I Used to Think These Shoes Were Frumpy, But French Girls Changed My Mind

Like Pimms and lemonade, or strawberries and cream, there are certain combinations that are synonymous with summer—espadrilles and bare legs being another. For the longest time, however, I avoided them at all costs. This is likely due to my 5'3" frame, and convincing myself that the chunky wedge sole made me look frumpy and disproportionate. Ridiculous? You bet.

Lately, though, I've been on a quest to find a pair of summer shoes better suited to the city than flip-flops and a million times lighter than closed-toe shoes or trainers. As such, I turned my attention to espadrilles once again. Hellbent on giving them another go, I knew exactly where (and who) to turn to for inspiration.

Despite being Spanish in origin, these are beloved by the French almost as much as ballet pumps (most Gallic girls wear their espadrilles round-the-clock), so I set about to style them in similar ways. What I learned was that espadrilles can give any outfit an air of effortless cool and that they go with just about everything you can think of—from straight-leg jeans to ditsy print wrap dresses.

Brands like Iris & Ink, Office, Aldo and Spain-based Castañer have all perfected the espadrille this summer with styles so chic, they're enough to tempt us out of strappy sandals any day of the week.

Scroll through the gallery below to see five inspired ways French women wear their espadrilles, then shop our current favourites for yourself.

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(Image credit: @dennielias)

Style Notes: Mini hemlines make for a sultry take on the characteristically casual shoe. Just add a pair of statement sunglasses and an elegant bun for the sleekest summer ensemble. 

Related: The One Pair of Sandals That Will Go With Everything You Own

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(Image credit: @ariadibari)

Style Notes: No Brit girl should ever be far from a pair of jeans, even in the height of summer. This is a sentiment shared by French women, too, who wear their rope-wedges with vintage blues, floral shirts and basket bags. 

Related: 6 French-Girl Wedding Outfits We're Taking Inspiration From

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(Image credit: @jeannedamas)

Style Notes: If mini hemlines just aren't your thing, try a midi skirt instead. If you're petite like me, then you'll appreciate a style with a front or side split, as the subtle flash of skin stops them from swamping your frame. 

Related: The 6 Timeless Dress Styles Everyone Needs in Their Wardrobe

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(Image credit: @amaliardiaz)

Style Notes: For warmer climes, try a pair of linen trousers and a relaxed t-shirt for an easy dinner look. Just keep your trousers cropped in length to show off your trademark espadrille tie-straps. 

Related: The 30 Best New-In French Pieces From Sézane, Rouje and Isabel Marant

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(Image credit: @annelauremais)

Style Notes: The only thing French girls wear more than espadrilles is wrap dresses, so why not don them together? If your frock features a bright hue, keep your espadrilles and accompanying accessories on the muted side for a polished finish. 

Up next: 12 summer outfits you'll want to wear this season.

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.