Every Bougie Auntie Swears By This One Basic Summer Shoe Style

best-mules-256076-1686019181844-main

There's an unspoken belief that all great looks start with a foundational wardrobe. I'd elaborate on that idea even further to say that all great outfits start from the ground up, meaning with your choice of footwear. No one emphasizes this better than Giuseppe Zanotti, who said, "Never underestimate the power of a shoe." Though it's somewhat predictable that a footwear designer would champion this accessory's importance, one must admit he makes a valid point.

Footwear is the defining factor of every ensemble—it can make or break the look and provides either ease in mobility or full-fledged pain. It's imperative, then, to have a solid arsenal of shoes. And while numerous shoes serve that purpose, none are as beloved as mules. Characterized as a shoe that does not place constraints around the back of the foot, this silhouette comes in everything from open-toe slides to slinky sandals to kitten heels to open-back loafers. While the versatility in styles available has made mules stick around season after season, that's not the only reason these shoes have become a must-have for any wardrobe.

In truth, the power of these shoes lies in their ability to make any outfit feel more bougie. Want to dress up a denim shirt and T-shirt? Add heeled mules. Need to make shorts feel office-friendly? Pair them with mule loafers. You get the picture—mules are the solution to your style woes. Don't believe me? Keep reading as I've rounded up the 40 best mules taking into consideration silhouette versatility, price point, quality, reviews, and editor perspective. These mules prove that every great outfit starts with an equally fabulous pair of mules. 

Best Mules Overall

best-mules-256076-1686017702757-main

(Image credit: @cassdimicco)

Best open-toe flat mules:

Best affordable heeled mule:

Best affordable fashion-forward mules:

Best designer flat mules:

Best designer mules for comfort:

Best buzzy designer mules:

More Mules Under $300

best-mules-256076-1686019415479-main

(Image credit: @oumaymaboumeshouli)

More Mules Worth Investing In

best-mules-256076-1686018262403-main

(Image credit: @gosiaboy)

Next up, Keeping It Casual: 7 Low-Key Shoe Styles I'm Wearing Instead of Heels

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
Editor

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a fashion editor living in New York City. What began as a hobby (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a career dedicated to storytelling through various forms of digital media. She started her career at the print publication 303 Magazine, where she wrote stories, helped produce photo shoots, and planned Denver Fashion Week. After moving to Los Angeles, she worked as MyDomaine's social media editor until she was promoted to work across all of Clique's publications (MyDomaine, Byrdie, and Who What Wear) as the community manager. Over the past few years, Jasmine has worked on Who What Wear's editorial team, using her extensive background to champion rising BIPOC designers, weigh in on viral trends, and profile stars such as Janet Mock and Victoria Monét. She is especially interested in exploring how art, fashion, and pop culture intersect online and IRL.