Madewell’s Must-Have Mules For The Lazy Dresser (+ A Few Outfit Ideas)

Confession: I have a difficult time completing outfits. I’ll have a cute top, jeans…and then a pair of plastic purple sandals (sometimes with, gasp, socks). I’m always so close to looking like an adult, but the final 10% seems to elude me.

But then Madewell’s Frances Loafer Mules came along and pulled this lazy girl’s outfits together.

Mules

I’m not typically a mules gal. They just seem impractical. Too many opportunities to fling a shoe and not in that purposeful “at a George Bush conference” kind of way. They’re also typically uncomfortable and narrow at the top.

Oh, but not Madewell’s Frances Loafer Mule. The loafer shape has more room around the toes, and they have a cushioned insole for maximum comfort. They are the best mules I have ever tried (and I’ve tried my fair share).

Outfit Ideas With Madewell’s Frances Loafer Mules

Even better? My Madewell mules look good with all of my fall and winter go-to outfits. Here are five looks I put together featuring the Frances Loafer Mule.

1| Mules + Cardigan & Jeans

Cardigan | Jeans | Mules

A button-up cardigan and slouchy jeans is my new asethetic (watch out Mr. Rogers). Madewell’s Cameron Ribbed Cardigan is warm, cozy and sports the most adorable button detailing. The High-Rise Slim Boyfriend Jeans are perfectly broken-in, but definitely run BIG (and I sized down). Again, I ask, whose boyfriend? The Frances Loafer Mule pulls it all together for a polished look.

Fit Notes: The jeans run large (size down 2. I’m wearing a 29 and swimming in them). The Cardigan is TTS (I’m wearing a large). The mules are TTS (I’m wearing an 8).

2| Mules + Sweater & Plaid Pants

Sweater | Pants | Mules

Another Madewell outfit. These Plaid Flannel Track Pants are the answer to, “how do I skirt office dress code while basically wearing PJ’s?” They are a comfy departure from your typical work trousers. The fabric is a little thinner, something to consider if you’re in a colder climate. I paired them with this Dillon Pullover Sweater in a gorgeous minty-gray color. The sweater is a tad itchy, but I’m not super-sensitive to fabrics, so I didn’t find it bothersome. The mules complete the look and the color is softer than a heavy black shoe.

Fit Notes: The pants run big (size down, I’m wearing a medium). The sweater is TTS (I’m wearing a large). The mules are TTS (I’m wearing an 8).

3| Mules + Blouse & Cords

Blouse | Cords | Mules

I call this outfit “If one of the Bennet sisters rebelled and started wearing pants.” The J.Crew puff-sleeve top is giving, “come hither Mr. Darcy” feminine energy and looks fabulous tucked into these vintage slim-straight corduroy pants. The Frances mules keep it business casual, but polished.

Fit Notes: The pants run big (I’m wearing a 29). The top is TTS (I’m wearing a large). The mules are TTS (I’m wearing an 8).

4| Mules + Cardigan & Cords

Cardigan | Cords | Mules

Spoiler: This is exactly what I’m wearing on Thanksgiving this year. Shopbop’s MINKPINK Hamedan Cardigan is my favorite purchase from their recent sale. It gives off “Background Actor in Pleasantville” vibes that I’m all about. The vintage cords are festive and the leather mules keep me from just slipping on Birkenstocks and calling it a day. Comfortable for a day of gorging, but also a complete outfit.

Fit Notes: The cardigan is TTS (I’m wearing a large). The cords run big (size down, I’m wearing a 29). The mules are TTS (I’m wearing an 8).

5| Mules + Tee, Jacket & Jeans

Tee | Jacket (similar) | Jeans | Mules

A little bit dressy…a little bit Alexis (boop!). I layered my Alexis Tee that my brother gifted me under a KUT from the Cloth Faux Suede Jacket (similar) paired with my J.Crew Boyfriend Jeans (so many boyfriends!) finished off with my Frances Loafer Mules.

Fit Notes: For a more fitted look, size down in the tee (I’m wearing a medium). The jeans run big (size 2 sizes down, I’m wearing a 28). The mules are TTS (I’m wearing an 8).

Whether it’s walking up the stairs to find shoes, zippers, laces, you name it, I will find a reason to askew a shoe that works with my outfit and opt for my plastic sandals instead. What can I say? We all have our thresholds. Madewell’s Frances Loafer Mule has allowed me to combine the slip-on ease I love about my plastic sandals with a fashion-forward look that actually works with most fall and winter outfits.

And that, my friends, is progress.

x, Meredith