I've noticed a decidedly chic common thread running through the wardrobes of Margot Robbie, Laura Harrier, and the chicest French women 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 catching on very soon.
Instead of the trending sandal styles I'm seeing all around me, I'm following suit and turning my attention to the under-the-radar ballet mules 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 shoe 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 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 of both styles to create a fresh silhouette that makes chic heatwave dressing a breeze.
Offering all the comfort of your favourite slides but with an infinitely more polished edge, it's no surprise that the fashion set has decreed ballet mules their new favourite shoe. 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 shoe's silhouette is, in theory, more casual than its fuller-coverage counterpart, but I've found that with the right outfit, the shoes can act as the perfect alternative to heels.
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:
Red continues to thrive this summer.
These also come in white and red.
Two-tone flats are one of the most elegant purchases you can make this season.
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.
The pointed-toe finish adds an elevated edge.
These playful flats are always a street style mainstay during fashion month.
These have a small heel for a slight elevation.
Silver shoes are always a good idea.
The most divisive shoes in fashion are now available in a mule style.
This rich chocolate brown shade styles so well with peaches and pinks.
-
These 30 Incredibly Chic Picks From the Nordstrom Winter Sale Scream Cool GirlTime to up your fashion game.
-
I'm High-Key Obsessed—Nordstrom Has the Best Basics, and They're on SaleTop-tier basics ahead.
-
Brace Yourself: 2025's Most Divisive Shoe Trend Has ArrivedYou'll either love it or hate it.
-
Not Flats and Not Heels—This In-Between Shoe Trend Is Just Right for Spring 2025It's comfortable, too.
-
I Never Thought I'd Wear This Weird Sneaker Trend, But I Can't Stop Getting Compliments on ItThey're kooky in the best, most Miu Miu way.
-
In 2026, Fashion People in Paris and NYC Will Still Be Wearing This High-Net-Worth Shoe TrendTimeless.
-
The Pretty Shoe Trend Celebs Can't Stop Wearing on the Red Carpet in 2025It's no coincidence.
-
Elsa Hosk's Already Wearing 2025's First Viral Sneaker TrendFor $80? Say less.
