The chicest designer espadrilles to carry you right through summer

The jovial insouciance of the spring/summer season is embodied in the espadrille. First designed and worn in the Basque region of Spain in the 14th century by soldiers and workers requiring simple, utilitarian shoes, the style has become synonymous with long summer days spent by the beach or pounding city pavements during a heatwave. As seamlessly styled with billowing cotton dresses as they are with jeans, these lightweight, artisanal-style flats with woven soles and soft canvas uppers are essential summer wearing for their cool breathability. Saint Laurent’s slip-on style in crisp white is perfect worn to a picnic in the park, while Gucci’s slides are a contemporary take on the classic, with a monogrammed upper that gives an urban feel to the braided sole. Whoever said espadrilles had to be understated? For those wishing to make a statement, Chloé’s logo-emblazoned flats are an ideal choice. Crafted in Spain in sleek monochromatic hues, these espadrilles will dress down summer tailoring – a smart-casual, work-to-weekend must-have.