What is it:
The mule is usually an open toe sandal that you can easily slip into. While this model has been a popular footwear trend for a number of seasons, offering a simple, non-seasonal design, alternative models have made their way onto the market, particularly those with a fluffy upper. Faux fur designs have been seen both on the runway and in retail. They offer a variant of the product that used to be offered primarily by sportswear brands. The look offers a more comfortable and stylish alternative to the flip-flop, but more stylish.
Why you should order them:
Fluffy mules make a great focal point of a range, encouraging daring and playful styles to be explored and adding a vibrant personality to a wardrobe. Both the material and the silhouette ensure that the mules can be worn almost all year round. Their open shape, which allows the foot room to breathe in spring and summer, and their fluffy upper, which provides some warmth in the colder months, make the shoes surprisingly versatile. Also, the fluffy mule can be worn both outside and as a slipper, giving customers plenty of options depending on what they are looking for. Whether she needs a shoe for a quick errand or a cozy piece of clothing to wear at home.
Where we saw them:
To complete her collection of oversized and structured dresses, Claudia Li chose fluffy slides as the brand’s signature footwear on the FW22 runway. While the looks the designer presented could also work as slippers, she used numerous pastel tones and exaggerated shapes. They matched perfectly with the garments presented in the collection, proving their versatility. Lanvin’s interpretation of the fluffy slide was similar to Li’s designs, also taking the form of a closed slipper with a striking color scheme. Although Bottega Veneta’s variant didn’t fit the typical definition of a mule, the company embraced the fluffy footwear and offered a platform loafer in a bright orange hue. Simon Miller also embraced platform shoes, showing fluffy platform silhouette slides that complemented the brand’s other fluffy footwear styles for F/22, including a snow boot and a hair loafer.
How to style them:
The great thing about the fluffy mules is that there are no rules as to how to wear them. Mules are shoes that are intentionally designed to be easy to wear and quick to slip on, whether for errands or at home. This means that the attire worn with it can also be simple, such as a simple jeans and t-shirt combo, or even sweatpants and a hoodie. If you want to style the outfit a little more daring, you should refer to the trends of the ’90s and noughties, which set the tone in fashion today. Crop tops, printed trousers and retro accessories go great with the fluffy mules.
Fun shoes are always a welcome addition to a collection and the fluffy mules are a perfect way to jump on the trend. They offer a surprisingly versatile style of footwear that can see customers through from season to season. From the fluffy shoe trend on the runway to the increasing popularity of casual wear, this take on the popular mule silhouette looks set to be a hit for seasons to come.
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This article was previously published on FashionUnited.uk. Translation and editing: Barbara Russ