The Shoes Most Appropriate for Dress Ups & Downs: Mules
Have you copped a pair?
If you’ve ever found yourself unsure of whether your shoes are a little too formal (or not formal enough) and want a pair that’s a safe bet for any occasion, then you must be in dire need of some mules. Mules, whether heeled or flat, are incredible shapeshifters. Akin to a rather fancy pair of slippers in comfort but a sleek pair of Oxfords in appearance, mules seamlessly combine comfort and sophistication in fuss-free, slip-on shoes that make dressing up for your everyday schedules a breeze.
With a silhouette made known in the 1860s, made trendy in the 1990s, and made modern in recent years, mules have seen grand revivals time and time again, solidifying themselves as a classic shoe that always manages to fit the bill every time — casual, glam, edgy, and corporate all in one.
Don’t believe us? Here are some outfit ideas to help you style your mules.
For the Classy Casual Look
Being slip-on shoes, mules are such easy go-to shoes for anything and everything casual. Pair them with jeans, joggers, a denim skirt, or a sundress and they’ll still have you looking put-together every time. With an innate sense of elegance to them, a pair of mules do wonders for elevating even the most dressed-down looks. Sweatpants and a tee with a color-coordinated pair of mules for a weekend brunch? We think: yes.
For the Smart Casual Look
Ensembles that are a little more than a pair of jeggings but just shy of a full-on corporate attire are possibly where mules shine most, finding the sweet spot between relaxed and sharp and reveling in it. Great for getting dressy without the pain of wearing heels, these shoes match perfectly with a dressed-down dress shirt, relaxed blazers, trousers, and even maxi skirts. Whether you’re looking to make your look feel restrained or more sophisticated, mules are a great bet.
For the Corporate Casual Look
Thinking about what to wear to work can be quite the headache, especially if you’ve just come from a near two-year lockdown. The first thing that comes to mind when formulating your daily looks is probably: how do I make this the least painless as possible? Our answer: mules. Now, while smart casual and corporate casual may be the same depending on where you work, some offices have stricter rules. If your jeans and leggings are a no-go in the workplace, then an elegant skirt paired with a chic blouse and mules can be your easy-peasy yet classy — and most importantly: appropriate — outfit.
For Casual Glam & Punk
Depending on whatever else you have in your closet, there’s a lot more you can do with your mules than what we’ve mentioned already. You can kick it up a notch with a different texture for your mules instead of the classic leather to give it an entirely different feel. Case and point: vibrant, silky mules that make the perfect pairing with similarly textured dresses for a subtle yet statement shoe. You can also lean into the leather for an added edge — leather jacket, belt, and bag, perhaps? The choices are limitless.
What We’re Shopping For
Love this style? So do we. Here are some of our top picks for the season.
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