Everything You Need To Know About Mules and How To Wear Them
When it comes to versatility and wearability, few shoe styles would rival the mule. Now considered a modern classic and style staple that is a must-have in every woman’s shoe collection, mules are loved for their comfort and convenience. Thanks to their popularity, it is likely that there would be a pair of mules for any occasion, personality and mood.
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn about what mules are, their history and the details that differentiate them from sister styles like clogs and slides. You will also be introduced to the various types of mules, from flat mules and heeled mules to loafer mules and sneaker mules. Lastly, you will find useful tips on how to style mules for different settings and seasons.
What Are Mule Shoes?
Mules are a type of shoe characterised by a backless design. Loved for their effortless wearability and enhanced breathability, this slip-on shoe style offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience and style. As mules come in a wide range of designs — from heels to flats and even sneaker hybrids — there is truly a pair of mules to complement any outfit and any occasion.
History & Evolution Of Mule Shoes
Dating back to Ancient Rome, mules were first referred to as mulleus calceus, or ‘purple shoes’. They were worn exclusively by the three highest elected officials and were fully covered by design. In the sixteenth century, French women wore mules within the privacy of their bedrooms. As mules gained favour with esteemed members of the court, they started to appear in public. The mules of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries typically featured pointed toes, low heels and embroidered patterns, amongst other adornments.
In the twentieth century, mules became popular in the United States — actresses Joan Fontaine and Marilyn Monroe wore mules in their movies. The material shortages of World War II meant that mules had to be made with less delicate materials, such as synthetic hemp and plastic, which made them more appealing to the masses. Their open-back design made it easy to slip them on and off, and the low heels gave wearers a height boost without the discomfort. As more designs became available in the latter part of the century, mules evolved into a versatile silhouette that could work for both casual daytime wear and elevated evening occasions.
Difference Between Mules, Slides & Clogs
It is fairly common to mix mules up with similar styles like slides and clogs. Paying attention to the key differences can help you tell them apart. Clogs and mules may both be backless in their construction, but clogs typically have thicker platform bases that follow the contours of the feet. Clogs are also usually made with sturdier materials like wood. Mules, on the other hand, feature a thinner base, and may come with flat soles or heels of varying heights.
Slides are another backless style, but their open-toe design differentiates them from mules. They typically feature vamp straps that hold the foot in place, while mules are designed to keep the toes completely covered.
Types of Mules
Flat mules
As the name suggests, flat mules are shoes with flat soles or very low, wide heels, often resembling a pair of bedroom slippers. Depending on the design and style you choose, flat mules can easily be dressed down for a super casual look or dressed up to suit a more polished and elevated ensemble.
Heeled mules
Heeled mules are the effortless alternative to regular pumps — offering polished elegance combined with ease of wear, all while providing a stature boost. With a plethora of heels to choose from, there is truly one to suit every height and style preference. For a sleek and streamlined option, kitten heels and stilettos are the way to go. For those who still want a modest lift that is easy to walk in, block heels are ideal.
Platform mules
Playing up the proportions with exaggerated, chunky soles — whether in the form of towering block heels or thick flatform soles — platform mules offer the best of both worlds in providing a flattering height boost without compromising comfort or stability. Exuding a more casual and laidback aesthetic, this makes them a great choice for off-duty days and relaxed office dress codes.
Loafer Mules
Loafer mules toe the line between casual and formal — it is the perfect in-between style that nails the smart-casual aesthetic. They feature a covered-toe, high-vamp silhouette with a distinctive open-back design which makes them less formal than a classic pair of fully covered loafers. Easy to slip on and off, they are made for the on-the-go woman.
Sneaker Mules
If you thought sneakers were the epitome of comfort, sneaker mules take things up a notch with their backless, slip-on design. Retaining a sporty-chic aesthetic, sneaker mules typically feature a lace-up design and covered-toe silhouette combined with the familiar support of cushioned footbeds and flatform soles that promise maximum comfort for the wearer.
How to style mules for any occasions
Easy to wear and style, yet undeniably chic, mules are the ultimate go-to footwear. Here’s how to make them work for every occasion.
Casual Everyday
When dressing for casual, everyday moments, it’s all about comfort and ease. Mules are perfect for activities like running errands, brunch outings and more. Pair them with jeans or flowy bottoms for a relaxed yet effortlessly put-together look.
Office & Workwear
In workplaces with a more relaxed dress code, mules can be an acceptable footwear choice. Opt for heeled styles to create a polished, sophisticated look, and stick to neutral colours to maintain a professional appearance. When in doubt, speak with your HR team or refer to your company’s dress code guidelines to ensure mules are appropriate for your workplace.
Evening Wear / Wedding
While mules may not be ideal for a black-tie dress code, they are perfectly suitable for casual evening parties. Choose a high-heeled pair with sparkly gem embellishments to dial up the glamour. From weddings to girls’ nights out, they will carry you through most dressy occasion in style.
How to wear mules for every season
While the backless design of mules may suggest that they are not suitable for the colder seasons, the truth is quite the opposite. With a few clever styling tricks, you can wear them all year round.
Spring
Mules are a great footwear choice for transitional seasons like spring — their versatility would serve you well when the weather is unpredictable. A covered pair will keep your feet warm on chilly days while remaining breathable enough for warmer weather. Style them with a midi floral skirt for a cute spring look.
Summer
The easy-to-wear design of mules makes them a perfect choice for summer. Opt for a pair that is made with a lightweight, breathable material, such as mesh, to stay comfortably cool on hot summer days. Pair them with a breezy sundress to create a relaxed, effortlessly stylish look.
Fall/Autumn
Like spring, fall is a transitional season with unpredictable weather — this means that mules are a great option during this time as well. To give them a more autumnal feel, go for shades that align with the season’s colour palette, such as neutral, earthy browns.
Winter
Wearing mules in winter may be tricky, but it’s not impossible. Firstly, steer clear of thin, lightweight materials that will do little to insulate your feet from the cold. Instead, go for mules that are made with warm, cosy materials like shearling — not only will they keep you feeling toasty on frosty days, but they will also complement cold-weather ensembles perfectly.
You can also pair them with woollen socks or tights for extra insulation but always use your discretion. On the harshest winter days, it’s often safer (and wiser) to reach for sensible heavy-duty boots.
How to wear mules with socks
These days, wearing socks with mules is not only common, but also considered cool. The key is choosing the right colour and length. Crew socks in classic, solid colours, like black or white, are a failproof choice. However, there are no hard and fast rules. If you are a maximalist dresser, feel free to pair your mules with bold, statement socks that show off your personality.
Just don’t forget to consider the season when choosing materials — go for breathable cotton during the warmer months, and switch to cosy woollen socks when the weather turns chilly.
Mules are the reliable workhorses of a modern woman’s wardrobe. Traditionally seen as casual shoes, mules are now acceptable footwear for a wide range of occasions. Whether you are going to the office or a wedding, there is a pair of mules that will serve you well — you just have to choose wisely.
We hope this guide has helped you gain a better understanding of how to wear mules of different types and designs. By picking the right materials and styling them appropriately, you can wear mules all year round, through all four seasons. If you are looking to add a pair of mules to your shoe collection, check out our extensive range here.