There is a specific kind of magic that happens when you find a piece of fashion that feels like it was made specifically for your personality. For me, that discovery happened late last spring when I laid eyes—and eventually my feet—on the Saint Laurent (YSL) Logo Espadrilles in Apricot.
If you’ve been following my style journey for a while, you know I’m a sucker for a good designer flat. While heels have their place, my daily life requires something a bit more grounded, literally. But “grounded” doesn’t have to mean “boring.” Today, I want to take a deep dive into why these apricot-hued beauties have become the MVP of my summer wardrobe, from the sizing nuances to how I style them for a weekend in the city.
First Impressions: That Apricot Hue
When we think of YSL, we often think of sleek black leather, gold hardware, and a very “rock-and-roll” Parisian aesthetic. So, when I saw the espadrilles in Apricot, it felt like a breath of fresh, salty Mediterranean air.
The color isn’t a loud, replica bags neon orange. Instead, it’s a sophisticated, muted peachy tone that acts almost like a neutral. It has this incredible ability to warm up an outfit without clashing with other colors. Whether I’m wearing crisp white linen or faded blue denim, the apricot tone just works.
“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” — Rachel Zoe
To me, these shoes say, “I appreciate luxury, but I’m here to have a good time and stay comfortable.”
Technical Specifications at a Glance
Before we get into the “heart” of the review, let’s look at the “bones.” If you’re planning on investing several hundred dollars into a pair of shoes, you want to know exactly what you’re getting.
Feature Details
Material Premium Canvas Upper
Sole Traditional Woven Jute with Rubber Outsole
Origin Made in Spain
Logo Tonal “Saint Laurent” Embroidery
Colorway Apricot (Peachy-Nude)
Price Range $495 – $550 USD
The Craftsmanship: Is it Worth the Splurge?
I’ll be honest with you: paying designer prices for canvas and jute can feel a bit daunting. We’ve all seen the $20 versions at big-box retailers. However, the moment I took these out of the box, I could feel the difference.
The canvas is thick and structured, meaning it doesn’t flop over when you aren’t wearing them. This is crucial because it helps the shoe maintain its shape over time. The jute is tightly coiled and secure, and unlike cheaper versions, I haven’t seen a single “stray hair” or loose thread from the sole after months of wear.
Key Highlights of the Design:
The Tonal Embroidery: I love that the Saint Laurent logo is embroidered in a matching apricot thread. It’s “quiet luxury”—those who know, know, but it’s not screaming for attention.
The Pull Tab: There is a small leather pull tab at the back which makes sliding them on much easier (and hermes replica saves the heel of the shoe from getting crushed).
The Rubber Bottom: Unlike traditional espadrilles that have a pure jute bottom (which can be slippery and ruin easily), these have a thin layer of gum rubber. This adds grip and longevity.
Sizing and Fit: The Honest Truth
If there is one thing you need to know about YSL espadrilles, it’s that they can be “fussy” with sizing. In my experience, they tend to run a bit narrow and slightly small.
I am usually a true EU 38, but in these, I found the 38 to be quite snug across the bridge of my foot. Canvas does stretch, but only slightly. If you have a wider foot, I highly recommend going up a half size.
Sizing Conversion Table
US Size EU Size UK Size My Recommendation
6 36 3 True to size for narrow feet
7 37 4 Size up if between sizes
8 38 5 Size up if you have a high arch
9 39 6 True to size
10 40 7 Size up for comfort
Pro Tip: Expect a “break-in” period. The first three times I wore them, they felt quite stiff. I wore them with thin socks around the house for an hour or two to soften the canvas before taking them out for a full day. Now? They fit like a glove.
How I Style My Apricot Espadrilles
One of the reasons I chose Apricot over the classic Black or Cream is the sheer versatility of the shade. It serves as a pop of color that isn’t too “loud.” Here are my favorite ways to wear them:
The Monochrome Look: A white linen button-down shirt paired with white cropped trousers. The apricot shoes become the focal point of the outfit, providing a warm, summery contrast.
Casual Denim: Faded “mom” jeans and a simple grey tee. The shoes elevate the look from “running errands” to “brunch-ready.”
The Mini Dress: A floral sun-dress in shades of yellow or red. Because apricot is a warm tone, it complements other warm-toned florals beautifully.
Beach Chic: A black one-piece swimsuit and fake birkin an oversized tan sarong. The espadrilles are the perfect footwear for transitioning from the sand to a beachside restaurant.
“Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life.” — Bill Cunningham
And let’s be real—sometimes “everyday life” involves walking three miles across cobblestones, and these are the only luxury shoes I own that don’t leave me in tears by the end of it!
Pros and Cons
To give you a balanced view, here is a quick list of what I love and what I’m cautious about:
What I Love (The Pros):
Unique Color: replica hermes You don’t see the apricot shade nearly as often as the beige or black, making it feel more special.
Breathability: Even in 90-degree weather, my feet stay cool because of the natural materials.
Timelessness: Espadrilles have been in style since the 14th century (really!); they aren’t going anywhere.
Portability: They are incredibly lightweight and replica hermes easy to pack for vacations.
What to Watch Out For (The Cons):
Water Sensitivity: Like all espadrilles, you cannot get the jute sole wet. If it gets soaked, the jute can swell and rot.
Initial Stiffness: As mentioned, the canvas takes a few wears to mold to your foot.
Price: At $500+, you are definitely paying a “brand tax,” though the quality is significantly higher than high-street alternatives.
Final Verdict: Are They Worth It?
If you are looking for a “one and done” summer shoe that looks expensive, feels comfortable (after the break-in), and adds a unique touch to your wardrobe, birkin bag dupe then yes, the YSL Espadrilles in Apricot are worth every penny.
I’ve had mine for a full season now, and they still look brand new. Every time I catch a glimpse of that soft peachy color in the mirror, it makes me smile. They represent that effortless, chic summer vibe I’m always trying to achieve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How do I clean my YSL canvas espadrilles?
Since you can’t throw these in the wash, I recommend spot-cleaning any dirt with a damp cloth and a very small amount of mild detergent. For the jute sole, use a dry toothbrush to flick away any dried mud or dust.
- Can I wear them in the rain?
I wouldn’t recommend it. If you get caught in a light sprinkle, they will likely be fine, birkin bag dupe but avoid puddles at all costs. The jute sole acts like a sponge and can lose its structural integrity if it becomes saturated.
- Do they stretch over time?
The canvas will stretch slightly to accommodate the width of your foot, but they won’t grow in length. Make sure your toes aren’t touching the very front when you buy them.
- Are they comfortable for long-distance walking?
After the break-in period, yes! However, they don’t have much arch support. If you have flat feet, you might feel a bit of fatigue after a full day of sightseeing.
- Where is the best place to buy them?
You can find them at Saint Laurent boutiques, but I often check retailers like Nordstrom, Net-a-Porter, or MyTheresa. Sometimes you can catch a seasonal color like Apricot on sale at the end of summer!
Have you ever tried YSL footwear? Or Hermes Replica Bags are you a fan of the espadrille trend in general? Let’s chat in the comments below—I’d love to know what shoes are currently on your wishlist!