Public Service Announcement: mules should be your footwear of choice this spring. No longer the uniform of your Fleetwood Mac-loving art teacher or 18th century French courtiers, the new mule is versatile – it's as statement as your go-to heel, yet as comfy as your trusty trainer.
You know fashion's obsession with Gucci 's Princetown backless loafer? Well, think of the mule as the new-season update. Jewel-embellished, ruffled, satin or suede, the mule looks just as good worn with kick-flare denim, mini dresses or tailoring.
Any height, open- or closed-toe, but always backless, the mule will rule your wardrobe this season. Click through to see our pick of the bunch.
This soft-focus pink pair will rejuvenate your work trousers.
Topshop Divine Soft Mules, £26, available at Topshop.
A tassel-tongued pair from Gucci – this metallic leather is perfection.
Gucci Marmont 75 Leather Mules, £530, available at Selfridges.
You can never have enough leopard print; wear these with your favourite black denim and a band T-shirt.
Dune Mosco Flare Heeled Mule Sandal, £65, available at Selfridges.
Margiela's chrome heels are a subtle update on all-black.
MM6 Maison Margiela Textured Leather Mules, £335, available at Net-A-Porter.
Replace your brogues with this classic shape. We love the square toe.
ASOS Oxygen Leather Snaffle Mules, £31.50, available at ASOS.
Pair these tan mules with a pretty spring dress.
Whistles Florio Platform Mule, £169, available at Whistles.
Nail two trends at once with Zara's silver slip-ons: mules and kitten heels.
Zara Silver-Toned Leather High Heel Mules, £39.99, available at Zara.
Attico has some damn fine mules and these curvaceous point-toes are our favourite.
Attico Monica Point-Toe Leather And Canvas Mules, £437, available at Matches.
A block heel balances out the backless element of the mule (and means you still have just enough support to run for the bus).
Mango Metallic Leather Mules, £79.99, available at Mango.
Introduce your feet to the corset trend with Dries Van Noten's lace-ups.
Dries Van Noten Tie-Up Suede Mules, £465, available at Selfridges.
Okay so maybe these do give off art teacher vibes, but in the best way possible. Stevie Nicks would style these with an ethereal spring dress, right?
Zara High Heel Satin Mules, £49.99, available at Zara.
This pair are calling out for a holiday.
Proenza Schouler Multi Woven Fringed Mule Heels, £495, available at Avenue 32.
Topshop makes a strong case for zebra being the new animal print of choice. These are retro wonders.
Topshop Novel Square Toe Mules, £56, available at Topshop.
Gucci are at it again, this time with pearl-studded heels.
Gucci Gold Buckle Mules, £725, available at Farfetch.
This minimalist offering from Uterqüe are mules, workwear style.
Uterqüe Leather Mules, £85, available at Uterqüe.
You will go to the ball Cinderella! This pair from Attico, which by the way have crystal embellished palm trees on them, are a nod to the French courts from which the mule originated.
Attico Pamela Crystal-Embellished Satin Mules, £632, available at Matches.
These scarlet suede-effect beauties are a high street knockout.
Zara Block Heel Mules, £25.99, available at Zara.
Prada brings the drama with these stiletto-heeled mules. They're fierce, and work just as well at the office as the bar.
Prada Suede Mules, £425, available at Net-A-Porter.
Duck egg blue metallics? Yes please.
&Other Stories Metallic Sandalette Mule, £69, available at &Other Stories.
Colour-pop your way into spring with this teal pair from our favourite accessories brand.
Mansur Gavriel Platform Suede Mules, £425, available at Matches.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Sex Is Back In Fashion – But This Time It's On Our Terms
Exclusive: Reformation Has A New, Ultra Cosy Collaboration
Arty? Sustainable? Political? What Our Favourite Tote Bags Say About Us