With the temperature finally creeping into heat wave territory, summer is here, and this can only mean one thing: It's summer shoe season. While there are plenty of trending sandals styles around to whet your appetite, we're also looking to those timeless staples to add to our warm-weather capsule. Who better to draw classic style inspiration from than the royals?
Only just a few moments ago did Kate pull out her trusty beige wedged espadrilles (the very same Castañer Carina pair she wore a few weeks ago with an ankle-grazing Erdem frock—see below) to combine with a paisley-printed midi dress, leaf earrings and tousled hair. Perfect for this slightly inclement weather, and far more affordable and casual than her usual nude courts.
And whilst browsing our other favourite royal summer looks, we noticed there was one uniting theme when it came to footwear across the posh board: espadrilles. An icon of summer style, it's clear that the likes of Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle can't get enough of them. Espadrilles might be known for their Spanish roots and laid-back elegance, yet we've been surprised to see the royals wearing them for more formal occasions over the last few months.
Only recently have we seen Lady Amelia Windsor in the low-key shoe at her sister's wedding—bucking the rule that espadrilles are not appropriate for such a formal occasion. Clearly there's a theme here. We'll just take these outfits as proof of the espadrille's versatility: They'll look just as good with white jeans and a tee as they will with a wedding guest outfit. Just ask Kate. Scroll down to see our favourite royal espadrille-dotted outfits, plus shop our edit.
Style Notes: We would never think of wearing espadrilles to a wedding (and a very formal one at that), yet Amelia Windsor gets the balance right with her daisy-print Gul Hurgel dress and white hat.
Style Notes: Kate always knows how to toe the line between pulled-together and laid-back. She looks so good in Erdem's floral prairie dress, which is elevated with a much-needed pair of wedge espadrilles.
Style Notes: On her travels last year, Meghan got plenty of practice in event dressing. Not unlike Kate's get-up, we like how the duchess has opted for a pair of high wedge espadrilles to dress up a silky summer frock.
Style Notes: Pippa is nothing but an espadrille evangelical. Known for her preppy-cool style, she wears hers with everything from cotton dresses to casual denim, and everything in between.
Style Notes: We told you this shoe style was versatile. Kate shows that an ankle-strap pair of espadrilles will complement a casual day dress, just as much as an evening look. We're taking notes as we speak.
Shop Our Espadrille Edit
Related: My Favourite Wedding Guest Outfits From Lady Gabriella Windsor's Wedding
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