Why This Classic Shoe Is Your New Summer Obsession
With a history that stretches from ancient Rome to the red carpets of 2025, these backless beauties are having their time in spotlight, and it’s not hard to see why. Spotted on the likes of Olivia Rodrigo in Amina Muaddi’s crystal-clad Lupitas and Hailey Bieber in Manolo Blahnik’s sleek designs, mules are the must-have shoe trend for spring and summer 2025. They’re stylish, they’re comfortable, and they’re ready to carry you to midnight with zero effort. Here’s why your wardrobe is not complete without them, and the 12 pairs you need to know about.
A Quick Stroll Through Time (Promise, It’s Chic)
Mule shoes aren’t new kids on the block. Roman senators wore them to signal power, 18th-century French aristocrats piled on the velvet and jewels, and now, in 2025, they’re back with a twist. This season, designers have reimagined mules with buttery leathers, breezy raffia, and satin that catches the light just right. Heels range from walkable 50mm to statuesque 100mm, while colours span soft pastels, blues, and neutrals. It’s a lineup that’s as versatile as your summer plans, and twice as stylish.
The 12 Mules You’ll Wish You Owned Sooner
Your ticket to glamour, meet the spring/summer 2025 mule edit that’s about to steal your heart (and your closet space).
Amina Muaddi Lupita Crystal Embellished Fishnet & Beige Leather Mules
Fishnet straps dripping with crystals meet a fluted 95mm heel, these are pure drama in beige and sparkle. Olivia Rodrigo’s a fan, and you will be too. Pair them with a floor-skimming slip dress for a look that roars confidence.
Amina Muaddi
Lupita Crystal Embellished Fishnet & Beige Leather Mules – £785
Manolo Blahnik Haribalmu 50 White Leather Mules
White leather with geometric cut-outs and a 50mm heel that’s made for marathon days. Think 1950s Hollywood starlet, style them with jeans and a tucked-in tee for instant style.
Manolo Blahnik
Haribalmu 50 White Leather Mules – £725
Aeyde Ilvy Buckle Embellished Antique Rose Faille Mules
Antique rose faille with a vintage-inspired buckle, these are your Sunday brunch MVPs. Toss them on with high-waisted trousers and a silk cami for a relaxed vibe.
Aeyde
Ilvy Buckle Embellished Antique Rose Faille Mules – £330
Valentino Garavani Rockstud 60 Neutral Leather Mules
Blush leather kissed by gold pyramid studs are perfect balance of tough and tender. These rebels play nice with tailored shorts and a blazer.
Valentino Garavani
Rockstud 60 Neutral Leather Mules – £710
Christian Louboutin Me Dolly Bianco Patent Leather Mules 100
Glossy white patent leather, a 100mm heel, and that iconic red sole, these are your evening showstoppers. A black dress is the obvious match, but try head-to-toe white for a summer stunner.
Christian Louboutin
Me Dolly Bianco Patent Leather Mules 100 – £690
Aquazzura Embellished Tequila Pale Pink Mules 75
Pale pink with sparkly circular embellishments and barely-there straps, these were made for summer weddings. Pair them with a flowy maxi dress.
Aquazzura
Embellished Tequila Pale Pink Mules 75 – £855
Malone Souliers Cyd 70 Dark Brown Raffia Mules
Dark brown raffia with floral appliqué and a 90mm heel with take you from the beach to bar like a dream. A sundress or denim cutoffs keep it summery and simple.
Malone Souliers
Cyd 70 Dark Brown Raffia Mules – £645
The Row 75 Knotted Black Satin Mules
Black satin with knotted details and a 75mm heel are minimalist magic. Wide-leg trousers or a slip dress let their luxury shine.
The Row
75 Knotted Black Satin Mules – £1,180
Jimmy Choo Anise 75 Dusty Blue Patent Leather Mules
Dusty blue patent leather with cut-out straps, your office-to-drinks heroes. White jeans and a silk blouse turn them into a power move.
Jimmy Choo
Anise 75 Dusty Blue Patent Leather Mules – £650
Zimmermann Gleam 75 Tan Leather Mules
Tan leather with gathered straps and pebble details are multitaskers. A linen suit keeps it light but breezy for warm days.
Zimmermann
Gleam 75 Tan Leather Mules – £550
Gina Roma Swarovski Crystal & Gold Leather Heeled Mules
With their gold leather drenched in Swarovski crystals, these are your VIP night-out picks. A sleek jumpsuit lets them take centre stage.
Gina
Roma Swarovski Crystal & Gold Leather Heeled Mules – £805
Gucci Horsebit 55 High Heel Black Leather Mules
Black leather with iconic Horsebit hardware make these classics with an edge. A tailored skirt or slim trousers make them your sophisticated go-to.
Gucci
Horsebit 55 High Heel Black Leather Mules – £630
Your Cheat Sheet to Wearing Them Right
Mule heels don’t care where you’re headed, they just make it better. For a lazy weekend, the Aeyde Ilvy with high-waisted jeans and a tucked-in tee is your easy win, that vintage buckle adds a nice touch. Office days call for the Jimmy Choo Anise, white jeans and a silk blouse transform them into a soft power move. And when the night demands drama, slip into the Christian Louboutin Me Dolly with a little black dress, or go full summer goddess in all white.
The A-List Seal of Approval
Need more convincing? Hailey Bieber and Sofia Richie Grainge have made Manolo Blahnik mules their off-duty staples, blending laid-back cool with high-end finesse. Olivia Rodrigo’s obsession with Amina Muaddi’s Lupita mules proves sparkle is for living. These women define trends, and mules are their not-so-secret weapon.
Why They’re Worth the Splurge
Yes, the price tags, (£330 to £1,180) might raise an eyebrow. But mules aren’t a fleeting fashion trend, they’re a long-term cultural love affair. They’re the shoes you grab for a last-minute getaway, the ones that save you when you’re late, the ones that turn denim into something noticeable. Open backs keep you cool in the heat, and their shape-shifting nature means they work with cutoffs or a gown. Trends fade, mules stand the test of time.
Your Next Step
Mules are the footwear equivalent of a deep breath, simple, stylish, and ready for anything. Whether you’re drawn to The Row’s classiness or Gina’s crystal-drenched glamour, there’s a pair with your name on it.
Summer Shoe Care & Styling Tips
- Rotate Your Pair – Give each mule a day off to maintain shape and reduce wear.
- Protect Your Soles – Add a thin rubber sole protector to preserve high‑heel leather.
- Store with Support – Use shoe trees or wrap in tissue paper to prevent creasing, especially for satin and patent leathers.
- Spot‑Clean Promptly – Wipe raffia and fabric mules with a soft, damp cloth; use specialist leather cleaner for luxe leathers.
- Match Accessories – Coordinate your bag and jewellery to the mule’s hardware—gold studs or silver buckles—for a polished finish.
*Prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
