A couple of years ago, a wave of heelless footwear crept into the world's best stores. At the same time, Highsnobiety alumni Jian DeLeon and Noah Thomas spearheaded a “mulement,” founding the @Muleboyz IG account sharing their love for mule footwear with the rest of the fashion-conscious world and teaching men how to wear mules.
To those at Highsnobiety, it was clear something was brewing but others questioned the return of the clog. Fast forward to 2022 and the mule is no longer an outsider, with men from A$AP Rocky to Jonah Hill wearing mules, and everyone from adidas to ALYX offering their own versions of the once-divisive style.
Despite this, the question of how to wear mules is still a well-googled topic. It's a fair question, too. If you've worn lace-up sneakers for 90 percent of your life, it can be daunting to make the switch.
Once you've got over the fact that clog-style footwear is probably going to slip every now and then, the question of what to wear mules with comes next. A considered pants choice is pivotal when it comes to making mules work, but there's more to keep in mind when trying to style mules.
To help you out, we've set up four styling options for how to wear mules below, from baggy trousers that demand loud mules to shorts and no-heel shoe options just in time for summer. If you haven't already, it's time to join the #mulement.
How To Wear Mules
Sweatpants and Comfy Mules
Classic Logo Fleece Pants
Highsnobiety
Onia Tasman
Denim Tears x UGG
So you came here looking for advice on how to wear mules but still aren't ready to give up your WFH loungewear? We don't judge and, to be honest, pairing mules with sweatpants is a look that can work. When Jerry Lorenzo first teased his ultra-hyped Fear of God mule, he paired it with a pair of classic grey sweats. The lazy boys’ guide to wearing mules states that the mule should be as comfortable and appropriate for in-house use as your pants. Highsnobiety's classic sweat pants and these cozy UGG x Denim Tear mules will do the job.
All Black Everything
By their very nature, mules are cool. You can't run in them, you can't do sports, but what you can do is stand around while people admire your fit. Wearing a sleek, all black, minimal look accentuates the laid-back luxury that mules ooze.
Stealth Nylon Pants
A-COLD-WALL*
Calf Leather Mules
Marni
Summer Shorts and Big Mules
Single Knee Short
Carhartt WIP
Cow Leather Mule
Acne Studios
While you can layer up to wear mules in fall, let's be real, this footwear shines in the spring and summer months. Which means that shorts are going to be an essential part of your fit. Follow A$AP Rocky's lead and choose a mule thats similar to you usual sneaker line up. Here, an all-white Acne Studios version looks fitting paired with cutt-off Carhartt shorts.
Wide Pants and Wild Mules
Polyester Trousers
Jil Sander
There's something beautifully effortless about the big pants and mules combo. It says “I'm relaxed but know how to dress” in ways that other clothes just can't. However, if you're fearful that your mule of choice is going to get lost under the cloak of a billowing trouser leg, then ultra-loud mules are a must. These adidas x 032c mules stand out just enough to keep things interesting but won't overpower the whole fit. Pants come courtesy of minimal master Jil Sander.
Straight Pants, Good Socks, and Mules
Rec Pant
Stan Ray
Tie Dye Formal Crew Sock
RoToTo
Boston Soft Footbed Clog
Birkenstock
When the mulement first began, Needles was on the IG frontlines alongside the MuleBoyz. The Japanese brand wasted no time in showing off its sick black clogs in combination with its signature track pants and some smart straight legs, too. The latter is a good way to elevate your look without being too formal. Classic but casual is key here, and nothing does that better than a Birkenstock and olive trouser team-up. Earthy tones set the stage — good socks light it up.
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