I’ve noticed a decidedly chic common thread running between the wardrobes of Margot Robbie, Laura Harrier, and the chicest French women that I follow. Dressing for the new-found sun, these stylish women have ascended the fashion ranks by elevating their footwear collection with a lesser-known shoe trend that I predict will start to catch on very soon.
Skirting the trending sandals that stylish women all around me are wearing, this elite style set is reaching for the under-the-radar ballet mules trend this summer, and I can’t help but want in.
Pioneering the mule trend in the early ’90s, Manolo’s Maysale shoes set the scene for the success of the mule shoe trend. With a small heel, pointed toe design, and easy slip-on silhouette the iconic shoe quickly ascended to cult-buy status—paving the way for the mule shoe trend to become what we know it as today.
Now, many seasons on, the humble mule has been treated to a flat-footed makeover and a ballet-inspired re-design. After the roaring success of the ballet flat trend last summer, the hybrid ballet mule takes the best from both shoes to create a fresh silhouette that’s makes heat-wave dressing a breeze.
Offering all of the comfort of your favourite slides, but with an infinity more polished edge, it’s no surprise that the fashion set has decreed ballet mules their new favourite shoes. Styling well with jeans—as Harrier, Robbie and influencer Sylvie Mus have all proved, the trend also looks impossibly chic with a full-length skirt or pretty summer dress.
With a backless finish the shoe’s silhouette is, in theory, more casual than its fuller-coverage counterpart, but I’ve found that with the right outfit that shoes can act as the perfect alternative to heels when in need of an alternative.
These beyond chic women aren’t the only ones who have caught on to the growing ballet mule trend. In fact, designers have already been hard at work crafting elegant iterations. From Zara’s pretty rouge style, to Manolo Blahnik’s iconic black pair, read on to discover our edit of the best ballet mules to shop this summer.
SHOP OUR EDIT OF THE BEST BALLET MULES HERE:
Zara
Leather Mules With Bow Detail
The red colour trend continues to thrive this summer.
Reformation
Megan Flat Mule
These also come in white and red.
Charles & Keith
Pearl Embellished Flat Mules
Two-tone flats are one of the most elegant purchases you can make this season.
Saint Laurent
Lido Velvet Mules
There’s nothing I’d rather slip into than these sumptuous velvet mules.
The perfect way to add a splash of colour into your daily styling.
These also come in gold raffia and ivory satin.
Tony Bianco
Basso Javelin
The pointed-toe finish adds an elevated edge.
Jacquemus
Les Mules Plates Ballet
The playful flats are always a street style mainstay during fashion months.
Manolo Blahnik
Ballerimu Leather Slippers
This features a small heel for a comfortable stride.
The silver shoe trend isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.
Maison Margiela
Tabi Split-Toe Leather Slippers
Ask any fashion person—there’s are the coolest shoes to shop this summer.
Brunello Cucinelli
Bow-Embellished Suede Slippers
This rich chocolate brown shade styles so well with peaches and pinks.