Few shoes divide opinion quite like the espadrille wedge. A recent poll of the Cosmopolitan UK office confirmed as much, but it's hardly a debate limited to our London-based team. Existing firmly in sartorial ‘marmite’ territory, some dismiss the style as frumpy, while others return to the humble rope-soled wedge summer after summer, considering it a staple of warm-weather wardrobes.
While never disappearing entirely from the trend cycle due to such long-standing loyalty, the style has in recent years been quietly relegated to holiday wardrobes and garden party dress codes.
For good reason, according to stylist and fashion journalist Alice Hare, who told Cosmo UK, “In my opinion, espadrille wedges are not smart enough to be paired with most occasionwear looks. They kill what could otherwise be an amazing outfit, and as I associate them with the reserve of 2010, they can immediately date a look.”
It was an unofficial style notion I unquestioningly followed – until I attended this year's Royal Ascot and spotted countless well-dressed women comfortably traversing the Royal Enclosure on Ladies Day in espadrille wedges. Their elegant ensembles were only enhanced by their footwear of choice. In comparison, I was in towering, vertiginous platform heels that quickly became instruments of torture after too long spent standing. I've never felt such acute footwear envy.
Consider this your official notice: this summer, the espadrille wedge is staging a comeback — and frankly, it's about time.
The past few years have rewritten our relationship with dress codes. The pandemic placed comfort at the centre of how we dress, but the return to the office, events and IRL social meet-ups has forced a quiet reckoning. The rise of the power casual fashion trend speaks to the desire to bridge the gap between traditional (read: uncomfortable) dressing and a new, non-negotiable expectation of ease.
The espadrille wedge perfectly embodies this shift. “Wedges have always been a favourite of mine because they’re the most comfortable heel without having to compromise on height,” says Penelope Chilvers, founder of the eponymous footwear and accessories brand, whose summer collections consistently feature bestselling espadrille styles. “They’re great for summer parties and events because they don’t sink into grass. I think customers love our espadrille wedges for this same reason – they’re flattering, comfortable and go with pretty much any outfit.”
Yet practicality isn't their only appeal. Modern espadrille wedges feel remarkably sophisticated, crafted in supple leather, suede or satin with a streamlined silhouette. Penelope Chilvers' feature velvet ribbon ankle ties, while Burberry last summer released its Check Mews Espadrille Mules for a high-fashion take on the trend. The result is sandals that feel effortlessly chic, rather than overtly formal. There's a reason they've long been favoured by royals, celebrities and stylish holidaymakers alike.
Perhaps their greatest strength is that they don't try too hard. In an era increasingly defined by quiet luxury and timeless dressing, the espadrille wedge feels refreshingly relevant, striking the elusive balance between polished and unfussy. And really, what more can you want from your footwear than an enduring summer classic?
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Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
