Five ways to wear mules if you’re not stuck in the 90s
We promise it's an easy trend
We promise it's an easy trend
Mules are having a bit of a fashion moment (they're an Alexa Chung favourite), but they can be a bit scary to pull off, especially if the last time you tried them was the 90s. Pick the right style, and they'll elevate any outfit, but go for the wrong one, and you risk looking outdated.
Heeled mules are fairly easy to pull off. Go for a metallic crossover style like the Gucci ones and add a floaty floral dress for the ultimate party or wedding guest outfit. For the office, pair them with cropped satin trousers and a simple white t-shirt.
Flat mules on the other hand, are a separate beast altogether, especially the slipper ones. So how do you wear them? We thought it would be a bit easier to show you by styling a single pair, five different ways. We pick the velvet lobster Kurt Geiger mules that everyone seems to be wearing at the moment, but these tips are transferable with any similar pair.
Shop now: Otter KG Kurt Geiger Navy Slippers for £130 from Kurt Geiger
Scroll down to see how to wear mules for any occasion.
Mules with cropped trousers
Culottes or cropper trousers work best with mules as they are more flattering. Because mules hide most of your feet, showing a bit of skin will break up your outfit and give the appearance of being taller. Which is always a bonus if you're short like me.
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I'm a fan of dark denim culottes as they go with everything and are that littler bit smarter than washed denim, but this look will work just as well with chinos. Because the shoes have the lobster on them, you don't want to add loud prints into the mix, however the pie crust shirt has a subtle enough stripe and polka dot motif to not be too overwhelming.
Mules with jeans
Jeans are always my go-to if I'm not sure what to wear, as they're so easy to dress up or down. Because of the style of the mules, I've got for my trusted mum jeans, which are cropped. Just add a striped t-shirt, throw over a blazer and you're done.
Mules with a skirt
For a more work-appropriate look, you can't go wrong with a pleated skirt. For winter, opt for a leather-look one like this one, but for summer a floatier fabric will work better. I've chosen to pair it with a classic men's white shirt to keep the focus on the shoes. The bonus with this look is that it's dressy enough for post-work drinks, and you can even swap the flats for heels.
Mules with a jumpsuit
If you're a lazy girl at heart, this look is for you. Wriggle into your favourite denim jumpsuit (or silk if you're feeling fancy), slip your feet into mules and you're literally ready to go. Also a great option if you're running late after hitting the snooze button too many times.
Mules with a dress
I'm a firm believer you don't have to wear heels to look the part on a night out. Here, statement earrings and a simple shirt dress instantly smarten up flats. This look will work with any dress, just make sure you pick a style that's not too clingy as you want to balance things out. Try an A-line or cinched-in look.
Penny Goldstone is the Contributing Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK. She writes about catwalk trends and the latest high street and Instagram sartorial must-haves. She also helms the Women Who Win franchise.
She has worked in fashion for over 10 years, contributing to publications such as Cosmopolitan, Red, Good Housekeeping, and Stylist.