ended up nabbing the Black Suede version to round out my wardrobe.
Something about the slim-but-sturdy silhouette felt so effortlessly cool — not to mention far more comfortable than the majority of my summer sandals. When I headed out on my first warm-weather trip of this year, I couldn’t wait to retrieve my Bodens from the “Bella’s Summer Clothes” bin in my parents’ garage, where my shoes had waited patiently all winter long.
Other than the styling of Dior’s moody Pre-Fall 2024 collection, I haven’t seen much espadrille fodder on the runways for 2024 — but given society’s current infatuation with flats, it stands that espadrilles may soon be more popular than ever.
While I love a leather ballet flat as much as the next gal, they don’t necessarily bode well for hot summer days or beachside romps — espadrilles, however, provide a similar fit and feel with far more summer-friendly materials. Espadrilles are to ballet flats as raffia beach bags are to the leather tote bags we sling over the shoulders of our biggest winter coats. Summer yearns for a more uncomplicated approach to getting dressed — without sacrificing style.
So, read on for the top twelve espadrilles on my wishlist this season. Some are flat, others wedged, some boast a fun buckle or that classic ankle-wrapping ribbon. Either way, they’re the sort of shoe you’ll never regret reaching for.
This year, I plan to snag some more vibrant espadrilles to wear with white sundresses and simple linen looks. I’ve got my eye on the Naguisa Peonia Mary Jane Espadrilles ($170) in this grassy green and lilac color combo.
From my personal favorite brand for espadrilles, consider Boden’s Cassie Espadrille Wedges ($120) as the ultimate goes-with-everything starter sandal.
Black doesn’t always scream summer, but the mesh uppers on these Stuart Weitzman Benni Espadrille Flat ($350) definitely give a warm-weather feel.
In my wildest dreams, I’d invest in these Marni Satin Petal Espadrilles ($695) and wear them with absolutely everything.
Castañer first put espadrille wedges on the map. Any of their designs are a safe bet, but the limey hue of these handmade-in-Spain Canvas Ankle-Wrap Espadrilles ($150) has my attention.
In lieu of a ribbon strap, Rag & Bone added a grommet-studded buckle to their Anteros Espadrilles ($348) that reminds me of the Marni style for half the price. No puffy platform here, but the suede uppers and square-toed front are equally cool.
I already know lovers of comfortable footwear will flock to Rothy’s new silhouette. In cherry red hemp, The Espadrille ($139) with detachable ribbon is a no-brainer buy.
These Zara Suede Lace-Up Espadrilles ($59.90) are taunting me from their humble home in my online shopping cart. Dare I press Checkout?
For those of you still fixated on The Row’s Mesh Sock Flats, may I present Loeffler Randall’s Kayla Caramel Mesh Ballet Espadrille ($275)? Trust me, you’ll wear these more.
I’ve been on the hunt for a gorgeous silver espadrille, and I should have known Tory Burch would have just the ticket. The Mary Jane Espadrille Flats ($198) even have gold hardware for contrast, so I can style them with whatever metallics I please.
A (faux) leather espadrille feels like an awfully fun contrast to lighter summer fabrics like sheers and crochets. Catch me using these Crown Vintage Leyla Espadrille Flats ($59.99, originally $70) to edge up my summer wardrobe.
Penelope Chilvers is another brand with seriously beautiful color combinations to consider, and I’m eyeing the Low Valenciana Dali Espadrille ($175) in either this pink and coral combo or lilac and purple.
x BG
The Loeffler Randall x beige mesh upper 😍 take my money!