We thought we reserved them for photo albums of the British royal family, and yet they appear everywhere in new-ins. To know which shoes will dominate summer 2026, just look at an image of Princess Diana in 1981.
Its wedge espadrilles, now aligned with the retro wave that structures the spring-summer 2026 collections, rely on a stable rope heel, practical on all surfaces, and on comfort that summer wardrobes are looking for more than ever.
When Princess Diana made wedge espadrilles a cult look
In July 1981, while she was still Lady Diana Spencer, she arrived at a polo tournament at Windsor Great Park in a silhouette that had gone viral in the age of Instagram: butter yellow overalls and a short-sleeved blouse printed with apples and pears.
The fruits come in greens, yellows and reds that match the color of his suit, but also that of his sandals: raffia-look heeled espadrilles, in a bold red, stable enough to cross the grass effortlessly. Large sunglasses and a patterned shoulder bag complete this casual yet highly crafted look.
Why wedge espadrilles are making a comeback for summer 2026
This rope sole model, long stored away in the vacation souvenir aisle, is back on the catwalks. Espadrilles, flat or wedged, punctuate the spring-summer 2026 fashion shows, from Jacquemus at Versailles to Celine, confirming their status as the season’s signature shoe.
As early as 1971, the collaboration between Yves Saint Laurent and Castañer had already propelled the peasant espadrille onto the catwalks, in a chic wedge version. More than forty years later, its return can be explained by the search for flexibility, stability and freedom of movement, which Queen Letizia of Spain and Kate Middleton illustrate with their Castañer models.
Adopt Princess Diana’s wedge espadrilles today
To adopt Princess Diana wedge espadrilles in 2026, the idea is to revert to your colors. Soft yellow pants or overalls with a printed shirt and red wedges are enough to evoke her look.
And then these sandals support all summer dress codes.
- In town, with straight jeans and a light jacket.
- For weddings, with a flowing midi dress.
- On vacation, with linen shorts.
Are Princess Diana-inspired wedge espadrilles suitable for everyday life?
The rope heel, stable and quite wide, is suitable for everyday use in the city, provided you choose a reasonable height.
How to wear wedge espadrilles to the office in summer 2026?
For the office, we favor neutral shades – beige, ecru, navy – with flowing pants or a structured short suit.
Which brands capture the spirit of Princess Diana’s espadrilles?
Houses like Castañer offer models with rope heels similar to those of the royal family, and many mid-range labels also offer them.
