Clogs aren’t going anywhere. (And personally, that’s great news for me). They’re one of those shoe styles that never really left, they just got better, more refined, more wearable. Whether you gravitate toward a chunky wooden sole or a sleek slip-on mule, there’s a version of this shoe that fits pretty much every outfit in your rotation.
Arielle Charnas recently shared her clogs edit on LTK, featuring picks in different colors and textures worth saving. Take a look at the collage below and then keep reading for practical tips on how to actually wear them.
5 Tips to Style Clogs & Mules
#1. Let the wood-sole clog speak
The traditional clog, wooden sole and all, has a slightly rustic, slightly vintage energy to it. That’s its whole charm. The trick is letting the shoe be the personality of the outfit rather than fighting it for attention.
Wide-leg trousers or straight-leg jeans work really well here. The broader hem echoes the chunkiness of the sole without looking like an accident. Pair with a simple fitted knit or a relaxed linen shirt. Tuck in or half-tuck; both work.
Stick to earthy tones. Tan, cream, olive, rust. These feel natural alongside the wood and keep the look cohesive without being too matchy.
#2. Use black mules as an outfit finisher
A black mule is basically a finishing move. You’ve built your outfit, everything looks decent, then you swap in a black mule and somehow it all clicks. It’s that kind of shoe.
They work with almost anything: tailored trousers, a midi skirt, straight denim, even a relaxed suit. The key is proportion. A sleeker, lower mule reads more polished, which makes it ideal for anything that leans smart or evening-adjacent. A chunkier black mule is better for daywear, a bit more relaxed in spirit.
One thing worth noting: a black mule with a monochrome black outfit is genuinely underrated. The shoe disappears into the look and makes your legs appear longer. Simple, but it works.
#3. Tan & nude tones make you look taller
This is a trick stylists have been using forever: a tan or nude-toned mule that sits close to your skin tone creates a nearly seamless line from leg to foot. The effect is subtle but real.
Arielle Charnas works this well by pairing light-toned mules with neutral outfits that don’t break the visual line at the ankle. Flowy midi dresses, tapered trousers, linen sets, they all benefit from this approach.
If you’re wearing something with a hem that hits mid-calf or lower, a nude mule keeps things from feeling visually chopped. A darker shoe in that same scenario tends to draw the eye down in a less flattering way.
#4. Add some texture to your outfit
Texture is where clogs and mules start to get really interesting. A croc-embossed mule in black or brown adds a layer of visual richness to an otherwise simple outfit. Suede reads softer and more casual. Woven or raffia styles have a warm-weather, almost artisanal quality that pairs well with linen, cotton, and flowy silhouettes.
A few general rules here. Suede works better in fall and winter. Woven and raffia lean spring and summer, though you can stretch it into early fall with the right outfit. Croc-effect works year-round because it reads as elevated without being seasonal.
With heavily textured shoes, keep the outfit itself relatively calm. A croc mule doesn’t need to compete with a printed dress. Let the shoe be the thing.
#5. Add a pop of color in the shoe
A colorful clog or mule operates similarly to the unexpected red theory. One bold shoe, otherwise neutral outfit, and suddenly the whole thing has a point of view.
White clogs feel fresh, almost unexpected in colder months, and look great against dark denim or an all-black outfit. Burgundy and deep brown are easier starting points if you want color without going full statement. They’re warm tones that blend with autumn and winter wardrobes naturally.
The honest truth about colored clogs is that you don’t need to overthink them. Pick a color you already wear in your clothes somewhere. Your outfit will naturally pull together.
A Few Quick Tips Before You Shop
Think about heel height. A flat or very low clog has a different energy than a heeled mule. The flat version skews casual; the heel version can do actual evening duty.
Fit matters a lot with mules. Too loose and they’re uncomfortable to walk in, and it shows. Make sure the foot sits securely on the sole without slipping.
If you’re building from scratch, a tan or black low-heeled mule is the most versatile starting point. From there, a textured or colored pair adds variety without requiring a whole new wardrobe.
For more outfit ideas and styling inspiration, browse Arielle Charnas’s LTK for real outfits built around pieces like these.
