Sandals get all the attention in the summer months, naturally, but there's another contender for shoe of the season this July. Not gladiators, which didn't even get much airtime in The Odyssey, not flip-flops, but closed-toe mules that mean you don't even have to redo your pedicure.
The "French" way to do a mule—which has a backless silhouette and either a strap of leather to create a sandal or a closed-toe upper—is with the smallest of heels, giving your calves a petit lift that looks particularly good with any length of skirt or ankle-cropped trousers. Influencer Sabina Socol teamed hers, a checkered mule by Chanel, with a linen co-ord and the finest gold chain encircling her right ankle.
A mule lends itself to fashion's current mood—ladylike and more than a little Parisian—which you can see to full effect on the catwalks of Chanel. For AW26, Matthieu Blazy chose the mule as one of his key styles ahead of the next season, with two-tone styles made of patent leather (the monochrome version, complete with a contrast emerald heel, was a favourite).
But the very nature of a mule—often almond-toed to create a sleek cut on the foot—means that you don't need to wear a heeled version to look elegant (especially if you prefer a flat in the warmer months). Flat mules were the favourite sandal alternative at Paris's Haute Couture Week, with show-goers making their way around the city in closed-toe mules in mushroom suede or monogrammed leather. An office-appropriate option is also a backless loafer—a mule by another name!—that's just as preppy and versatile as its closed-heel counterpart (Miista's Gianna buckled mules will have back-to-school energy with a ribbed sock in September).
A mule, especially a black leather version, can be treated like an everyday sandal, finishing an outfit with no fuss except a minimal flourish. A more statement mule on the other hand—Reformation's tiger-striped, "snip-toe" mule is the one you want—can be used to add extra spice to a lace-trimmed skirt or pair of silky balloon trousers.
Shop the Best Closed-Toe Mules for Summer
These M&S mules, complete with a trending chisel toe, couldn't be a better or more comfortable option for wedding-guest season.
Arket's suede travel slippers are great for long-haul flights, with a pair of cashmere socks, or summer days out with a wafty cotton sundress.
Reformation's tiger-printed mule reaches the perfect height for a "day heel".
These mock-croc leather mules will make any bottom half—indigo jeans, say, or satin cargo pants—look appropriately smart for office days.
If you're looking for a neat pair for work, these are the kind you can slip on and wear with almost anything from straight-cut jeans to pencil skirts.
If you never jumped on the mesh ballet flat bandwagon, you can always try a peekaboo mule instead.
It's the almond toe and angular heel on these that make them feel like a vintage find.
An exquisite bridal shoe, or simply an optic white exclamation point at the end of an outfit, Neous' satin mules are worth saving for when the forecast is "dry with no chance of rain".
Herbert Levine's ladylike mules will take pride of place in your shoedrobe for years to come.
