From L.A. to Paris, It Girls Are Swapping Their Sandals for These Flat Shoes

We've noticed a decidedly chic common thread running through the wardrobes of Margot Robbie, Laura Harrier, and the coolest French women we follow. Dressing for the new-found sun, these stylish women have ascended the fashion ranks by elevating their footwear collection with a lesser-known shoe trend that we predict will start catching on very soon.

Instead of the trending sandal styles we're seeing all around us, we're following suit and turning our attention to the under-the-radar ballet-mule trend this summer.

Laura Harrier wearing ballet mules, jeans, a jacket, and a suede shoulder bag.

(Image credit: Backgrid)

Pioneering the mule shoe style in the early '90s, Manolo Blahnik's Maysale shoes set the stage for the trend. With a small heel, pointed-toe design, and easy slip-on silhouette, the iconic shoes quickly ascended to cult-buy status, paving the way for mules to become what we know them as today.

Now, many seasons on, the humble mules have been treated to a flat-footed makeover and a ballet-inspired redesign. After the roaring success of the ballet-flats trend last summer, the hybrid ballet mules take the best of both styles to create a fresh silhouette that makes heat-wave dressing a breeze.

Margot Robbie wearing ballet mules with a denim jacket and jeans.

(Image credit: Backgrid)

Offering all the comfort of your favorite slides but with an infinitely more polished edge, it's no surprise that the fashion set has decreed ballet mules their new favorite shoes. Styling well with jeans—as Harrier, Robbie, and influencer Sylvie Mus have all proved—the shoes also look impossibly chic with a full-length skirt or pretty summer dress.

With a backless finish, the silhouette is, in theory, more casual than its fuller-coverage counterpart, but we've found that the shoes can act as the perfect alternative to heels with the right outfit.

Sylvie Mus wearing the backless ballet flats trend with cropped jeans and a white strapless top.

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Designers have already been hard at work crafting elegant iterations. From Zara's pretty rogue style to Manolo Blahnik's iconic black pair, read on to discover our edit of the best ballet mules to shop this summer.

SHOP OUR EDIT OF THE BEST BALLET MULES

This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK. It was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

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Natalie Munro
News Writer

Natalie Munro is Who What Wear UK’s news writer. Having worked in the fashion industry since her time at university—where she obtained a BA in Journalism from University of the Arts London, Natalie's experience spans journalistic and styling roles. In the early stages of her career Natalie predominately worked on editorial shoots for fashion publications such as British Vogue, Vogue Ukraine, AnOther Magazine and Elle UK, before moving into journalism roles.

On completion of her degree she interned in the editorial team at British Vogue and later went on to freelance for the publication. Here, she developed her interest in reporting on the latest fashion news and trends. Inspired by the dynamic nature of the industry, Natalie went on to write for other lifestyle and fashion brands and publications before taking on the role as News Writer for Who What Wear.

With an interest in uncovering the latest fashion trends, Natalie takes a leading role in identifying news for Who What Wear UK. Focusing on trends on and off the runway, as well as street style and celebrity fashion, Natalie reports on a daily basis, ensuring that she remains ahead of the trends. Natalie also creates content for Who What Wear’s social channels including TikTok and Instagram on a weekly basis.