Espadrilles change the way a summer outfit reads. Swap sneakers for a flat espadrille and the look feels lighter. Replace sandals with a wedge and the same outfit starts to feel more pulled together.
That is what makes them useful. Viscata espadrilles, handmade in Spain with jute soles and natural-material uppers, work across a wide range of warm-weather outfits without forcing a specific look. The key is choosing the right silhouette, color, and texture for the clothes you already wear.
Start with the Shape of the Outfit
The easiest way to style espadrilles is to look at the shape of the outfit first.
Flat espadrilles work best when the clothes already have some volume or movement. Wide-leg trousers, midi skirts, loose dresses, and relaxed shorts all benefit from a shoe that keeps the lower half visually light. A flat canvas espadrille does exactly that. It keeps the proportions easy and does not add unnecessary structure.
Wedge espadrilles work better when the outfit needs more definition. A wrap dress, a fitted linen set, or a skirt with more length can all benefit from the added height and shape a wedge provides. The lift changes the line of the outfit and can make the whole look feel more finished.
This is usually the first decision to make. If the outfit already has softness and volume, start with a flat. If it needs more shape, reach for a wedge.
Use Neutrals for the Most Outfit Options
Color matters, but not in a dramatic way. In most cases, neutral espadrilles will do the most work.
Beige, navy, black, and white pair easily with the kinds of fabrics and tones that show up most often in summer wardrobes. Linen, cotton, light denim, soft prints, and earthy shades all sit comfortably beside those colors.
A neutral flat works especially well when your outfit already includes pattern or texture. It keeps the look balanced. A neutral wedge does the same thing for dressier outfits, where too much happening at the shoe can make the whole combination feel busy.
Bolder shades still have a place. Olive, cherry, or mustard can add interest, but they work best when the rest of the outfit stays simple. Otherwise, the styling starts trying too hard, which is a deeply human problem.
Match the Material to the Clothes
This is where styling starts to look more intentional.
Canvas espadrilles pair naturally with crisp summer fabrics. Think cotton poplin, linen, lightweight denim, and simple jersey. The matte finish and casual feel of canvas make it the easiest option for daytime outfits and relaxed combinations.
Suede changes the look slightly. It adds texture and depth, which makes it useful when an outfit feels too flat or too plain. A suede espadrille works especially well with pieces in softer tones or richer fabrics, where a little texture helps the outfit feel more layered.
Leather brings the most structure. It tends to suit sharper summer pieces, such as tailored trousers, cleaner dresses, or outfits with more polished lines. The jute sole keeps the shoe from feeling formal, but the leather upper still adds a more refined finish than canvas or suede.
Build Simple Outfit Formulas Around Flats
Flat espadrilles are easiest to style when you treat them as part of a straightforward outfit formula.
A few combinations that work well:
- Linen trousers + fitted tank + flat espadrilles
- Cotton midi dress + light cardigan + flat espadrilles
- Relaxed shorts + tucked tee + open button-down + flat espadrilles
These outfits do not need much added to them. The flat espadrille supports the look without making it feel overdressed.
This is also the silhouette that tends to work best for casual daytime plans, especially when comfort matters more than added height.
Use Wedges When the Outfit Needs More Lift
Wedge espadrilles are useful when you want the outfit to look more defined without moving into anything overly formal.
They work particularly well with:
- Wrap dresses
- Midi skirts with fitted tops
- Linen matching sets
- Straight-leg trousers with a sleeveless blouse
An ankle-strap wedge can be especially effective because it adds structure without making the shoe feel heavy. It also tends to feel more secure when you are moving around, which matters if the outfit is meant for an actual day out and not just a mirror.
For brunch, outdoor dinners, or social events that sit between casual and dressed-up, wedges usually make more sense than flats.
Keep the Styling Consistent Across the Season
One of the easiest ways to make a summer wardrobe feel cohesive is to repeat the same few logic points across multiple outfits.
Choose one flat espadrille in a neutral tone. Choose one wedge in another neutral or soft accent shade. Build around those instead of trying to match every outfit with a different shoe.
That approach makes getting dressed easier, and it also keeps the wardrobe from feeling scattered. You are not trying to create a new style identity every morning. You are just giving your existing clothes better support.
How to Pull the Look Together
A neutral flat covers everyday outfits. A low wedge handles occasions that need more structure. Add one pair that works for travel, and most summer combinations fall into place without much effort. Viscata’s collection makes it easy to build around those few pieces.