The very word "espadrilles" sounds nice and mesmerizing. Warmth and the sun of distant countries blows from him, something southern, spicy, promising a wonderful vacation. And in fact, these associations are correct: espadrilles are light summer shoes that are good for the seaside, for walking among flowers and greenery, for a pleasant pastime.
Where did espadrilles come from?
Catalonia is one of the regions of Spain where the herb with the melodic name esparto grows. Back in the 13th century, Catalans, who are not rich, and therefore enterprising, got the hang of making ropes of different thicknesses out of it, and from them, in turn, simple and comfortable shoes. The sole was woven from thick rope, the upper part from thinner. The result was, of course, not modern stylish women's espadrilles, but something like Russian birch bast shoes.
The situation changed in the eighteenth century. A shoemaker named Raphael Castagnier came up with the idea of replacing esparto with jute, which was more comfortable and stronger, and embroider the upper part with beads and ribbons. So from the bast shoes, quite nice shoes turned out, which even the Spanish nobility became interested in. Business went uphill and espadrilles were in great demand until the twentieth century, when the industrial revolution began.
So espadrilles would have remained the footwear of the poor if the company Castaner had not presented their factory version in the sixties. One of the French novice couturiers drew attention to her, contacted the Spanish masters and agreed to make models according to his drawings. Soon the first batch took to the podiums and found a dizzying success.
Espadrilles were worn everywhere, there are photos of Sophia Loren and Salvador Dali sporting them. Over time, the fashion faded, but at the beginning of the twenty-first century it returned again and now, thanks to significantly developed technologies, it has become much more interesting. All that is required of a modern fashionista is to choose something suitable for herself.
What are espadrilles
Summer women's espadrilles in their traditional version look simple - a flat sole and a top that fits snugly to the foot. Natural material of different colors is usually used for manufacturing. By design, espadrilles are as follows:
- On a flat run. As already stated, this is the traditional model. It is convenient to walk in them for those women who do not like to add height to themselves, have a massive ankle, which is better not to emphasize, or do not tolerate shoes with at least some kind of rise. Flat espadrilles are great for outdoor walks.
- On a wedge. The wedge lifts the heel, visually lengthens the leg, makes the wearer taller and somewhat slimmer. It looks very good on fragile asthenic ankles, because it makes the foot heavier and looks contrasting. Suitable for women who prefer to wear shoes with an instep.
- On the platform. If the wedge lifts only the heel, then the platform lifts the entire foot. She will not add slenderness, but it will add height and in the same way make the leg visually heavier. Looks good either on the legs of very young girls, or on thin women of age who prefer ethno-style clothing.
- Open. At the same time, the sole can be absolutely any - it is complemented by an open nose. The result is a shoe that looks more like summer sandals and is great for going to the beach.
It is important to remember that espadrilles are very comfortable shoes, but only if you use them for their intended purpose: leisurely walks during your vacation, going to the beach, shopping and other daily activities. If you like long walks, are going to take espadrilles on vacation and run in them on excursions, or even going on a hike, you better choose something else for yourself, with a sole that is more adapted to your needs.
In addition to design features, there are material features. It happens:
- Traditional. These are natural materials with which the shoe model looks discreet, but interesting. Retains the original texture of the fabric.
- Suede leather. Suede espadrilles are afraid of water, but they look a little more quirky. Moreover, they are very pleasant to the touch.
- Leather. Leather espadrilles are a designer whim that was born in the early 21st century. They look extravagant and are good only for those women who are willing to take the time and carefully choose their weekend wardrobe.
In addition to design features, espadrilles also differ in color:
- White espadrilles are one of the most common options, as warm shades of white are characteristic of natural materials. Looks good in all acceptable styles and looks neutral enough not to be a flashy accent. The only negative is that any dirt is clearly visible on them.
- Black espadrilles are a much less neutral option. While there is a saying that black and white go well with anything, it does fail on espadrilles. For everyday looks, black is too strict, it must be complemented with accents.
- Beige espadrilles are also a traditional color for natural materials. They look good, even more neutral than whites. They become a good background for all kinds of decorations, painting, embroidery.
- Red espadrilles demand a thoughtful look. Red is bright, provocative, eye-catching, you can't wear it with anything like beige. You definitely need a red accessory somewhere in the upper part - a ribbon in your hair, a bracelet on your arm, a bright print on a T-shirt, stripes on a sundress.
- Pink espadrilles usually go well with deliberately feminine romantic looks. Whether you're wearing a dress or shorts, the result should be a cozy, airy impression.
- Blue espadrilles look good with nautical outfits. Just what you need for a beach holiday, vacation by the sea and similar resort pastime. They are also not neutral at all and require compatibility.
Any color has a right to exist - this is one of the advantages of espadrilles. They are democratic, perfect for almost everything. There are just a few rules to remember in order to match colors correctly:
- Shoes balance what is above the belt. If you are wearing a colorful dress, you need plain espadrilles. If you're wearing a plain t-shirt and plain pants, you'll want colorful shoes with designs.
- You can not include in the image a single object of a particular color, without balancing it with anything and without combining it with anything. Shoes should be combined with accessories first of all.
Be careful when combining colors. Too many in one image - and you run the risk of getting a mishmash that does not fit together and does not harmonize with anything. Too little and you risk looking like a pale moth.
What to wear with espadrilles
There are general rules that make life very easy for people who prefer to navigate according to ready-made tips than to choose an image on their own from scratch. So, fashionable espadrilles are recommended to be worn, adhering to the following recommendations:
- No formal attire. Espadrilles are versatile slippers for everyday wear, but they are in no way, under any circumstances, suitable for wearing them to work with a strict dress code. They have a too simple look - they can be found on the beaches, on the streets of cities and parks, in stores, but not in the offices of companies. Formal suits, pencil skirts, trousers with arrows will look simply ridiculous with them.
- No party outfits. For all their convenience, espadrilles are not at all suitable for wearing to parties, weddings, funerals and other important occasions. They have a too simple look, they are not combined with either evening dresses or outfits chosen for the holiday. You can wear them only to a beach party, combined with a light dress or shorts.
- No fancy decorations. No more than slippers, espadrilles look too simple to pair with anything sophisticated. Fancy embroidery? Fine jewelry necklace? A ring with a large stone? It is better to forget immediately, as well as about the patterns of rhinestones on clothes. Espadrilles demand naturalness, purity and lack of complication.
- No synthetic materials. The main thing about espadrilles is their naturalness. Even if they are made from synthetics (but this rarely happens), the manufacturer does everything possible to make it invisible. Therefore, wearing them with purely synthetic fabrics is a very bad idea, the dissonance will be amazing.
In general, the basic rule of wearing these Spanish shoes is to keep it simple. Casual style, romantic, marine, ethno are perfectly combined with them, and they usually look quite simple and without pretensions to high cost. Next, we give specific examples of things with which espadrilles are in harmony.
Denim
The simplest look can be created from the things that any girl has in her wardrobe - from jeans and a T-shirt. This image is suitable for young girls and mature women who have kept their waist. There is nothing particularly complicated about it, you can go anywhere in it - to study, to work, where there is no dress code, to take a walk with friends or to the store. Jeans can be replaced with denim overalls or a skirt - the effect will not deteriorate.
Hippie style things
It is only natural that natural materials from which espadrilles are made go well with hippie style. In addition to the hippie style, be sure to take the most simple espadrilles, preferably without additional decorations, with a woven sole.
Country style things
A simple, comfortable style that comes from the American hinterland goes well with this type of shoe. It is original and comfortable for those women who are not used to hiding their dignity. The main colors of country are usually blue and brown, symbolizing the unity of earth and sky.
Safari espadrilles
Safari is a style that came from Africa, far from popular brands. It is associated with the hot southern sun, palms and lions, and savanna tours. The colors that are most often used in it are beige, sand and khaki. You can wear a dress of the same sand color, always fitted. Espadrilles in this ensemble should also be dark sand or light beige.
Other options
Of course, the denim wardrobe items and the three styles do not end with the things you can wear with espadrilles - modern fashion is very democratic. You can wear with them:
- Any light summer clothes made from natural fabrics. Shorts and skirts, trousers and sundresses, simple cut dresses - anything made of cotton, linen and other similar materials will do.
- Black leather things. In this case, you can use espadrilles not only made of the same leather, but also ordinary ones, made of natural fabric. Their lightness and simplicity will balance the heaviness of the skin. Although, of course, you should not wear espadrilles with leather pants, leather jacket and bandana - such an informal style does not go well with them.
- With short skirts. Usually these should be loose-fitting skirts. The result is a simple romantic style that can be well complemented with loose blouses, light T-shirts, T-shirts. Lace, simple shiny beads, small handbags or small backpacks look good.
- With a shirt dress. The shirt dress looks like the owner took the shirt out of her husband's closet, put it on and belted it up - such simplicity was not dreamed of by peasant women in Spain, but it still goes well with espadrilles. Any casual style accessories will complement the resulting image.
- With a light dress. The length ranges from mini to midi, the main thing is that the cut is simple, not fitted - “sun” dresses look best. However, not all women should wear them - with a pear-shaped figure, for example, they will only emphasize the hips. This looks much better on "rectangles" and "apples".
- With sweatshirt. This, of course, is not at all light clothing, but summer evenings are cool, especially by the sea. Short shorts, a spacious sweatshirt with an intricate print - the combination is no less traditional than a T-shirt and jeans. Complement again the accessories of everyday style.
- With your favorite things in a nautical style. Vests, jeans or denim shorts, as well as sunglasses - and the result will be amazing. Everything should talk about a happy holiday. You can wear a bracelet made of shells on your hand.
There are just a huge number of combinations with espadrilles - to find something suitable for yourself, you do not have to watch fashion shows, it is enough to resort to your own taste.
How to choose and how to wear espadrilles
To wear espadrilles for a long time and with pleasure, you need to not only be able to correctly combine them with your clothes, but also choose the right pair that will look good and will not chafe, as well as wear them correctly. When choosing, you need to consider:
- What the shoes are made of. The very best espadrilles - comfortable, breathable, good looking - are made from natural materials. They have woven soles and are not hot in summer. You can find out what the pair is made of by reading the tag, checking with the seller, or by feeling it.
- The seams on the espadrilles should not be coated with glue - this indicates the low quality of the product, but they should be stitched. A pair of glue will disperse even faster than in a season. The stitched one will last two. In this case, the stitches should be neat, even, their color should match the main color. Ideally, they should not be felt from the inside, otherwise they will chafe.
- The lining should be soft, breathable and not dyed.
- Choosing the right shoe size is half the battle, so take your time with the purchase. Put on your espadrilles, walk around, stamp your foot. They are not very flexible, but you should be comfortable on your toes. If something is rubbing somewhere, it is better to look for another pair.
- Decorations. If your espadrilles are embroidered or beaded, it is in your best interest to make sure that the jewelry does not protrude or dig into your feet. What seems to be only a slight inconvenience when trying on will subsequently cost you corns and pain when walking.
And now, when the pair is chosen, it remains only to be able to use it correctly:
- Wearing espadrilles without a sock is a basic design rule.
- Their flat sole will definitely not work for your feet on their own, therefore, inside you need to provide a slight rise in the heel and an instep support in the arch of the foot - espadrilles can be worn with a comfortable insole.
- Moisture is destructive for them - although the natural material will not be disheveled, like a synthetic one, it can swell and deform.
- To make sure your espadrilles last long, don't forget to take good care of them. You do not need to lubricate them with cream, but sometimes you need to clean them from dust with a dry brush. Try not to press too hard - this can damage the material.
Espadrilles can be worn at any age. For younger girls - bright colors, quirky prints, interesting combinations and hippie style. For mature women - slightly more muted colors, more pastel colors, fewer accessories and very little makeup. For older women - spacious skirts and blouses, hair tied with a ribbon, calm colors with one or two bright accents. Take a little time to experiment and you will definitely find things that make espadrilles look great on you.
