Duchess Sophie’s go-to spring look blends comfortable espadrilles with a flowing floral maxi, a combination that remains reliably elegant as the season warms.
There’s no doubt about it: espadrilles are Sophie’s top footwear pick for the spring and summer, and she owns quite a collection—from wedges to flats. Her TOMS Valencia platform boots (the white canvas platform version) strike a balance, delivering a lift while staying perfectly suited for daytime wear.
The Duchess of Edinburgh has worn espadrilles frequently, including during her six-day Nepal tour last February. Even though the climate was warmer there, a recent revisit to the National Botanic Garden still evokes visions of espadrille and maxi-skirt ensembles.
(Image credit: Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Shop Sophie’s Espadrilles
TOMS White Valencia Platform Espadrilles: These rise modestly on a platform, providing height without a wedge’s silhouette. They’re versatile for both day and evening looks, with rope-wrapped rubber soles, canvas uppers, and a cushioned heel for comfort.
TOMS Natural Alpargata Rope 2.0 Espadrilles: If you prefer a flatter profile to the flatform style, these offer a nearly identical vibe with a flat sole. They’re slip-ons with canvas uppers and CloudBound™ insoles for added comfort.
Penelope Chilvers Montserrat Espadrilles: Now back in stock, these espadrilles feature a secure ankle strap and a peep-toe design. The champagne shade adds a touch of glamour, and metallics prove surprisingly versatile for various outfits.
Shop Floral Maxi Skirts
ME+EM Rising Wildflower Maxi Skirt: The Rising Wildflowers print is intricate yet neutral, crafted in lightweight cotton jersey with an elastic waistband for easy wear. The silhouette is A-line and flows to a maxi length.
Boden Verity Maxi Skirt Multi-Blossom: Boden offers a coordinated top for fans of matching sets. The bold, joyful pattern sits on an elastic waist, and practical pockets with a discreet side zip add convenience.
Zara Floral Print Belted High-Waisted Skirt: An affordable, springy option featuring a floral print on a white backdrop, paired with a woven belt. The mix of pink, purple, and green hues pops, while gold-toned buttons echo the belt buckle.
The Valencia espadrille design emphasizes a rubber sole wrapped in rope for that classic jute look, with a padded heel for comfort. Sophie’s own version is the plain white canvas, though TOMS also offers multiple colors and patterns.
In my view, her choice stands out as particularly clever: it’s a neutral, versatile option that pairs with nearly any outfit and sits more elevated than typical white sneakers without feeling overly formal. The platform height enhances the look, making daytime wear feel polished rather than fussy.
Pairing suggestion: wear espadrilles like these with a breezy maxi during a sunlit afternoon for an effortlessly chic vibe. The Duchess styled hers with a Zimmerman maxi featuring a watercolor-inspired floral motif ascending from the hem.
(Image credit: Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
The floral print resembles pink poppies, and the dress includes a raffia belt woven into the design. Adding your own belt is a simple, budget-friendly way to refresh the outfit. Sophie’s skirt falls just above the espadrilles, creating an elongated, elegant line.
For a complete look, she tucked a white T-shirt underneath and layered a pastel pink, single-breasted blazer over it. Blush tones are a major trend for spring/summer 2026, and Sophie frequently embraces them.
“If Barbie pink isn’t your thing, paler petal hues are easier to integrate,” notes Caroline Parr, Woman & Home’s Digital Fashion Ecommerce Editor. “As Sophie demonstrates, a pink blazer can complement florals beautifully, and you could also pair it with jeans for a smart-casual weekend outfit.”
(Image credit: Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Sophie’s Nepalese itinerary showcased a refined ensemble on Day 3. A blazer could be swapped for a cardigan or a denim jacket to create a more relaxed vibe. The beauty of the maxi-espadrille pairing lies in its versatility: it’s easy to dress up or down and remains timeless.
During her visit, she joined schoolchildren in planting a rhododendron at Nepal’s National Botanic Garden. She also visited the Living Mountain Lab at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development and the Gurkha Welfare Trust Welfare Centre, where she met Gurkha veterans, widows, and staff.
Would you try a similar look this season? Do you prefer the elevated platform or a flat espadrille for daytime wear, and which floral maxi would you pair with it first?
