Flat mules and flat d’orsays have cropped up here and there over the last few seasons. I’ve eyed them curiously, intrigued and slightly nostalgic, but unsure of whether I’m game. One of my most treasured pairs of shoes I’ve ever bought for myself was a pair of low-heeled black leather pointed-toe mules I bought at Zara in Paris when I’d just graduated from high school. I loved these. I lived in them. And then I bought a pair of pink ones and a pair of tan ones and for the entire summer of 2002, I couldn’t be seen without them.
So, this trend pulls at my heartstrings a bit, brings back fashion decisions from my teens. A few looks worth noting:
Designer Jenni Kayne came out strong with this shoe style a few seasons ago, and chic peas were snapping them up left and right. Snag the denim pair here, on sale for $337, or check them out in a few different colors and fabrications — all on sale! — here.
Other versions and variations I’ve contemplated:
+Emerson Fry python flat mules (the entire collection feels so fresh, so now, so Mary Kate and Ashley) — $228. (Shown above, in second to last photo.)
+ASOS mirrored silver flats ($36). Also available in crisp white.
+J. Crew black flat mules ($118) — also in gray.
+Madewell textured d’orsay flats ($108) — also like the red suede variation.
+Leopard flats ($65).
+Vince textured nudes ($325).
+Narcisco Rodriguez snakeskin-and-black flats ($595).
And, just for color fun, these J. Crew fabric lovelies ($148).
