Espadrilles, the shoes that say “Summer is here!”

Easy, elegant, and endlessly wearable, the espadrille is the shoe that always finds its way back into our wardrobes every summer.

It could be the woven rope sole, or the soft canvas, or simply the way they bring a little charm to even the simplest outfit.  Relaxed but polished, practical but pretty, they are the shoes we somehow end up wearing most days of the summer season.

The Shoe with a BIG backstory

Espadrilles may feel like a modern summer must-have, but they have actually been around for centuries. Originating in Spain and the Pyrenees, they were first created as practical, breathable and durable footwear for workers.  Handmade using natural materials like canvas for uppers and esparto-braided grass for soles, giving it the style name.

Over time, this humble shoe caught the attention of the fashion world. Designers began reinventing the classic shape, and before long, espadrilles became a firm fashion favourite on high streets the world over.

Why we love them

The beauty of an espadrille lies in its simplicity. They do not demand attention, but they always add something to an outfit. Working beautifully with summer favourites such as flowing linen dresses, wide-leg trousers, denim shorts, or a simple white shirt, they feel both fashionable and comfortable and perfect for long lunches, city exploring, beachside walks, and everything in between

The espadrille brand we adore

Our go-to espadrille brand is Penelope Chilvers, renowned for beautifully crafted, elegant styles that blend everyday comfort with effortless sophistication. Their espadrilles are the kind of shoes you can wear all day from exploring a new city to enjoying a long summer lunch without compromising on style.

Style Tip: Choose a neutral pair for maximum versatility, think natural canvas, tan, or cream and then add a colourful pair when you want your outfit to do the talking. Every summer wardrobe deserves a pair! Below are the styles we will be wearing on repeat this summer.

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