If You Want to Look Like You're From Madrid or Barcelona, Buy These Summer Shoes

I've spent at least one month every summer of my life in Spain, at my grandmother's apartment. And every year, my mom has tried to convince me I need a pair of espadrilles. Growing up, she always owned a pair, but for some reason I never understood the appeal of the Spanish shoe that's everywhere come June. There is something about the texture that has always thrown me off. That and the fact that when you're young, you tend to just have a natural aversion to any fashion your mom suggests.

Fast-forward to now and I can't stop thinking about how I wish I would have bought a pair years ago. It's taken me decades, but I've realized my mom was right all along. I came to the realization earlier this June, when I attended Primavera Sound in Barcelona. Observing the style of Spanish women there made me realize a couple of things. One is that they're definitely wearing denim better than we are in New York. And the other? If they say espadrilles are extremely chic, then they're extremely chic.

In light of Love Story, I've also been thinking a lot about Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. And while she wasn't Spanish, the style icon famously said in a 1992 interview with Glamour, "If I want to add some impact [to an outfit] I'll do it with texture." Espadrilles are the kind of item that adds instant texture to an outfit, and that, for me, is where the appeal lies.

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The royal family of Spain is known for wearing espadrilles for any and every occasion. Just a few days ago in Mallorca, they were seen leaving a family dinner all wearing espadrilles.

Anna Wintour is known for being a fan of espadrilles. With a closet of designer shoes, she chose a $60 pair—that's just how much she loves them.

Prada is one of the many designer brands to pick up on this trend. Here, we have a K-pop star, Gawon, wearing the style to the luxury label's event.

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While in Barcelona, and then later in Cádiz with my family, I saw Spanish women wearing espadrilles with everything from jeans to crochet dresses to peasant tops. When I rewatched Jamón, Jamón, which stars a young Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem, I realized Cruz wears espadrilles with nearly all of her iconic simple and timeless summer looks. My mom shook her head and was thrilled to say, "I told you so," when I expressed my desire for a pair just a couple of weeks ago. And I spent the rest of the night scrolling through the Instagram of Castañer, the Spanish brand that's credited with making espadrilles appeal to the fashion world. The brand's editorial images proved to me just how versatile the shoe is, not to mention they always add height while still providing comfort.

So if you run into me this August, there's a pretty high chance I'll be wearing one of the pairs of espadrilles below.