5 urban looks to style men's espadrilles
Men's espadrilles are no longer shoes reserved for the beach or holidays. Today they're one of the most versatile options in a man's wardrobe when the good weather arrives. Comfortable, light and easy to style, they fit perfectly into an urban look without losing that relaxed feel that's so appealing in spring and summer.
Why do espadrilles work so well in the city?
The secret lies in their balance. They bring freshness thanks to their natural materials, yet keep a much more polished look than sandals or flip-flops. What's more, their minimalist design means they blend easily into a contemporary look.
Today's versions feature quality fabrics, leather, suede or premium canvas, so you can wear them for a stroll around town as well as for lunch, drinks on a terrace or a casual dinner.
Look 1. Linen shirt and chinos
If you're after a combination that never fails, this is probably the best one.
Beige or sand chinos paired with a white linen shirt create a fresh, elegant and very current outfit. Complete the look with espadrilles in earthy tones, camel or navy blue. It's a perfect outfit for summer lunches, city strolls, trips or casual events. If you roll up your sleeves slightly and leave your ankles bare, the result will look even more natural.
Look 2. Light jeans and a basic T-shirt
Espadrilles also fit perfectly with a more casual style. Straight or slim jeans in a light wash, a white cotton T-shirt and beige espadrilles create a simple look that never goes out of style. You can complete the outfit with sunglasses, a leather-strap watch and a light overshirt for summer evenings. It's a perfect example of how to dress comfortably without always reaching for sneakers.
Look 3. Smart shorts and a polo shirt
Forget overly sporty shorts. Chino shorts paired with a piqué polo shirt give a much more polished image. Espadrilles add the perfect relaxed touch, especially if you choose neutral colours such as sand, grey, navy blue or olive green. It's an ideal outfit for a summer afternoon, lunch by the sea or a weekend plan.
Look 4. Light blazer and linen trousers
It's increasingly common to see them replacing loafers in summer. An unstructured blazer, linen trousers and a basic T-shirt strike a very interesting balance between sophistication and comfort. In this case it's best to go for leather or suede styles in shades like chocolate brown, navy blue or taupe for a perfect result at dinners, outdoor events or summer celebrations.
Look 5. Total look in neutral tones
One of the strongest trends of recent summers is dressing in a single colour range. Beige, off-white, sand, stone or khaki go especially well with the natural textures of espadrilles. Beige linen trousers, a white T-shirt, a sand-coloured overshirt and esparto espadrilles create a fresh, elegant outfit with that Mediterranean feel so typical of summer.
Three tips to always get it right
You don't need to overthink it for espadrilles to work well. Just follow a few simple rules.
Leave your ankle slightly visible
It's one of the details that most streamlines the outfit. Trousers that are too long break the lightness typical of this kind of shoe and take the freshness out of the look.
Wear no-show socks
Espadrilles are designed to look sockless. If you prefer more comfort or want to avoid rubbing, wear no-show socks that don't peek out of the shoe.
Go for easy-to-match colours
If it's your first pair of espadrilles, beige, sand, navy blue or brown are a safe bet. They go with most of the clothes in your wardrobe and let you create urban looks with very little effort.
Espadrilles aren't just for the beach anymore
This shoe made the leap to the city a long time ago. Its ability to adapt to both relaxed looks and more elegant outfits explains why it gains prominence every summer.
Paired with linen, cotton or light fabrics, they let you dress stylishly even on the hottest days, offering a comfortable alternative with plenty of personality compared with other types of footwear. If you're looking for a versatile summer shoe that can take you from a morning at work to dinner outdoors, men's espadrilles are still one of the best investments for any wardrobe.
