Mules are worn by women, kids, and even men today, and it comes in varied styles that go from casual to dressy:

Rockport Garden casual mules for women

Dressy mules from Stuart Weitzman

Casual mules for men from Naot Footwear

Dressy flat mules for kids from RAGG Kids

You’d be surprised to know that mules go all the way back to the 1700’s.  It’s definitely more vintage than most footwear (though not as old as Roman sandals).

Back then, only men and women of class wore mules. Wearing it conveyed a status symbol by implying luxury. Laborers could not wear mules because it was hard to work in such a pair of shoes that would slip off easily. The rich displayed the privilege of not needing to work by showing off their backless shoes.

If you’re curious how 18th century mules looked like, refer to the photo below:

18th century mules for women

Today, people still wear mules more because it is easy to wear rather than for status symbol. Mules were quite hot back in the late 1990’s, but its popularity has simmered down.

This coming spring however, mules are making a comeback. Check out these spring shoes from YSL and Alexander Wang:

YSL Closed Toe Stilleto (Spring 2010)

Alexander Wang Trish Loafer Wedge (Spring 2010)

To stay in trend for spring, check out these ladies’ mules from Zappos.com:

CARLOS by Carlos Santana Funky

Corso Como Simple

Donald J. Pliner Filvi

You can also purchase these options for the special man in your life:

Born Will

Finn Comfort Weimar

Related Posts

1. Old-Fashioned Vintage Lace Shoes
   

   Lace, sheer fabrics, and lingerie may be the newest, latest, and hottest trend for 2010, but lace still elicits old-fashioned delicateness and age-old elegance. Intricate lacework Lace-making originally involved fine materials such as silver and gold threads. Nowadays, anything from cotton to copper threads are used in the lacing process. But no matter what material [...]

2. Old Gringo Ladies ‘Mules’ : Edgy Look that Demands Attention
   

   Old Gringo has long established itself as one of the leaders in western retro boots for both men and women, and with the Ladies ‘Mules’, the company easily brings back the unmatched quality classic style of the years that have passed. Though not seen in the vast world of publications, this pair definitely has that [...]

3. Donald J Pliner Contrast Trim Peep Toe Mary Janes and Other Authentic Vintage 50s Two Tone Shoes
   

   I came across these shoes on Zappos.com and instantly fell in love: These are the Zsa peep toe mary janes from Donald J Pliner. Don’t they remind you of 50 shoes? They have the high stiletto heel that was a main fixture on women’s feet in the 50s, plus they have the piping trim in [...]