Trust Me, You'll Never Throw Out These Kate Middleton–Approved Summer Shoes

The Duchess of Cambridge has to dress for more dress codes than many other people in the world. For more formal state dinners, she will wear stunning custom gowns and tailored pieces by the likes of Alexander McQueen and Jenny Packham, with diamonds borrowed from the family safe. When she dresses down however, she likes to wear tea dresses, jeans, Breton tops, and classic navy blazers from the Great British high street. But when it comes to shoes there is one clear constant: her black wedge espadrilles (usually by Castaner).

These summer favourites have been in Kate Middleton's wardrobe since before she even became an official member of the royal family, that's just how dedicated she is to this item of footwear. There's a good reason behind why she wears these so often—their versatility. Wearing them with jeans, you give off the air of a French fashion editor à la Emmanuelle Alt, but pair it with a dress and you're ready for a garden party or walking through the grounds at classic summer events like Wimbledon and Henley. Espadrilles are ideal for the beach, walking on grass (the wedges stop you from sinking), and are sturdy enough for harder surfaces, which is exactly what you need when you need shoes that work in various locations. 

The Duchess of Cambridge isn't the only one who appreciates espadrilles. Both her sister-in-law Meghan Markle and sister Pippa Middleton are similarly fans of Castañer's classic wedges. These aren't just a royal conservative shoe—Alexa Chung also wears her black espadrilles every summer, usually paired with dungarees and there's always a Hollywood star wearing in them at the Cannes Film Festival.

What's even better is that these shoes aren't just summer-appropriate, they also work for cooler months too, especially the flat versions. Keep scrolling to see all the many ways Kate has styled these shoes and how other stars have been wearing theirs this summer. 

Style Notes: These slingback black espadrilles are a real favourite of the Duchess of Cambridge. She often wears these with a variety of different looks, but her favourite is to pair them with jeans and a blazer. 

Style Notes: Here she has switched up the colour of the blazer to give her outfit a lighter look, but the espadrilles still work perfectly. 

Style Notes: The day before her wedding, Kate Middleton wore these with a cute black-and-white tea dress and white jacket. 

Style Notes: Way back in 2009, before she was even engaged to Prince William, Kate wore her trusty black espadrilles with jeans, a blouse, and a leather jacket. 

Related: The Duchess of Cambridge Just Found the Perfect Coat On the High Street

Style Notes: Taking tips from her sister-in-law, Meghan Markle wore her espadrilles with a striped maxi dress on a royal tour. 

Style Notes: Meghan proves that no matter what colour dress you go for, the black wedge versions with work with your outfit.

Style Notes: Pippa Middleton opts for a low-heel version for Wimbledon, which she paired with a chic striped shirtdress and crossbody bag.

Style Notes: The cooler way to wear them is going full Alexa and pairing your espadrilles with short dungarees. 

Style Notes: For a sassy French Riviera vibe, wear yours with a hint of red and a black sundress. 

Style Notes: Margot Robbie proves these aren't just for the summer, wearing her flat espadrilles with jeans, roll neck and wool coat ensemble. 

Shop Black Espadrilles:

Related: Yes, You Can Wear Black to a Wedding—These 21 Dresses Get Our Seal of Approval

For more summer inspiration, shop our edit of the best dresses. 

Opening Image: Getty