How to wear mule shoes to work (2024)

Why you should wear them:

Dressier than flat sandals but not as formal as a heeled pump, the mule is the cool girl’s way of acing the smart-casual dress code.

Cult bag label Mansur Gavriel debuted its shoe line for spring with a colourful and minimalist range of suede mules in shades such as bubblegum pink and yellow, while other luxury fashion labels such as Celine, Gucci and Proenza Schouler had more elaborate designs with embroidery and embellishments.

For everyday style inspiration, look to Australian photographer Zanita Whittington and Brit model Alexa Chung, who have paired their mules with patterned jumpsuits and A-line skirts.

How to wear them:

• As the style exposes much of the ankle, that means there is less support around the area.

For more grip when you walk, choose mules with wide straps that cover most of your feet.

• Match the style of the mules to your outfit.

Mules with dainty and slim stiletto heels go best with feminine dresses or sleek trousers, while mules with block heels balance out edgier and baggier outfits such as jumpsuits and boyfriend jeans.

• Avoid wearing mini skirts or shorts with mules.

Mules help to visually elongate the leg from the front and back, thanks to the lack of ankle straps, but too much exposed skin can look tacky.

When in doubt, stick to cropped trousers or midi skirts.

Here are some picks:

How to wear mule shoes to work (1)

1. Black peep-toe mules, $63.90 (original price $79.90), Charles and Keith

The peep-toe and stiletto heel makes this style more suited to the office or for fancy occasions. Wear with cropped trousers.

How to wear mule shoes to work (2)

2. Orange leather mules with gold heels, $129, Zara

The chunky heel is perfect for grounding loose-cut jumpsuits or boyfriend jeans.

How to wear mule shoes to work (3)

3. Yellow suede mules with low heel, $85.90, Mango

This yellow pair will go well with a white T-shirt and high-waisted denim pencil skirt combination.

How to wear mule shoes to work (4)

4. Kola mule loafer in bordeaux, $136, Topshop

An interesting loafer-style mule with two-inch heels that is perfect for everyday wear.

A version of this story was originally published in The Straits Times on February 11, 2016. For more stories like this, head to www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle.

How to wear mule shoes to work (2024)

FAQs

How to wear mule shoes to work? ›

Match the style of the mules to your outfit. Mules with dainty and slim stiletto heels go best with feminine dresses or sleek trousers, while mules with block heels balance out edgier and baggier outfits such as jumpsuits and boyfriend jeans. Avoid wearing mini skirts or shorts with mules.

Are mule shoes appropriate for work? ›

When styled appropriately, mules can serve as a stylish alternative to your regular work footwear. Consider block-heeled mules with a sling-back, which can pair effectively with both trousers and dresses.

How to style mules for work? ›

Pointed toe heeled mules are the perfect pair of heels to dress up any outfit. You can totally take a pair of jeans and a simple tee and dress it up with these. Or wear them with your favorite dress pants to the office, or paired with a skirt.

Where should your heel be in mules? ›

Your heel should sit securely at the back of the shoe without slipping out during a stride. You don't want your foot to slide forward as this can cause discomfort.

How to wear mules without slipping? ›

If you're wondering how to keep mules from slipping off, not to worry. First of all, the shoes should be made to stay on if they fit properly, so be sure to buy the right size. Second, these no-slip Foot Petals that I use in nearly all my shoes, work great with mules, giving a little extra padding and grip.

Are mules still in style in 2024? ›

The beloved mule is back—an easy and chic shoe option to throw on when running out. Last but definitely not least, expect strappy sandals and flip-flops—summer classics that are back with modern and updated touches.

What is the point of mule shoes? ›

A mule is a type of shoe that has no back or fastening around the heel and with no constraints around the foot. Made with a distinctive slip-on design, mules are both easy to wear and elegant in appearance so you can count on them to be a failsafe style option for your wardrobe.

What pants look best with mules? ›

Pairing mules with skinny jeans is super easy outfit option.

Are you supposed to wear socks with mules? ›

Styling Mules for Every Season

Mules are the quintessential transition shoe. Their versatility and diverse variations help you bridge the footwear gap between spring and summer, or summer and fall. A loafer-style mule can be worn with or without socks, and pairs well with either pants or a flowy dress.

Can you wear pantyhose with mules? ›

You can wear mules with thigh highs, stockings, or tights if you really want to.

Are mules good for your feet? ›

Mules: Mules bring the same problems as flip-flops. Mules with heels may make the wearer more susceptible to injury to the Achilles tendon. Rubber/Plastic Shoes: This footwear has the benefit of being washable and offering some support.

Can you wear mules with leggings? ›

Elevate your style with these trendy outfit ideas featuring leggings and mules. Discover the perfect combination to create a fashionable and comfortable look for any occasion.

How to make mules fit tighter? ›

If you'd like to make your shoes tighter, insoles are a safe bet. An insole is extra padding that you place inside your shoes to add comfort or tighten the fit. A good set of insoles will cushion and support your foot, as well as providing more of a snug fit for loose shoes.

Why do mules slide off my feet? ›

A shallow toe box that shows 'toe cleavage' is not good in mules as there is too little shoe for the foot to stay inside. Styles to look for are ones that have a toe box plus additional straps that extend up the shoe towards the ankle.

How do I know if my mules fit? ›

Here's a few tips for ensuring you end up in a mule right for you.
  1. Make sure your foot is even with the back of the sole to make sure the length is correct.
  2. Signs your shoe is too big include rubbing pain or blisters on the front of your foot. ...
  3. Signs your shoe is too small include tingling or numbness in your toes.
Sep 14, 2023

How do you keep your feet in mules? ›

Here`s how: – Select a style with a fairly low heel and sides that wrap around the foot almost to the heel. These are a lot easier to keep on than high-heeled slides that cover little more than the toes. – Better yet, look for a style that has a high, elasticized vamp (the part covering the top of the foot).

Are mules good workers? ›

Mules are one of the most commonly used working animals in the world, highly prized for their hardiness and docile nature. In countries from North Africa to Southeast Asia, mules pull carts to market, carry people across rough terrain, and help their owners to till the soil.

Are mule shoes formal? ›

The main difference between slides and mules is slides are open-toed, while mules are not. Because of this difference in structure, slides are considered more casual shoes, while mules can be worn to more formal functions.

Are mules considered smart casual? ›

For the Smart Casual Look

Whether you're looking to make your look feel restrained or more sophisticated, mules are a great bet.

What shoes are not appropriate for work? ›

Avoid sandals that are too informal, like flip flops, or inappropriate for the office, like strappy heels. When wearing open-toe shoes, pick ones that correspond to your business attire for a professional look in keeping with your company dress code.

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