subject: The Wonderful World Of Espadrilles [print this page] When it comes to footwear, it can be difficult to know what styles of shoes suit you. You have to kiss a lot of frogs, before you find your prince as the saying goes, and the same is true of shoes. You will only know which type suit you in terms of comfort, fit, and style by trying out various different styles. Sometimes, however, the whole issue can become exceedingly complicated simply because you may not know of a particular design, or not have heard of them, but do not know exactly what they look like, how to wear them, the styles of dress they suit best, and how trendy they are.
Espadrilles are a common shoe that falls into this category, many people simply do not know what they are, here we will discuss them at length, explaining exactly what they are, and what clothes they suit.
To begin with, let us consider the history of this style of footwear. Experts believe that the shoes originate from the south of France, the Pyrenees, to be precise. However, the Pyrenees is also on the border with Spain, and although French in origin, the name Espadrilles comes from the Catalan word for shoe (Catalan is a Spanish dialect).
To look at, they have a flat sole, which is extremely flexible and frequently made from natural materials. The sole is often made of rope-like material, although it is possible to buy rubber-soled espadrilles. Indeed, the rope-like sole is a defining feature of this style of footwear. The uppers are made from flexible and lightweight materials, usually in canvas or cotton. They come in a wide range of colours, and with a variety of pattern effects stripes are a popular option with this style of footwear. There are also different styles available, including sandal and wedge heel varieties.
As a shoe, they tend to be unisex, although manufacturers design shoes with one or other gender in mind. For example, there are high-heeled versions of the shoe, geared towards a female audience.
Espadrilles go incredibly well with a straight-cut pair of jeans; the shoes have a laid-back persona, so wear correspondingly relaxed jeans. Team this look with a funky graphic t-shirt, or a plain white shirt for a really trendy, yet relaxed, look. In summer months, they are perfect for wearing with a short floaty skirt or dress, or mini-skirts. They are really trendy and stylish, and festival lovers favour these in the summer months. Technically, when wearing them with a skirt or dress, you should not wear socks, but as long as there is no flesh visible on the foot, then socks are fine.
