The Shoe of the Summer Is Stylish, Comfortable, and Totally Chic

Forget everything you’ve heard about the mule. It’s no longer the flirtatious footwear of early aughts Sex and the City (think Carrie Bradshaw trotting around the city in a flouncy skirt and a pair lacquered in a hue of bubblegum pink): The retro piece is now all grown up with extra attitude, making a comeback on spring 2015 runways everywhere, from Tory Burch to Proenza Schouler and Calvin Klein Collection.

As for the most recent champion of the equine-christened shoe? It’s the comeback queen herself, Sienna Miller, who recently made a case for suede with her jet-set garb at the airport, and her daytime go-to on the street.

So why the sudden love for a backless slide this summer? Quite literally, because it’s easy. It’s more elevated than a sandal, but still has that slip-on, slip-off effortlessness to take you from the office to poolside, and then out to dinner. Out for a quick stroll? Wear a pair of mules with a cropped pair of jeans for a stylish kick. Have a business meeting? Throw on black trousers—and the mule of your choice.

Here, from red satin and bedazzled to perforated and stacked, see the best mules of the summer—guaranteed to give your look a leg up.