Becky Harris, Fashion Writer

Originating back to the Pyrenees around the 14th century, and officially “trending” nationwide last year, espadrilles have been firmly cemented in fashion history as a staple of summer attire. No longer do you need to own a boat or live on a beach in Miami to rock these babies, and absolutely EVERYONE has caught on to this.

I was at first, along with chinos and deck shoes (both of which I now unashamedly wear), sceptical of these cotton canvas flats. The most I knew of espadrilles a year or so ago was the brand, Toms, which I would still highly recommend picking up a pair from, purely because of their donations to charity.

But lo and behold, a few months later, and we had none other than Karl Lagerfeld adopting the trend for Chanel’s product offering, with new versions in this season’s collection. And it’s not just designers who caught on. Look around the high street, and espadrilles are everywhere.

H&M and Primark have cutesy, cheap varieties, and you can find some platform or animal print versions in Topshop or on Asos. Lacoste have also introduced a new range for Spring/Summer, each pair priced at a reasonable £50. From on-trend pastels to nautical navy and white, these adorable canvas-soled treats have been given a European chic-twist with one of my favourite details; bows.

Fashion-forward Brit Alexa Chung was flying the flag high last year for these shoes, will you do the same this Summer? Of course you will. The real dilemma remains; flat, open-toe wedge or platform?

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