What To Know
- Pair them with flowy skirts, a blouse, and a cardigan for a feminine and professional ensemble.
- Choose a pair in a neutral color like white or black, and pair them with jeans, a t-shirt, and a lightweight blazer for a relaxed yet polished look.
- Choose a pair in a rich leather or suede and pair them with tailored trousers, a blouse, and a blazer for a chic and professional ensemble.
Summer is in full swing, and with it comes the desire for lighter, breezier footwear. Espadrilles, with their charming canvas uppers and woven jute soles, are a perfect choice for warm weather. But can they truly translate from beachy vibes to the office? Absolutely! This guide will show you how to wear espadrilles to work with style and professionalism, ensuring you stay cool and comfortable while still looking put-together.
The Espadrille Advantage: Comfort and Style
Espadrilles offer a winning combination of comfort and style. Their flat soles provide a relaxed feel, while the canvas uppers allow your feet to breathe. Unlike stilettos or chunky heels, espadrilles are easy to walk in, making them ideal for long days on your feet.
But their appeal goes beyond mere comfort. Espadrilles come in a wide range of styles, from classic slip-ons to trendy wedges, allowing you to find the perfect pair to complement your workwear.
Choosing the Right Espadrille for the Office
The key to successfully incorporating espadrilles into your work wardrobe is choosing the right style. Here’s a breakdown of popular espadrille types and how to wear them to work:
1. Classic Espadrilles: These are the quintessential espadrilles, featuring a simple canvas upper and flat jute sole. They are versatile and can be dressed up or down. For work, opt for neutral colors like navy, black, or beige. Pair them with tailored pants, a crisp button-down shirt, and a blazer for a polished look.
2. Wedge Espadrilles: Wedge espadrilles offer a touch of height without compromising comfort. Their platform sole provides a more stable base than flat espadrilles, making them suitable for longer hours on your feet. Look for wedges with a lower heel (under 3 inches) and neutral color palettes. Pair them with flowy skirts, a blouse, and a cardigan for a feminine and professional ensemble.
3. Espadrille Sneakers: These are a trendy and comfortable option for a more casual office environment. They offer the support of a sneaker with the charm of an espadrille. Choose a pair in a neutral color like white or black, and pair them with jeans, a t-shirt, and a lightweight blazer for a relaxed yet polished look.
4. Espadrille Loafers: For a more sophisticated and polished look, consider espadrille loafers. These shoes have a closed toe and a low heel, making them perfect for formal settings. Choose a pair in a rich leather or suede and pair them with tailored trousers, a blouse, and a blazer for a chic and professional ensemble.
Styling Your Espadrilles for Work
Once you’ve chosen the right style of espadrille, it’s time to consider how to style them for work. Here are some tips:
1. Balance Casual with Professional: Espadrilles can be a casual footwear choice, so it’s important to balance them with more professional pieces. Opt for tailored pants, skirts, or dresses instead of jeans or shorts.
2. Choose Neutral Colors: Neutral colors like black, navy, beige, and white are always a safe bet for office attire. These colors allow your espadrilles to blend seamlessly with your outfit and create a polished look.
3. Accessorize Strategically: Add a touch of polish to your espadrille look with accessories. A statement necklace, a belt, or a scarf can elevate your outfit and make it more office-appropriate.
4. Consider the Occasion: The appropriateness of espadrilles in the workplace depends on the dress code and the occasion. For casual Fridays or summer events, espadrilles are a perfect choice. However, for formal meetings or presentations, you might want to opt for more traditional footwear.
Espadrilles for Different Work Environments
The type of espadrille you choose will also depend on your work environment.
1. Casual Office: In a casual office setting, you can wear espadrille sneakers, classic espadrilles, or even espadrille sandals. Pair them with jeans, a t-shirt, and a blazer for a relaxed yet polished look.
2. Business Casual Office: For a business casual office, stick to classic espadrilles, wedge espadrilles, or espadrille loafers. Pair them with tailored pants, skirts, or dresses and a blouse or button-down shirt.
3. Formal Office: If you work in a formal office, you might want to avoid espadrilles altogether. If you must wear them, opt for a more sophisticated style like espadrille loafers and pair them with a suit or a dress.
Tips for Maintaining Your Espadrilles
Espadrilles are a great summer footwear option, but they require some care to stay looking their best. Here are some tips for maintaining your espadrilles:
1. Protect the Jute Sole: The jute sole is susceptible to water damage, so avoid wearing your espadrilles in the rain or snow. If they do get wet, allow them to air dry completely.
2. Clean Regularly: To keep your espadrilles looking their best, clean them regularly with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubbing too hard, as this can damage the canvas upper.
3. Store Properly: When not in use, store your espadrilles in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight, as this can cause the canvas to fade.
Embracing the Espadrille Trend
Espadrilles are a versatile and stylish footwear option that can easily be incorporated into your work wardrobe. By choosing the right style and styling them appropriately, you can wear espadrilles to work with confidence and comfort. Embrace the summer trend and enjoy the breezy feel of espadrilles while still looking professional and stylish.
Frequently Discussed Topics
1. Are espadrilles appropriate for all work environments?
While espadrilles can be a great summer footwear option, they may not be appropriate for all work environments. If you work in a formal office, you might want to avoid espadrilles altogether. For more casual offices, espadrilles can be a great choice, but it’s always best to check with your company’s dress code.
2. How can I make espadrilles look more professional?
To make espadrilles look more professional, choose a classic style in a neutral color like black, navy, or beige. Pair them with tailored pants, skirts, or dresses and a blouse or button-down shirt. You can also add a touch of polish with accessories like a statement necklace, a belt, or a scarf.
3. How do I care for espadrilles?
To care for your espadrilles, avoid wearing them in the rain or snow. Clean them regularly with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubbing too hard, as this can damage the canvas upper. When not in use, store your espadrilles in a cool, dry place.
4. What are some alternatives to espadrilles for summer workwear?
If you’re looking for alternatives to espadrilles for summer workwear, consider sandals, loafers, or flats. These shoes are all comfortable and stylish options that can be dressed up or down.
5. Can I wear espadrilles with socks?
While it’s not traditional to wear espadrilles with socks, there are some occasions where it might be appropriate. If you’re wearing espadrille sneakers, for example, you could wear no-show socks to help absorb sweat and prevent blisters. However, avoid wearing visible socks with classic espadrilles or wedges, as this can look unprofessional.
