A summer capsule wardrobe is a small selection of clothes and shoes that work well together. It is not a fixed shopping list or a rule about how many items you should own. The aim is to make getting dressed easier by choosing pieces that suit your plans, your climate and your personal style.
Espadrilles can become one part of that wardrobe, bringing woven texture to simple outfits. This guide explains how to build a summer capsule wardrobe with espadrilles, using styling ideas inspired by La Magerit's handcrafted Spanish designs.
Start with the summer you actually have planned
Before choosing colours or shoes, think about your routines. A summer spent mostly commuting, a holiday with frequent walks and a season of social gatherings may call for different clothing and footwear.
Look at what you already wear and which combinations you reach for repeatedly. Keep those as your foundation. A capsule wardrobe should support your life, not require you to dress like someone else or buy a completely new collection.
Espadrilles need not be your only shoes. Include other footwear when your activities, weather or dress codes call for it.
Choose a palette that makes mixing easier
A coordinated palette helps a small wardrobe produce more combinations. Start with two or three colours you already enjoy, then add an accent if you want one.
For example, ivory, navy and denim blue can form a simple base. Khaki or muted green can add another direction, while a gold shoe can provide a metallic accent. These are starting points rather than compulsory colours.
Compare the actual pieces together. Two items described as beige may have very different undertones, and a shoe that looks right online may create a different contrast in daylight.
Select a small group of clothes that combine naturally
A practical starting selection might include a plain top, a lightweight shirt, a pair of jeans, trousers and a dress. Add a layer appropriate to your climate and routines. The useful test is whether the pieces make outfits you would really wear, not whether they meet a prescribed item count.
Look for variety in silhouette without making every piece difficult to combine. A shirt that works with jeans and trousers has a clear role. A dress you enjoy wearing with more than one shoe option can also be useful.
Try the combinations before buying extra pieces. An item that seems versatile in theory may not work with the cuts, colours or lengths you already own.
Choose your first espadrille by the height you enjoy
If you want one pair of espadrilles in the capsule, start with the silhouette you are most likely to wear. Choose a lower profile if that is your preference, or a wedge if you genuinely enjoy added height.
La Magerit's LENNY – Natural is a low-profile option with a linen upper, a jute-and-EVA sole and a listed total height of 2 cm. It comes with a braided linen ribbon and a matching satin ribbon that can be worn together or separately.
For a wedge example, CATALINA has a listed total height of 10 cm and a 2.5 cm platform. Its description specifies a leather upper and lining, a padded organic-cotton footbed and cotton ankle ties.
Compare the individual shoe's fit and construction, not just its category. Neither a flat nor a wedge guarantees comfort for every wearer or activity.
Add a second pair only if it has a different role
A second pair makes sense when it offers something you actually want to wear: a different height, a distinct colour or another styling purpose. It does not need to be part of every capsule.
For example, natural flats and gold wedges create different silhouettes and visual effects. AITANA – Dorado offers a gold leather upper, a padded leather footbed, cotton ankle ties and a jute-and-natural-rubber sole, with a total height of 10 cm and a 2.5 cm platform.
Choose a metallic option if it complements the clothes you wear and feels useful for your plans. Avoid adding a second pair only because a wardrobe formula says you should.
Build three outfits from your starting pieces
Relaxed daytime
Try straight-leg jeans, a plain top or lightweight shirt, and natural-toned espadrilles. A simple bag can complete the outfit without competing with the textures.
Lunch or a gathering
Pair a midi dress with the espadrille height you prefer. A plain dress can leave room for gold footwear, while a printed dress may work with a quieter shoe colour. Check that the hem leaves enough space around the fastening.
Evening separates
Combine navy trousers with a plain blouse and, if suitable for the setting, gold wedges. Keep the accessories restrained if the shoes are the focal point. Check the dress code rather than assuming espadrilles fit every evening occasion.
Check hems across different shoe heights
A wardrobe combination is only useful if it works when worn. Full-length trousers or a maxi dress may clear the ground with wedges but drag when paired with flats.
Try each outfit with its intended shoes and walk a little to check the fabric. Make sure it does not catch beneath the sole or crowd ankle ribbons. If one garment only works at a particular heel height, plan around that rather than expecting it to suit every pair.
Use accessories selectively
Compatible accessories can change the mood of an outfit without adding another shoe. LENNY's ribbon options are one example. La Magerit's removable crystal clips offer another possibility for suitable models.
Check compatibility before adding an accessory or changing a fastening. Fixed beaded patches are a different kind of customisation and should not be treated as interchangeable decorations. Choose one clear focal point rather than assuming more detail always creates more versatility.
Make fit and care part of the plan
A capsule wardrobe works best when its pieces are ready to wear. Try shoes before an extended outing and assess the toe area, heel security and fastening. Consider the surfaces and activities you expect to encounter.
Read the full material composition and follow care guidance for the individual design. Espadrilles can combine leather, fabric and jute, so avoid assuming a single cleaning method is suitable for every component.
Frequently asked questions
How many pairs of espadrilles do I need?
There is no fixed number. Start with one useful pair, then add another only if it serves a different purpose you value.
Should capsule wardrobe shoes all be neutral?
No. A metallic or coloured pair can work if it combines with the clothes you already wear. Coordination matters more than making every piece neutral.
Can I use the same dress with flats and wedges?
Yes, if the length works with both heights. Recheck a long hem after changing shoes.
Do I need to replace my existing wardrobe?
No. Begin with pieces you enjoy and identify specific gaps only after trying outfit combinations.
Build a wardrobe you will actually wear
Start with your routines, choose a palette you like and test the combinations. Espadrilles can bring texture and variety, but their role should reflect your own preferences. Explore La Magerit's collection to discover handcrafted Spanish styles that complement your summer wardrobe.