Are Espadrilles Still in Style? Your 2026 Guide

Espadrilles are one of those shoes that can make an outfit feel instantly lighter, especially in a British summer when the weather swings between terrace-friendly and suddenly damp. So, are espadrilles in style? My answer is yes, but the modern version is cleaner, less costume-like and more useful than the over-embellished pairs people wore a decade ago. In this article I look at the trend status, the shapes that feel current, how I would wear them, and when they are still the wrong shoe choice.

Why espadrilles still look current in 2026

I would not call espadrilles a novelty trend. I would call them a recurring warm-weather staple that gets re-edited every few seasons, and that matters because fashion is leaning harder into natural textures, relaxed tailoring and shoes that look polished without feeling stiff. British Vogue has already placed espadrilles in the summer 2026 conversation, which tells me the silhouette is not fading out; it is being refined.

What has changed is the styling mood around them. The old beach-only feel has softened into something more versatile: city-friendly, event-friendly and easier to wear with clean separates. In practice, that means espadrilles now work best when the rest of the outfit is pared back. A shoe with rope, jute or woven texture does enough visual work on its own.

That is why I think the answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. Espadrilles are in style, but the strongest versions are the ones that look deliberate rather than nostalgic. That leads straight into the shapes that feel most up to date.

Which espadrille shapes feel most modern right now

The most current espadrilles are not necessarily the tallest or the most decorated. They are the ones with better proportion, cleaner uppers and a silhouette that can move between casual and smart settings. On UK retail sites right now, I’m seeing everyday pairs roughly from £30 to £80, stronger mid-range styles around £50 to £120, and premium or designer versions from about £100 to £150+.

If you want the safest style bet, I would start with a low-profile flat or a low wedge in tan, black, ecru or navy. Those colours make the shoe feel easier to repeat, and the simpler the upper, the less likely the pair is to date quickly. Very tall wedges can still look good, but they need the right outfit around them or they drift into early-2010s territory fast. The shape matters, but styling matters more, which is where the shoe either earns its place or loses it.

How I would style espadrilles now

I get the best results when I treat espadrilles as a finishing touch, not the star of the outfit. That keeps them from looking overworked and makes them feel more relevant to how people dress now.

• For daywear, I would pair flat espadrilles with a white tee and linen trousers. It is simple, but it works because the textures feel relaxed rather than fussy.
• For a wedding or garden party, a midi dress with a low wedge is still one of the easiest combinations to get right. You get height without the stiffness of a heel.
• For Pride, festivals or long outdoor events, I would pick a flatform or low platform pair. That gives you more presence and more stability than a standard heel.
• For a smarter city look, tailored shorts or wide-leg trousers with a closed-toe espadrille feel more grown-up than the beach versions most people picture first.
• For evening, black espadrilles are the sleeper choice. They stop the shoe reading as holiday-only and make it easier to wear with darker tailoring.

I also keep the rest of the outfit restrained. If the shoes are espadrilles, I usually do not add a raffia bag, straw hat and rope belt all at once. That can slide into costume territory quickly. One natural texture is enough. A crisp shirt, a structured jacket or a sharper trouser line does the balancing work and makes the shoe feel intentional rather than themed. That balance is what decides whether the look feels fresh or predictable, and occasion is the next thing that changes the answer.

When they work and when I’d skip them

In the UK, weather is the first filter I use. Jute and rain do not mix well, and even a well-made pair will age badly if it gets soaked repeatedly. That does not make espadrilles fragile; it just means they are seasonal shoes, not all-weather shoes.

• Best for: dry city walks, brunch, holiday dinners, relaxed offices, garden weddings, balcony drinks and Pride events.
• Use caution: cobblestones, all-day sightseeing, damp commutes, wet grass and long periods of standing.
• Skip them: heavy rain, formal eveningwear, winter outfits and any day when you need a truly weatherproof sole.

If you want more mileage, look for a rubber outsole or at least a rubber forefoot. That will not make the shoe waterproof, but it will improve grip on pavement and slow the wear at the bottom of the sole. I also think this is where people underestimate the practical difference between a holiday shoe and a wardrobe shoe. The former looks good in one setting; the latter keeps working after the trip ends. From there, the smartest purchase is the one that lasts beyond the first sunny weekend.

What to buy if you want them to last

The strongest espadrille purchase is usually the least fussy one. I would focus on construction first and decoration last, because the details that make a pair look current are often the same details that help it survive more than one summer.

• Choose canvas for a relaxed look, or leather and suede if you want something smarter and more durable.
• Look for stitched jute rather than a flimsy bonded finish. Jute is the braided plant fibre that gives espadrilles their rope-like sole.
• Pick a secure heel and a footbed with some cushioning if you expect to walk in them for more than an hour or two.
• Go for muted colours first. Tan, ecru, black and navy are easier to restyle than loud prints.
• Pay attention to the outsole. A rubber edge or sole makes a bigger difference in the UK than people expect.
• Expect to spend roughly £30-£50 for basic high-street pairs, £50-£90 for stronger everyday options, and £100-£150+ for premium or designer versions.

I would spend more if I wanted one pair to do multiple jobs, because better materials usually mean better shape retention, less fraying and a more comfortable fit over time. Cheap espadrilles can be fine for one season, but the sole compresses, the upper softens and the overall line loses sharpness quicker than on a better-built pair. If you already like the silhouette, a slightly better-made version is one of the easier fashion upgrades to justify. That leaves the simplest way I would answer the style question for this year.

The version that feels strongest for 2026

If I had to narrow it down, I would buy a low-profile pair in a neutral colour with a clean upper and a stable sole. That version does the most work: it fits linen, denim, tailoring and occasion wear without making the outfit look like it is trying too hard.

So the real answer is this: espadrilles are still in style, but the current mood is refined rather than nostalgic for nostalgia’s sake. Keep the proportions simple, respect the weather and choose a pair that fits the way you actually dress, and they will still earn their place in a summer wardrobe. If you already own a good pair, I would restyle them before replacing them.