Sizzling Summer Must-Have: The Mule

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We’ve brought back crop tops, cords and chokers, so why wouldn’t a staple 90’s shoe be the next item to fulfill our fashion nostalgia. You can thank Mansur Gavriel and Gucci for the comeback — slides are officially the shoe of summer ’16. The general aesthetic is all too familiar (my mom thought I raided her old closet when she saw mine), but the craftsmanship and minimalist approach to these shoes are unparalleled. Fresh and flat or stacked tall on a heel, you need at least one pair in your rotation this season. But after seeing these options for women’s mules, we think it’ll be more like one pair for each day of the week.

Women’s Mules: Our Picks

Snakeskin

Shop it: Gently Used Green Snakeskin Jimmy Choos, $75, Tradesy.com

Walk on the wild side with this green snakeskin mule from Jimmy Choo. Yes, this pair is slightly used which explains the $75 price tag. But if you wear a 7.5, these could be your signature summer concert shoe.

Classic White

Try a clean white pair to swap with your standard sandals for the brunch or garden party. Trade your strappy sandals for these guys on dressier days and patriotic holidays.

Mint Green Mules

Shop it: Tall Order Mule Sandals, $36, ASOS.com

Think of this minty-fresh, stacked heel style as you would an accessory. Use it as a pop of color in even the simplest summer outfits to kick things up a notch with a precious pastel.

Leather Slide

Shop it: Milo Leather Slide, $49, UrbanOutfitters.com

The little black dress of the summer mule collection, this streamlined, flat style is an essential basic that can be dressed up or down throughout the whole season.

Summery Mule

Shop it: CLAUDIA BY ISABERI Mules, $73, Yoox.com

A fun flip on the espadrille, this undeniably summery and active-inspired mule gets a boost from a thick platform. Slip into this cork pair by the pool or at the beach.

Suede Mule

Shop it: Assume Suede Heeled Mule Sandal, $58

A crisscrossing, suede block mule merges ’70s bohemian styling with modern sensibilities for a pair that looks killer with denim of all kinds. This beautiful cognac color even matches the stitching on traditional jeans, honestly too perfect.

Perforated Mule

Shop it: TOMS Majorca Perforated Mule Sandal, $54.95

This silhouette comes from TOMS, so you know it’s bound to be comfy. The perforated bridge panel adds an unexpected and sporty texture to a tan suede style. Team it with sweet florals for a quirky and contrasting balance.