We've noticed a decidedly chic common thread running through the wardrobes of Margot Robbie, Laura Harrier, and the coolest French women we 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 we predict will start catching on very soon.
Instead of the trending sandal styles we're seeing all around us, we're following suit and turning our attention to the under-the-radar ballet-mule trend this summer.
Pioneering the mule shoe style in the early '90s, Manolo Blahnik's Maysale shoes set the stage for the trend. With a small heel, pointed-toe design, and easy slip-on silhouette, the iconic shoes quickly ascended to cult-buy status, paving the way for mules to become what we know them as today.
Now, many seasons on, the humble mules have been treated to a flat-footed makeover and a ballet-inspired redesign. After the roaring success of the ballet-flats trend last summer, the hybrid ballet mules take the best of both styles to create a fresh silhouette that makes heat-wave dressing a breeze.
Offering all the comfort of your favorite slides but with an infinitely more polished edge, it's no surprise that the fashion set has decreed ballet mules their new favorite shoes. Styling well with jeans—as Harrier, Robbie, and influencer Sylvie Mus have all proved—the shoes also look impossibly chic with a full-length skirt or pretty summer dress.
With a backless finish, the silhouette is, in theory, more casual than its fuller-coverage counterpart, but we've found that the shoes can act as the perfect alternative to heels with the right outfit.
Designers have already been hard at work crafting elegant iterations. From Zara's pretty rogue 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
Perfect for summer.
This classic pair will have you out the door with ease.
These also come in white and red.
Burgundy is everywhere this season.
These have a small heel for slight elevation.
Everyone is so into brown this season.
These also come in brown raffia.
The pointed-toe finish adds an elevated edge.
There's nothing we'd rather slip into than these chic peep-toe mules from The Row.
These playful flats give Jacquemus vibes without the price tag.
Patent shoes are always a good idea.
Also so good in this color.
This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK. It was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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