If a woman wants to bring a twist to her look, she should pay attention to shoes such as mules. Women's mules became famous thanks to a wide selection of models from a variety of manufacturers. These summer shoes are distinguished by an unusual appearance and exceptional wearing comfort, look harmonious with any image from sports to romantic.
What it is?
Mules are female version of summer shoes without a back and a cross strap through the heel, always with a heel.
There are many versions of the origin of this model, however, historians claim that the first mention of them dates back to Ancient Rome, when noble men who study philosophical sciences and occupy high posts in the Roman Empire often wore sandals without backs. At that time, this kind of shoe was sewn from leather, it was considered a symbol of special status and wealth, so only the richest people could afford such sandals.
Slap came to the countries of the Old World thanks to the crusaders. Over time, representatives of the fair sex took a closer look at the original men's shoes and made it an obligatory attribute of their wardrobe. This has made significant changes in shoe design. So, French women began to decorate light shoes with brilliant sewing, noses bent up, pompons and down. At the beginning of the twentieth century, mules began to be popular among Hollywood actresses. In those years, exquisite sandals with sequins, stones, rhinestones and feathers decorated the legs of almost all movie stars.
However, the shoes were extremely impractical, therefore, did not receive distribution among ordinary women, and the popularity of the model gradually faded away.
What are the differences from clogs?
Women who are far from the world of fashion confuse mules and popular clogs, however, the models have many differences. To find out how these flip flops differ, you need to dwell on each type of shoe and determine their characteristic features.
The main distinguishing feature of clogs is considered their focus on wearing comfort. Accordingly, such shoes are invariably stable, they firmly fix the foot - the clog always has a solid wide base and covered top. The most common are models on cork and wooden soles; products on semolina are in demand. The vamp (the part of the shoe covering the upper part of the leg), as a rule, is continuous to the bend. However, in recent years, fashion designers offer options with open fingers, but even in this case, the leg is fixed firmly.
Speaking about the belonging of women's clogs to one or another style, we can attribute these shoes to everyday with elements of classics, thanks to comfort and practicality. These models are increasingly widely used for everyday active wear.
Despite the fact that mules can resemble clogs, however, these two types of shoes have many differences.
Firstly, mules in any performance are always presented on the heel, it can be low and almost imperceptible, but nevertheless it is always present. Secondly, Mules are more elegant and feminine than clogs. The design of sandals implies an open heel, the vamp can be with or without a toe, it can be pointed or closed. Fashion designers offer the most original options on perforated straps or harnesses.
Mule heels look harmonious In combination with strict classic dresses, suitable for evening wear. Low-heeled models are more likely to be casual, yet even street bows combined with mules suggest a sophisticated and sophisticated wardrobe.
Kinds
Modern designers present female mules of various styles that differ in style, decor, features of use and the degree of comfort.
Mules can be performed in the form of slippers, slippers, sandals or shoes. It looks very impressive Espadrilles Mules.
Depending on the design of the sock mules are closed or slightly open, while the configuration of the closed toe may be pointed, rounded or square.
The heel in the mule is a mandatory attribute, but the options for its execution can be very diverse: it can be a stable wedge heel, platform or classic stiletto heel.
The vamp can be classic rounded, wicker or asymmetrically cut.
Stylish decor can make mules trendy and very elegant shoes, for decoration use beads, rhinestones, as well as feathers, fur and many other decorations.
Materials and colors
Mules can be made from a wide variety of materials, most often leather, suede or textile, at the same time the color palette is very diverse, on sale you can find black, white, red, yellow, blue, golden and many other models.
Unfortunately, today there are many unscrupulous manufacturers on the market who offer customers fake well-known brands. You won’t surprise anyone with this fact, so it’s important to know how to act in order not to make a mistake with choosing the right model. Agree, it will be very unpleasant to pay a considerable price for shoes and subsequently find out that it has nothing to do with your favorite brand.
Most often fake leather mules, while offering faux leather products, often fake shoes are so similar to branded shoes that even an experienced shopaholic will not see a substitute the first time.
However, there are some ways to distinguish real skin from cheap material. Sure, the easiest test is to burn the surface of the shoe. However, this way you can significantly spoil the product and then you have to pay for it. There are much safer methods for assessing the quality of real mules. To get started, touch the material and wait - if the coating is made of leather, then after a couple of minutes it will take the temperature of the human body.
Another point worth paying attention to is the thickness, in real skin, this parameter varies from 0.8 to 1.2 mm. If the material thickness of the shoes offered to you is less than the specified range, most likely your shoes are nothing but a fake - it is better to immediately refuse such a purchase.
The sense of smell plays an important role: real skin has a rather sharp and not quite pleasant smell.
When choosing a model, be sure to pay attention to both copies from the pair offered to you: there should not be any differences in the stitching of parts, shades and fasteners, the seams should be even on both slaps. Heels should be subjected to a particularly thorough inspection - differences in their height, as well as the presence of chips, are not allowed. Be sure to inspect the sole - it can tell a lot about the true quality of the purchased product. If you notice tears and irregularities on the surface, immediately refuse to purchase.
Keep in mind: if you do not pay enough attention to assessing the quality of shoes, then you run the risk of getting low-quality slippers from China at an overpriced price instead of genuine brand mules.
Which are in fashion?
Over the years, mules have repeatedly undergone design changes. IN In recent years, the following trends have been outlined.
- Sock. In addition to a rounded toe, pointed women began to be in demand among the fair sex. This old trend is again at the peak of popularity, it has become truly universal. Such mules harmoniously emphasize evening dresses, complement business suits, invariably giving their owner a refined and sophisticated look, and decorative additions make brand models even more unusual and original.
- In recent seasons, fashion has made a sharp roll in favor of naturalness. That is why flat sole has become popular again. Low landing is an excellent option for everyday wear, since such products do not create an increased load on the spine. This is the best choice for women who love hiking, as well as active people who prefer urban or sporty clothing.
However, do not rush to abandon the heel. The creators of stylish modern mules are not limited to classic hairpins, today in the collections of leading designers square thickened pads are presented, figured designs of the most intricate shapes look rather impressive.
- Special attention is paid to decoration. Here, creative ideas have absolutely no restrictions: among the models of famous brands you can find mules with painted tops, embroidery with shiny threads or beads. The products decorated with stones, appliqués, textile colors, intricate clasps and buckles are in great demand. One of the most unusual trends of recent years is mules with fur and pompons. This trend arose not so long ago and has not yet managed to get wide distribution among fashionistas.
Needless to say, just imagine that you will meet a lady in fur sandals on the streets of your city - perhaps even the most advanced people will laugh at such a “dude”. Nevertheless, it is this version of the mule that is preferred by such secular characters as Gigi Hadid, Rihanna and many other style icons.
Brands
Mules are part of the collection of shoes of many brands with a worldwide reputation, the most famous products of firms Balenciaga, Gucci, H&M, Zara.
The mules of these brands may be satisfied with the elegant, however, and their cost is quite high, so many more budget brands offer alternative options available to most of our compatriots.
So if the price mules from Gucci it seems unreasonably high to you, but you want to always look stylish, you should pay attention to the ASOS brand. The spectacular version of the mule with a pointed toe and a metal buckle is suitable for office everyday life and daily walks. These shoes are a bit like slippers, however, the models of this brand allow any woman to create the most elegant look.
Derek lam offers quite a few interesting mule designs, but the most popular among women are Tokyo model. Its feature is the decor, which reflects the style and spirit of Asia. You can buy such flip flops in a variety of color options, but the most stylish models are recognized as blue. This juicy color immediately catches the eye of others, such mules can effectively complement kimono-style blouses or dresses with flared sleeves.
A rather interesting image will turn out if you combine the mules of this model with a skirt or flared trousers. This model is more suitable for a luxury party, but not for everyday use.
Classic never goes out of style, therefore eye-catching mules Need Supply always looks harmonious. Everything is extremely simple here: the shoes of this brand are black, white or gray, there is no place for prints with rhinestones, lace or any other decorative elements. Such models look perfect with jeans and hoodies.
If you are uncomfortable in high heels, but you like to be bright and attract the attention of others, you should pay attention to exquisite TOPSHOP shoes. Textile mules with satin ribbon create a feeling of lightness and airiness. In fact, these are the most ordinary slippers, however, more stylish and spectacular.
Keep in mind that wearing such shoes in the rain and slush is strictly prohibited, but on a hot day, without a doubt, you will look like a real queen.
What to combine with?
The main advantage of this shoe is that thanks to a properly selected heel and style, it can significantly lengthen your legs, making its owner more refined and sophisticated. Mules are summer shoes, they are worn only with the onset of the warm season, the option is optimal for making sets with a light wardrobe.
Fashion experts give recommendations on what is best to wear mules with.
- With summer dresses and sundresses of calm colors.
- A strict business suit can harmoniously complement mules with a closed nose.
- For everyday wear, give preference to models with lacing and clasps.
- Mules, the top of which is made of textile materials, ordinary are decorated with narrow stripes - such options effectively emphasize the style, the attributes of which are jeans-pipes, trousers or shorts.
- Decorated with rhinestones, brooches and large bows, mules with a thin stiletto heel will look harmonious for an evening out. Keep in mind - elegant models of bright colors do not need to be combined with office clothes, such a tandem will be inappropriate.
Pay special attention to the heel - women with full ankles and large hips should prefer a square shape, and owners of thin legs should opt for models with a thin stiletto heel.
Mules are quite unusual shoes, so remember a few rules that will help you avoid stylistic mistakes.
- It is not recommended to wear mules with open noses with socks and tights.
- Do not wear mules with evening dresses - to go to a social party it is better to choose classic boats, but as a cocktail option, mules will become very appropriate.
- Mules can be worn for work, however, for serious business negotiations, it is better to give preference to classic shoes.
- Massive options on a wooden sole will not go well with skinny mini skirts and tight pants.
- Mules should not be worn with a year-old skirt; this looks rather old-fashioned.
- There is no need to put on flip flops with an abundance of decor for everyday wear, let them embroider, as well as flowers, bows and stones will be left for holiday exits.
- And most importantly, keep in mind that this shoe is exclusively suitable for well-groomed feet, so pay special attention to your pedicure.
If the condition of your feet is far from ideal, it is better to wear closed shoes.
Image Examples
The main advantage of a mule is convenience and comfort. However, any shoes should harmoniously fit into the overall ensemble, emphasizing the image of a woman and her impeccable taste.
- Mules look very impressive in combination with a dress with a light floral print. The ensemble is suitable for real ladies, in this form you can go to the theater, restaurant and on a date at the art gallery.
- Paying tribute to the fashion of the 90s, you can use in the image of a tandem mule and stylish overalls, while the latter can be jeans, as well as knitted or even silk. Here you can use the rules of the game with contrasts to the maximum benefit.
- Mules in combination with a medium-length skirt can be called classics, which can be diversified using the most daring options, for example, spanks decorated with rhinestones or textile flowers.
- We draw attention to the fact that mules reduce the degree of formality of a business bow, so if you are waiting for a serious business meeting, then the combination of a suit and shoes without a backdrop will not be the most literate. But if you are planning a romantic date, then this option with a trouser suit will hit the "bullseye". In such an ensemble, a woman will look sexy, mysterious and at the same time original.
- Mules are sometimes combined with an evening dress in order to achieve maximum femininity. In this case, you should choose satin or velvet high-heeled models, it is advisable to supplement the model with a buckle made of stones or crystals. Such models broke all world sales records several seasons ago and today are again widely represented in the collections of famous brands Manolo Blahnik and Gucci.
- With wide trousers. This is the most sporty option of all admissible, therefore, mules must be selected accordingly - on a flat sole, plain, without decorative elements.