spring/summer shoe trend: mules

Photo credit: Emma McAlary

Designers continue to dust off the ’90s for fashion inspiration. One of the hottest spring shoe trends is the backless, heeled mules. Before you start having flashbacks to Candie’s or those clunky Nine West black rubber-soled things, rest-assured that mules today have been updated and streamlined. They come with a pointy-toe or open toe more like a bootie. Plus with a less clunky, sexier stiletto or stacked heel they are more flattering.

So how do you wear mules without risking a sprained ankle? I have been telling my clients:
– Opt for mules that are close-toe or have wider strap to hold your foot in place.
– Try spraying the bottoms with hairspray for more traction.
– Don’t even think of running or walking too quickly in them; remember that you are in heels and the one thing holding your foot in place is that strap across your foot.

Believe it or not, though, mules are a comfortable shoe — particularly if you have a wider, fuller foot.

This Aerin pair from the Shoe Hive is a kissing cousin with a stiletto pump. Wear with skinny cigarette pants or a pencil skirt for a sexy update to classic, body-conscious silhouettes.

Wear wedge mules like these Vince Camutos with flared jeans (another big trend this season) or wide-leg trousers. The proportions of the wedge make sense with a wider-leg pant.

Finally, wear the stacked-heel mule with this season’s feminine and flirty midi skirt. The stacked heel balances the volume and length of these skirts. The thicker top band is what holds your foot in comfortably, and because it is a low-contrast metallic tone (does not contrast against most skin tones),it does lengthen the leg line. This style mule also works great with a pair of rolled boyfriend jeans

There are a few don’ts when it comes to mules. I wouldn’t pair with shorts, miniskirts, skinny jeans or maxis. We don’t want to recreate the ’90s, but take inspiration.

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Rosana Vollmerhausen

Founder, Chief Stylist | DC Style Factory

http://dcstylefactory.com/

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Rosana has 18 years of fashion and retail experience. Her team has worked on more than 1,500 closets and wardrobes since she launched DC Style Factory 10 years ago. She has been featured by the New York Times, The Washington Post, NPR, Washingtonian Magazine, Northern Virginia Magazine, and more. Her clients include U.S. politicians, lobbyists, authors, lawyers, and corporate executives.

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