A little life update before we get into shoes: our baby girl is here, and we are all doing wonderfully. I’m so grateful to be on the other side of the waiting and settling into this very new chapter, even if I’m still figuring out what exactly “settling in” looks like. I’ll share more when I’m ready, but for now, I’m very happy to be here.
Now, onto something a little less life-changing, but still worth talking about. :)
There is a very specific window at the end of summer when I find myself reaching for the same shoes over and over again.
It’s not quite boot weather. Sandals suddenly feel a little too summery. Sneakers work, obviously, but sometimes I want something that feels a little more intentional.
This is when I make the case for the mule. Or the clog.
I’ve been wearing both for years during this in-between season. Sabah Babas, No.6 clogs, Birkenstock clogs...they’ve all had a place in my wardrobe, and I’ve come to think of this category as one of the smartest transitional shoes you can own.
Because they solve a very practical problem: what do you wear when it’s technically still summer, but you’re ready for fall?
The answer, for me, is something that covers the foot without completely committing to a closed-toe fall shoe.
And, conveniently, they happen to look really good.
Why they work so well right now
The best thing about a mule or clog is that it gives you just enough fall without making your outfit feel like you’re forcing the season.
Wear them with a linen dress and they make the dress feel a little more September than August. Wear them with jeans and a simple sweater and suddenly you’re fully in the fall mindset while still maintaining that summer ease. Pair a chunky clog with wide-leg pants and you get that slightly undone, very intentional look that I love.
And then there is the obvious practical benefit: you can put them on in about three seconds.
No lacing. No buckling. No wrestling with a boot when it’s 68 degrees outside and you aren’t quite ready to admit summer is over.
I also love that they occupy this nice middle ground between casual and polished. A Birkenstock is obviously more casual, while a suede mule can feel surprisingly refined. But both have that same ease that makes them particularly good for everyday life.
For me, that combination of ease + usefulness + personality is exactly what makes a shoe worth owning.
The Pair I’m Wearing
I’m currently wearing the Clara from Margaux in espresso suede, and this feels like the more polished version of the transitional mule I’ve been reaching for for years.
Full disclosure: this pair was kindly gifted to me by Margaux, but given they are my third pair of Margaux shoes, I can confidently recommend them for their comfort, quality, and of course style.
What I love about the Clara is that it doesn’t feel like a “mule” in the overly casual sense. The square toe and rich espresso suede make it feel quite sophisticated, but the backless silhouette keeps it incredibly easy. This zebra pair is also really cool if you’re wanting something with a little more personality that still goes with everything!
It’s the kind of shoe I can put on with jeans and a white shirt, but also with a dress when I want something less expected than a sandal.
And I especially love the deep brown suede for this time of year. It feels like a small visual shift toward fall without requiring the rest of the outfit to follow suit.
That, to me, is the magic of a good transitional shoe.
A few others I’d consider
If you’re convinced but the Clara isn’t quite your thing, here are a few other versions of the mule/clog idea that I think are worth a look.
For the true clog person: No.6
I’ve worn No.6 clogs for years, and they are probably the most classic, well-made version of this category. Their collection has everything from flat-base clogs to their classic heeled silhouettes, with plenty of brown, black, suede, and shearling options for fall and winter.
They’re also handmade in the U.S., which is part of what makes the brand feel particularly special to me.
For the forever classic: Birkenstock Boston
The Boston is one of those shoes that has transcended trend status. I’ve worn mine for years, and I love them most when the weather is doing that early-fall thing where you need a little more shoe but absolutely do not need a boot.
The suede version with a good pair of socks is particularly good once the mornings start getting chilly.
For a similar use, but a little more elevated and refined, A.Emery and Dear Frances have great options. The Dear Frances Vico are a minimalist’s version of Birkenstocks and A.Emery’s Lou feel like a more modern, contemporary version.
For something softer, but still elevated: FRĒDA SALVADOR
FRĒDA SALVADOR is another brand I’d look to if you want the ease of a mule but a more refined silhouette. If you like the idea of a mule but don't necessarily want something that reads as a clog, I love what they are doing with their Saanvi and Cammie woven mules. The woven leather keeps them feeling light and summery, while the closed-toe silhouette makes the transition into fall feel natural. Cammie has a slightly more ballet flat shape, while Saanvi is a true slide.
These are a little more casual and laid back than the Margaux Clara and the Doen Adair, but I think the case can be made that they are equally as chic.
For a unique take on classic designs: Huma Blanco
I really love Huma Blanco’s latest collection. Their Mina Mule in Chocolate Suede feels like a more modern take on the classic mule, while the Sidney Platform in Chocolate Hair-On leans more fully into the clog side of things. Both have beautiful textures that make a simple outfit feel much more considered.
The brand is handmade in Lima, Peru by a third-generation shoemaker, and I love the combination of classic silhouettes, interesting materials, and just enough personality.
For a pop of color and maximum comfort: Sabah
And then there are the Sabah Babas, which I’ve been wearing for years. They might be the shoe that convinced me of this whole category in the first place. They have the comfort of a slipper and the ease of a sandal with just enough coverage to make them feel right when summer starts turning into fall. They have 22 different options in varying colors and textures. I have the leopard, but you can’t go wrong!
I love them with everything from dresses to jeans, and they’re one of those shoes that only gets better with wear. Sabah’s Babas are handmade in Turkey from leather designed to develop a beautiful patina over time, which is probably why mine have stayed in rotation for so long.
And if clogs aren’t your thing...
Try a Mary Jane.
I actually think Mary Janes make a lot of sense for the same reason. They give you that little bit of coverage that makes an outfit feel more autumnal, but they still feel light enough for the warmer days of September.
I’m especially liking the Margaux Fonteyn Jane right now. The single strap gives it a little more structure than a mule, while a brown suede version still has that same warm, transitional feeling. And the woven feature adds just the right amount of style. The saddle color is probably my favorite, but I do love the espresso suede as well.
Maybe that’s ultimately why I love this category so much. Mules, clogs, and Mary Janes all solve the same little wardrobe problem: they help you move into a new season without requiring you to completely leave the old one behind.
I don’t think getting dressed for fall has to mean putting away everything you wore all summer and starting over. Sometimes it’s just a different shoe.
And right now, I’m making the case for letting that shoe be a mule.
How I’d Actually Wear Them
Now for the practical part: how I’d actually wear them.
I think the easiest way to decide whether you need one of these shoes is to look at what’s already hanging in your closet.
