How To Get Princess Diana’s Summer Espadrille Look
There are some summer outfits that never really leave us. Princess Diana in crisp casuals, oversized sunglasses and fabulous wedge espadrilles is one of them.
Relaxed, pretty, practical and a little bit playful, Diana’s summer style had that wonderful quality of looking polished without ever looking overdone. She could wear colour without looking fussy, denim without looking scruffy, and a comfortable summer shoe without losing a single ounce of elegance.
No wonder espadrilles are having another moment.
British Vogue recently looked back at one of Lady Diana Spencer’s memorable 1980s summer outfits, worn to a polo match before she became Princess of Wales. The look was casual, colourful and completely charming, with wedge espadrilles adding height, comfort and a soft summer finish.
And that is exactly why we love espadrilles at Mandarina. They are easy. They are stylish. They are not trying too hard. And they make almost everything in your summer wardrobe look a little more fabulous.
So, if you love Diana’s relaxed summer style, here is how to get the look — the Mandarina way.
Why Princess Diana Made Wedge Espadrilles Look So Effortless
Princess Diana’s best off-duty outfits worked because they felt real. She was not always dressed in gowns, jewels and immaculate evening shoes. Some of her most loved looks were simple, sunny and surprisingly wearable.
Think denim. Think cotton. Think relaxed blouses, pretty prints, bright colours, soft neutrals and shoes she could actually walk in.
That is where wedge espadrilles come in.
A wedge espadrille gives you height without the stiffness of a formal heel. It looks dressed, but not dressy. Pretty, but not precious. The rope-style sole gives it that Mediterranean summer feeling, while the wedge shape makes it useful for garden parties, lunches, holidays, weddings and all those “what on earth do I put on my feet?” summer occasions.
In other words, the perfect Diana shoe.
Why Wedge Espadrilles Are Back
Fashion has a habit of going round in circles, usually just when we have thrown something away and started regretting it. But espadrilles never really disappeared. They simply waited patiently for everyone to remember how useful they are.
Wedge espadrilles are especially good because they do several jobs at once.
- They give you height.
- They feel more stable than a skinny heel.
- They work with dresses, shorts, skirts, linen trousers and denim.
- They look summery without looking flimsy.
- They are smart enough for occasions, but relaxed enough for holidays.
That is a rare and wonderful thing in a shoe.
And if you are looking for designer espadrilles, sandals and slides, Mandarina has plenty of temptation waiting.
Get Princess Diana’s Espadrille Look With Mandarina
You do not need a palace, a polo match or a canary-yellow outfit to wear the look. You just need the right pair of espadrilles, a bit of sunshine and the confidence to keep things relaxed.
Here are our favourite ways to channel Princess Diana’s summer espadrille style.
The Timeless Neutral Suede Wedge
For the most classic Diana-inspired look, start with a neutral wedge espadrille.
The Malaga Wedge Espadrilles in Stone Suede are exactly the sort of summer shoe that earns its place in your wardrobe immediately. Soft neutral suede, a traditional rope sole and a supportive mid wedge make them smart, comfortable and incredibly easy to style.
Wear them with a white summer dress, cropped jeans, linen trousers or a soft cotton skirt. They are also lovely for weddings and holidays, especially if you want a little height without wobbling around on a formal heel.
This is the “I just threw this on and look wonderful” pair.
The Colourful Wedge
Princess Diana was never afraid of colour, and that is part of what made her summer style so memorable. A bright shoe can lift a simple outfit instantly, especially when the rest of the look is pared back.
The Sunset Stripe Wedge Espadrilles are our joyful modern take on the espadrille wedge. They have that lovely rope-soled summer feel, but with bright striped canvas in sunset shades and criss-cross elasticated straps for a secure fit.
Wear them with denim shorts, white jeans, a simple linen dress or a block-colour summer outfit. Let the shoes do the talking. They are very good at it.
The Easy Holiday Flat
Not every Diana-inspired look needs a wedge. Some summer days call for something flatter, softer and easy to slip on.
The Tropicana Colourful Ribbon Espadrilles are classic flat slip-on espadrilles with neutral-toned canvas and ribbon detailing in warm tropical shades. They have that relaxed Mediterranean feeling that works beautifully with turned-up denim, cotton shorts, beach kaftans and floaty summer dresses. Made by designer espadrille brand Toni Pons in Spain.
These are the shoes you pack for holiday and then wear far more than expected.
The Pretty Pastel Pair
For a softer take on the look, the Sorbet Ribbon pastel canvas espadrilles are a very pretty choice. With pastel ribbon detailing in shades of blue, coral, ochre, mint and lavender, they bring colour without shouting.
Wear them with white jeans, pale denim, a simple sundress or a loose linen shirt. They are especially lovely if you like your summer style relaxed, feminine and quietly cheerful.
Very easy. Very wearable. Very “just off for lunch somewhere sunny”.
The Casual Canvas Flat
For everyday summer styling, flat canvas espadrilles are your best friend. They have the same relaxed espadrille feel, but with an easy, slip-on shape that works for warm days at home as well as holidays abroad.
The Hawaiian Tropic Canvas Flat Espadrilles are perfect with casual denim, shorts, summer skirts and beachy dresses. The traditional jute-style sole gives them that authentic espadrille look, while the flexible rubber outsole keeps them practical.
Wear them when you want to look like you have made an effort, without actually making too much of one.
How To Style Espadrilles Like Diana
The secret is not to over-style them.
Princess Diana’s best summer looks worked because they had ease. A relaxed blouse. A great pair of sunglasses. A practical bag. A pop of colour. A shoe that was pretty, but still wearable.
Try wedge espadrilles with turned-up denim and a white shirt.
Wear neutral suede espadrilles with summer dresses and linen separates.
Choose colourful espadrilles when your outfit needs a lift.
Pair flat canvas espadrilles with shorts, kaftans and relaxed holiday pieces.
Keep the shape simple and let the colour, texture or rope sole bring the charm.
Espadrilles look best when they feel natural. They are not shoes for trying too hard. They are shoes for sunshine, movement, comfort and a little bit of lovely summer nonchalance.
Why Espadrilles Still Feel So Modern
Part of the reason espadrilles keep coming back is because they solve a very real summer problem.
What do you wear when sandals feel too bare, trainers feel too heavy and heels feel too formal?
Espadrilles.
They are light, comfortable and versatile, but still stylish enough to make an outfit feel complete. Wedge espadrilles can take you to a wedding, lunch or garden party. Flat espadrilles can take you to the beach, the shops, the airport, the school run or a lazy summer supper. Colourful espadrilles add personality. Neutral espadrilles go with everything.
No wonder Diana wore them so well. No wonder we still love them now.
Shop The Princess Diana-Inspired Espadrille Look
At Mandarina Shoes, we choose espadrilles for women who want summer shoes with comfort, colour and individuality. From Spanish-made wedge espadrilles and suede espadrille sandals to colourful canvas flats and ribbon-trimmed slip-ons, our collection is full of shoes made to be worn, loved and noticed.
So if you fancy a little Princess Diana-inspired summer style, start with the shoes.
Browse our designer espadrilles, sandals and slides and find your perfect pair for holidays, weddings, garden parties, sunny days and fabulously dressed feet.
Be Mandarina. Buy Mandarina.
