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Unlikely Closet Staple is made in partnership with MATCHESFASHION. It's a series in which we explore some of the less likely but no less essential aspects of the modern wardrobe.

we'It’s possible, even likely that we’ll look back on 2020 and 2021 as formative years for the style of the next decade. We’ve seen a lot of movement, especially in the world of footwear. As sneakers become less attainable every day, we’re seeing other styles picking up pace. Few silhouettes have developed the rolling momentum that mules have, though. We’ve been slipping our kicks on all summer and we’re not about to change for fall.

It’s easy to say that the mulement was aided by the global pandemic, forcing us all to stay at home and become extremely lazy. That may be partly true, but actually, we’d argue that there’s nothing lazy about mules. These backless masterpieces are the hardest-working kicks in our rotation right now, simply because there’s no end to the versatility of a good pair of mules.

With the help of MATCHESFASHION, we’re spreading the mule gospel with 10 of the best mules that you can wear to basically any occasion.

Scroll down to shop the ten best mules to wear in fall.

Marni Shearling Mules

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MarniShearling Mules
$727
Buy at Matches

Marni has a skill for making season's-best mules. This pair of shearling beauties gives just the right amount of drama.

Birkenstock Boston Sandals

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BirkenstockBoston Sandals
$99
Buy at Matches

Birkenstock has been setting the pace for mules since 1774, so you could do worse than trusting them to get you through the season with no heel.

KEEN UNEEK II Slides

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KEENUNEEK II Slides
$113
Buy at Matches

Damn, your geography teacher was dripped-out all along.

Balenciaga Cozy Leather Mules

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BalenciagaCozy Leather Mules
$595
Buy at Matches

Balenciaga doesn't usually put its name to black & white leather pieces but this pair of understated slides is a welcome departure.

Birkenstock x Rick Owens Boston Sandals

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BirkenstockRick Owens Boston Sandals
$525
Buy at Matches

Birkenstock's glow-up is nothing short of inspiring. Alongside its general-release icons, it's treated us to a slew of wild collaborations over the years, too.

Prada Logo-Plaque Mules

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PradaLogo-Plaque Mules
$787
Buy at Matches

Few labels are as coveted as the triangular Prada plaque. The exact plaque that details this pair of quilted mules. The exact pair of mules that will see us through the darkest days of fall and winter.

Balenciaga Track Mules

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BalenciagaTrack Mules
$895
Buy at Matches

For every pair of understated black leather mules by Balenciaga, there's a pair of Track Sneakers that's been chopped into a mule. The universe exists in perfect balance(iaga).

Givenchy GG-Plaque Mules

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GivenchyGG-Plaque Mules
$850
Buy at Matches

They're big, bold, and beautiful. Featuring a vamp cut from the highest-quality leather, this pair of Givenchy mules has Matthew Williams' name written all over them.

Gucci Elea Horsebit Backless Loafers

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GucciElea Horsebit Backless Loafers
$690
Buy at Matches

Some labels just hit the jackpot with a design. Gucci's horsebit has become such an icon in fashion that it raises the level of this pair of Elea Loafers with its mere presence.

Paul Smith Mesa Slides

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Paul SmithMesa Slides
$395
Buy at Matches

In similar style to the Birkenstock Boston, Paul Smith's Mesa Slides features a single strap closure and closed-toe build. Paul Smith's signature stripes add a pop of color to the strap.

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