Cool Your Heels as We Move From Summer to Fall With These Backless Loafers/Mules/Slippers

By the time September rolls around, most people have come to terms with the fact that summer is wrapping up. While temperatures generally drop, they don’t make a drastic plunge like someone cannonballing into a pool. That means you still have a couple of weeks to bask in warm temperatures. Instead of stepping into shoes that completely cover our feet right away, we’re giving our heels a bit of breathing room by favoring backless loafers, which are sometimes also referred to as mules or even slippers.

There’s an almost shocking level of variety. As long as you don’t limit yourself to strictly penny loafer styles. Anyone who considers themselves a true minimalist at heart will totally vibe with the Larroudé Margaux Mule in Black Leather, which only features a small gold emblem as decoration. Emme Parsons’ Monceaux Mule is also pretty pared back. Creamy colors more your go-to? Vince and Zara have you, except for your heels, covered.

If you’re looking for something a tad more overstated, pick a pair in an unexpected shade. Loafers tend to keep things neutral so a brighter pop of color switches expectations. Take the vibrant orange of M.Gemi’s The Pastoso Signature Mule, which doesn’t scream Halloween. Some may mistake the hue of Tod’s Suede Loafer Mules as orange, but it’s more of an earthy terracotta. Navy is considered a neutral by some, but the beautiful azure shade of Sophique’s Riviera Leather Loafer Mules is unconventional in a good way. You may think the cornflower color of Zara’s Suede Mule Loafers and the petal pink of Paloma Wool’s Fernanda Slip-On Loafer are better suited to spring or summer because they can be classified as pastels. Just like you can wear white long after Labor Day, you can also flaunt pastels all year long. Red is another popular option with Saint Laurent’s Le Loafer Eel Slippers coming in a rich burgundy. Can’t swing the $1,250 price tag? The Steve Madden Rafe Burgundy Eel is a more cost-effective solution. Maeve’s 3D Bow Loafer Slides mix a wine hue with baby blue trim embellished by a bold bow.

Speaking of embellishments, if you plan your outfits from the ground up and want the focal point to be your footwear, there are lots of styles to choose from. Bottega Veneta’s Astaire Embellished Leather Slippers boast the brand’s signature knot hardware. Versace is in the same boat flaunting its classic Medusa design on its stark leather loafers. Loewe’s Edge Leather Loafer Mules are the most flashy with golden spirals that demand immediate attention. Tassels add something extra to any style with Scarosso’s Giorgina Cognac set working in any office. Have the best of both worlds with Valentino Garavani’s VLogo Signature Suede Loafer Mules that include a tassel and the fashion house’s iconic “V” logo.

Scroll down to discover the super stylish backless loafers to kick fall off on the right foot.