21 reasons the mule is your must-have investment buy. Here's our guide to getting it right...
It’s officially warm enough to ditch the tights (for now), and we’re celebrating the only way we know how by slipping into this season’s most-wanted accessory, the mule.
Love them or loathe them – this 90s staple style has had a resurgence in popularity of late, and is now the look du jour for summer.What exactly counts as a mule? It’s essentially your summer slider in high heel form.
Look for anything backless with a heel and you’re good to go.Those dedicated shoppers savvy to a new trend will likely own a pair in some form or another, but should you be new to the trend, here’s what you need to know.Closed toe or open toe – anything goes.
The loafer style is big news right now, and lends itself well to the mule style shoe. We’re leaning to anything in an animal print, tan or suede to get our fix.For the office, look for leather styles in neutral shades, keep the heel block and low, and wear with ankle-grazing trousers and an oversized white button-up shirt.
As ever, to get some new-season styling inspiration, we’re looking to the SS16 catwalks where the mule reigned supreme. Celine championed the tough-looking, closed toe studded version; Boss opted for the stacked heel in wear-with-everything grey tones; Proenza Schouler kept things pointed and low, while Gucci went for lashings of embellishment, high shine fabrics and plenty of prints for the eccentric dressers.
Among the street style set, the likes of Leandra Medine of The Man Repeller favoured green satin knotted styles from No.21, worn with heavily frayed jeans and a breton, while Caroline Issa wears hers a little sleeker, with low key shapes and neutral shades.
Expert dressers looking to push the boundaries style-wise should head for Mango, cool classics can be found at Zara, or, for something seriously impressive and fun to wear, try Charlotte Olympia.

The mule edit
Click through to shop our edit of the style to be seen in this summer...

Kurt Geiger, £120
Take on the tapestry trend with this chic pair from Kurt Geiger.

Zara Mules, £59.99
Tan, suede and coming in at a reasonable £59.99, this pair is right up there on our new season wish list.

Mansur Gavriel Mules, £380
It's the style set's favourite (and it's not too hard to see why) this black suede mule is all kinds of wonderful.

Mango Mules, £35.99
Go for maximum designer-style impact without blowing your entire new season shopping budget and head to Mango for this two-tone pair.

No.6 Mules, £305
Take your cue from The Man Repeller and slip into these clog-style mules for an ultra-chic summer look.

Gucci Mules, £380
If you try just one trend this season, let it be the metallic heel and go for this winning option from Gucci.

Asos Mules, £32
The go-with-everything option, buy this black suede pair from ASOS and wear with everything in your current wardrobe.

Acne Mules, £430
Super-size buckle, standout heel with buttery soft leathery straps - it's safe to say this pair is worth every penny spent.

Bionda Castana Mules, £425
The slinky evening style, Bionda Castana has your evening mule sorted with this pair.

Zara Mules, £39.99
The one for day, this wooden heel option is perfect for weekend dressing.

Charlotte Olympia Mules, £545
Think mules can't be elegant? Think again. Wear yours with a red pedi to finish.

Mango Sandals, £39.99
Woven heel, standout shade and a total bargain - this mule is all kinds of wonderful.

Malone Souliers Mules, £495
Go for something stripe and slip into this statement pair from Malone Souliers.

H&M Mules, £29.99
Looking for something sky high? Try this clog-inspired option from H&M.

Balenciaga Mules, £465
Right at the top of our wish list, this bow front pair from Balenciaga is well worth the spend.

Senso Mules, £149
Just add frayed denim and an oversized shirt to finish.

Zara White Mules, £59.99
Keep things casual and try this pointed pair from Zara.

Dorateymur Mules, £380
Love a bit of leopard? Try this option from Dorateymur.

Reiss Mules, £140
Looking for a workwear option? Look no further.

Zara Mules, £49.99
Get the designer look without blowing the budget and try this black studded pair from Zara,

Chloe Mules, £560
It's the hottest style of the season. Wear with anything from denim to maxi dresses, this is the ultimate summer sandal.