Mules Guide: Style Tips, How To Wear, What To Wear…

Mules Guide: Style and comfort, are at the heart of this timeless footwear. These half-loafers have always been that footwear that many can’t seem to place yet they crave for it. So, if you’re loving the idea of trying out a mule, let’s check out a few tips about this classic footwear and how to wear them.

Mules are back!

😲

Where did they go before?

And as you may have guessed from the picture above, I wasn’t referring to the Mule (Animal) which is the offspring of a male donkey (jack) and a female horse (mare).

Of course, I’m talking about Mule, the menswear footwear which everyone is currently craving. It is a style of shoe that has no back or constraint around the foot’s heel.

ABOUT THE MULE (SHOE)

These half-shoes were the trend back in the ’90s and they were the shoes of the century. Considered luxury and dressier shoes with no platform bottoms, everyone who is either fashionable, stylish or classy wanted to have them in their shoe closet.

They were made in many different types of materials like leather, suede and various fabrics and sometimes were decorated with buckles, beads, feathers, and colorful embroidery.

For me, I never had a soft spot for these half-loafers, perhaps that’s why it took me this long to write about this classy footwear here on MR KOACHMAN. 

Why don’t I have a soft spot for it, you may ask me? 

Contrary to what you may be thinking, it’s not because they bear the same name as the Mule (animal). I actually love the footwear, but it’s not for everybody and definitely not for every occasion. 

Which is why today, I’ve decided to put this piece together for two (2) reasons:

1. For those who are curious about this trending half loafers and want to try them. 
2. For those of you who have already joined the mule shoe trend bandwagon without understanding how to wear it, where to wear it to and what outfits it can be worn with.

Gentlemen, before we delve in deeper, a little note of warning please:

MULES ARE NOT FOR EVERYBODY!

Everyone is craving for this footwear, but if you aren’t someone who loves following fashion trends or trying out pieces that are considered fashionable or in vogue – this may not be for you. 

But if you are bold, adventurous, fashion-forward and love the idea of blending comfort and luxury, then this is for you.

Again, if you have ever tried wearing a well-tailored suit with sneakers, and pulled it off effortlessly, then the mule trend won’t be hard for you to adopt.

Like I said earlier, personally, they are a little bit out of my own comfort zone, meaning, I would gladly wear this in my comfort zone at home or while sipping cognac at a poolside bar on a casual weekend 😊 

With that said, we can now move on to the order of the day.

Stay with me gents, it will be an interesting read. Enjoy!

Mules Guide: What To Know About The Mule Half-Loafers

History Of A Mule

Traditionally, mules were bedroom slippers and not worn out in public. It’s been worn since the 15th century to the present day, however, they went out of style in the early 1800s. 

According to Wikipedia, in the 1860s, prostitutes (and male strippers) wore mules in the brothels while most others avoided wearing them.

And several years later, in the twentieth century, mules were again in fashion as they embraced the trends.

In this modern times, they’ve been embellished, fashionable and refined in style and purpose and can now be worn in public on any day but on specific occasions that allow for it.

Fashion brands like Gucci introduced it to the High Fashion World with the Gucci Fur Lined Mule Slippers and most men and women became obsessed with the slippers. Though as of today (2019) not everyone has accepted or joined the mule trend

Mules Guide | Style Tips, How To Wear and What To Wear

So how should you wear your fancy mule slippers? There are many ways you can wear it, from jeans to shorts, you can basically pair it with anything.

However, it is important to note that these slippers will most likely draw attention to your outfit, so try not to overdo it. But be willing to take some risk because this is a statement piece! Check the images below for inspiration.

Mules Guide: When To Wear Mules & What Not To Wear With Mules 

Mules are incredibly popular due to their comfort and a slip-on style. This doesn’t mean you have to rock it at all times, on all occasions irrespective of what you are wearing. 

As every Sartorially inclined gentleman knows, you do not lower your standard or compromise your style for the sake of comfort.

Can Mules be worn with a suit? 

Well let’s categorize what a Mule is – is it a Dress SHOE? NO. Is it a Loafers? Well, still tricky as it falls in a footwear gray area and can be termed semi-coverage slip-on loafers or luxury slippers.

Now, let me ask you – can a Slippers or a Loafers be worn with a suit? 

It depends on the type of slippers/loafers, the type of suit, and the occasion.

A Mule Loafers is definitely not a Dress Shoe or Dress Loafers, so it shouldn’t be worn with a Business Suit or for any Formal Occasion.

A Mule Loafers is an advanced casual loafer (compare it to the Monkstrap shoe – which is an advanced Dress Shoe). Therefore it can be worn for a Smart Casual Occasion, as a Morning Slippers (At Home) or even on a casual occasion where a smart casual suit or a smart casual native attire is appropriate.

Final Thoughts

Now you now know about this Half-loafers thanks to our Mules Guide. It is time to take out those luxury slippers and try them out if it’s your style. But ensure it’s worn properly with the right outfit and the right occasion!

Until next time … Continue to Do Well, Live Well and Dress Very Well. Stay Classy!

Yours in Style,

Kobi O. Mbagwu (Mr. Kobi)
Founder, KOBI KOACHMAN | MR KOACHMAN
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KOBI KOACHMAN

My name is Kobi O. Mbagwu, a professional image consultant, menswear expert, and entrepreneur who uses fashion to change people’s lives. My personal goal is to help gentlemen dress better, live well, do well and develop a unique personal style that matches their lifestyle and goals. I believe that success can be built through style. I believe that fashion is a tool that can be used to change people’s lives positively. I strongly believe that if you dress well, you look good, and if you look good, you feel good and when you feel good, you worry less, and the less you worry the more you are able to stay motivated and focused on your goals pursuit and by so doing you are able to live a more fulfilling and successful life.

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