Mules are Having a Moment—Here’s How to Style Them

When you want a shoe that slides on easily but still shows that you put some thought into your fit, mules are your girl. This footwear is completely enclosed at the front but doesn’t have an enclosure or strap around the heel, offering an air of effortlessness and polished versatility. 

“I absolutely love them,” says George Brescia, style expert and TV personality. “I think they are total cool girl; they are instant cool, instant style, and add instant elevation to any look. From a mom on-the-go to a celebrity on a red carpet, I style women in them all the time because they are so easy to wear and comfortable with a huge style impact.” 

Your options are endless when it comes to styling mules, especially since they come in pointed or round toes, with or without embellishments, in a spectrum of colors, and even with or without heels. Here are some styling cues you can look to for inspiration. 

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1. Keep it Breezy with a Summer Dress 

An easy summer dress and mules is an easy summer uniform you can change up however you see fit. Maybe it’s mesh white mules with a floral number, or a pale green linen dress and glossy brown mules, as worn here by content creator Helin Doski. “The openness of the mule, paired with the flowing dress is the perfect fit for a summer evening,” she says. 

2. Let a Jeweled Velvet Mule Serve as the Star

Sometimes, the shoes are the jewelry. “I really like styling a luxurious mule with a casual look to dress it up—like this leather pant with a cozy sweater,” Brescia says. “Adding this velvet mule does that juxtaposition of a ‘high and low’ [moment]. Quiet luxury at its best.” 

3. Add a Blazer and Skirt

An oversized blazer with a jean skirt and white tank top is a favorite. Add a mule in a fun hue—like this light blue pointed version with a strappy buckle—and you’ll look great from H2T.

4. Opt for Monochromatic 

Monochromatic is always a win, and there are a few ways you can really make sure to pull it off. The first is to introduce some textural aspects, as done here with some lace, a corseted top, and ribbons. The white mule has a series of buttons down the front for a hint of drama.  

5. Channel Your Inner Office Siren 

Mules are truly the perfect shoe for the office. Whether you’re legit heading to a 9-5 or leaning into the office siren trend, give them a go. “When you want to add a touch of playful elegance to your professional look, pairing mule shoes with a two-piece suit can be the perfect choice,” Doski says. 

6. Go Wild With Animal Print 

For a bold twist, pair some cognac-hued mules with a pair of straight-leg jeans and a leopard-print (or other animal-inspired) jacket. To make it feel fresh, add some modern earrings and a structural handbag. 

7. Wear Them With a Denim Dress 

Denim is one of those fabrics that transitions seamlessly between seasons—just like mules. Here, a spaghetti strap denim dress with a fitted top and flowing skirt looks chic with a white bag and matching white pumps.