Why espadrilles are only holiday shoes you'll ever need
It’s fair to say I take holiday packing seriously. I plan outfits, then roll - not fold - everything, packing the heaviest pieces by the wheels of the case and anything silky towards the top. I stuff socks into shoes, swaddle perfume in said socks, encase statement earrings in my evening bags and store all toiletries, makeup and tech-y bits in separate clear cases. It’s a tried and tested method.
It wasn’t until a recent holiday to the Caribbean that these skills were thrown into question, when on arrival, my boyfriend dubiously looked on as I unpacked eight pairs of shoes for, erm, a 10 day trip. While each pair of sandals was considered and complemented the corresponding outfits, it turns out that sightseeing in 32 degree heat calls only for comfy, breathable shoes.
Who knew? Not this expert packer. So I didn’t ever wear my tan leather slides (too slidey for actual walking) or the tie-up metallic sandals (a nightmare when your feet swell from the heat) or the embellished mules I’d packed so carefully (impractical, on reflection). Instead I sported just two pairs of espadrilles day in, day out (not that my boyfriend noticed, thank God).
Plum with ankle strap, ￡24.99, H&M; Striped, ￡26, Next; Castaner blush wedges, ￡89, Martha Louisa
By day, my silver Stradivarius ones served me well. On an all-day island tour, they didn’t rub and looked quite chic with a broderie anglaise Zara dress. They were perfect with swimsuits and wide-leg trousers for trips to the beach, and with a camisole and floaty skirt for brunch. By night, my orange Topshop wedges brightened up simple evening looks, enhanced my new tan a treat, and clashed artfully with a cobalt silky dress (also Zara - its current summer dress offering is brilliant).
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I’ll be honest; I’d found espadrilles quite tedious pre-Barbados. Raffia footwear has never been high on my lust list (unless my pockets suddenly become deep enough for Prada or Chloe’s offerings) but practicality, I realised, needn’t mean boring. H&M’s burgundy pair has a little leather ankle strap, and Next’s striped offering would look great with a white sundress or jeans. Equally, Mango’s gorgeous russet suede ones (￡35.99, Mango) are the perfect partner to mid-blue denim.
Gold piping, ￡25.99, Zara; Silver slingbacks, ￡19.99, Stradivarius; Orange wedges, ￡39, Topshop
A metallic option would be a wise buy as they’re versatile (smart packing, etc). & Other Stories has a silver babouche pair (￡55, & Other Stories) though be mindful that leather will stretch, and as there’s no real structure to an espadrille, it may sometimes be best to size down.
I’ve since bought the gold-trimmed Zara ones, right, for a holiday at the end of summer, as the only downside to espadrilles is how easily they wear and tear, which is why I’d advise you not to throw money at them.
Krissy Turner is The Telegraph's Girl On A Budget, in our new column helping you get dressed - without the fuss…
