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Meet your new spring style secret weapon.
Of all the spring shoe trends we look forward to wearing, mules are among our favorites. In fact, the only thing better than a fresh pair of mules is having the perfect warm-weather outfit to wear them with. Of course, this striking and chic shoe isn’t without its flaws. Given their uniquely open silhouette, mules can — at first — feel tricky to walk in, and, as anyone who’s ever tried can tell you, they’re not ideal to wear in rainy weather. That said, once you find the right fit and style — we’ve rounded up our favorite ten types of mules for women down below — it’s hard to find a more fashion-forward shoe style to strut your stuff in.
A close cousin of the sturdy and casual clog, mules tend to be sleeker, more lightweight, adorned, and elevated than utilitarian clogs. Mules not only toe the line between trendy and timeless, but they’ve been around for so long that they’re readily available in a wide range of styles, from comfortable flats to sky-high platforms and every heel height in between. Ahead, we’ve broken down exactly how to style and wear mules all year long.
Sharpen Up Sleek Separates
Pointy-toe mules achieve the same effect as pumps with an extra bit of flair and can be worn to the same effect. When styling a pair of point-toe mules, we recommend pairing these sleek shoes with business casual separates, the better to complement your look’s clean lines.
Brighten Up With Bows
Mules with bows have a long and rich history, their ultra-femme stylishness dating back to the 18th century. There's no need to incorporate full skirts or corsets when planning out how to wear mules in modern times. They add a flourish to any 'fit from casual separates to the tiniest of mini dresses.
Embolden With Booties
Striking a beautiful balance between cowboy boots and ankle booties, wedge-boot or western-style mules shine when wore with tea-length skirts or dresses. Not only do they provide a bit of edge to a soft, sweet ensemble, but they’re easier to walk in than most other shoes with a similar heel height.
Swap Out the Same Old Sandals
The easiest way to wear mules is to style them as you would their closest alternative counterpart. Open-toed mules, for example, easily take the place of sandals in any warm-weather ensemble. For an added fashion bonus, choose a brightly colorful pair and wear with subdued neutral separates.
Opt for Opulent Adornments
The already striking silhouette of mules is redoubled when statement-making embellishments like rhinestones, glitter treatments, or floral appliques are applied. Best of all, you don't need a stacked or tall skinny heel to add to the effect. Even flat mules are guaranteed to make a style statement when embellished.
Style With Socks
We adore sandals styled with socks as much as the next runway-watcher, especially in between pedicures, and platform mules happen to be the perfect shoe to wear with socks. Not only are they the sturdiest mule style out there, but platform mules come in delightfully seasonal candy colors, perfect for wearing with sheer, ruffle, or patterned socks.
Lean Into Luxe Loafers
We’ve already mentioned that the trick to figuring out how to wear mules is finding their closest counterpart and making a fashion-forward swap. That rule applies to loafers as well as sandals. While we love a loafer moment, loafer-style mules add an extra layer of sartorial sophistication, especially with a low heel or equestrian-inspired hardware.
Keep It Casual
Wearing flat mules is an easy way to add a touch of effortless sophistication to your go-to jeans and tee outfit. When choosing a pair of flat mules, it’s helpful to consider them a more elevated version of flip-flops or slides and opt for those with minimal but impactful design details like hardware or color-blocking.
Add Inches to a Casual 'Fit
When we say block heel mules easily elevate casual outfits, we mean it literally -the sturdy heel on this style adds haute height and cozy comfort. Aside from platforms, block heel mules are among the most comfortable heels you can wear to add a few extra inches to your latest, most-loved matching set.
Elevate Basics to Bold
Many of our favorite street style looks involve a bit of genre juxtaposition, like the gorgeous satin mules and bike shorts outfit above. Bold fashion choices are born from tension and contrast, such as the juxtaposition created by a pair of strappy mules worn with matching bike shorts and an oversized sweatshirt. Trust us, you’ll be hard-pressed to find another outfit that’s as chic or as comfy.