Well, what do you think? Are socks with mules a do or a don’t? I’m not talking about wearing them with cute summer mules. My dilemma is, do you wear socks with mules in the fall and winter when it’s cold outside. I’ve asked around and gotten everything from YES! to NEVER! to JUST DON’T WEAR MULES WHEN IT’S COLD! to HMMMM… DON’T KNOW. So today I did a little super-scientific (LOL) research. The verdict? It’s mixed, but there are ways to make it a “do”! Here are some examples I found that tell me maybe it’s not so bad, style-wise, to keep your feet warm. (Thank goodness!)
Fall/Winter Style Mules + Chunky, Slouchy Socks
Love the easy, casual look of the slouchy socks and fringed mules.

Image Source: StyleMagazines.au via Pinterest
Fishnet Socks with Flat, Sleek Mules
Okay, these socks really wouldn’t help with warmth, but fishnets with mules was the past couple of fall seasons. I’m not sold on this look for my typical casual, comfy vibe, but I do like how it looks on other people. I might even do this same thing, but with some tailored black knee-high socks.

Image Source: IvyKat.Squarespace.com
Statement Mules with Bright Socks
I love this fun look, and if the heels on those fab Gucci mules were a little lower (uh, and they weren’t Gucci-priced), I could totally see myself replicating this. My question: would you wear bright socks with mules that weren’t open-toe?

Image Source: Lisa Fiege via Twitter (@Lisa_Fiege)
Furry Mules with Socks
I did see quite a few people sporting these furry mules last winter (Target had some!) with socks. I’m guessing this look will be on repeat again this winter.

Image Source: Sneakers and Pearls via Pinterest
MY TURN! Mule + Sock Pairings for Cooler Weather
Here are some mule and sock pairings that I would totally wear this fall or winter. Click to shop each look.
Note: This blog post contains affiliate links. Shopping via these links may result in my earning a commission at no cost to you. As always, all opinions expressed here are 100% my own, and I only share products and brands that I love and think you will, too.
1. Comfy + Cozy
Vionic mules are the comfiest, and these socks have the perfect complementary warm, cozy colors and feel. Oh, and p.s.: I picked only mules that I thought would be comfortable, so you won’t find any sky-high heels or super-pointy toes here.
Shop these:
- Vionic Nellie mules
- Treasure & Bond socks (2-pack)
2. Chic + Dressy
I can see wearing these for parent-teacher conferences or to present at a conference on a chilly day. These shoes also come in black and beige, and I can see wearing the black ones with a bright colored sock, or the beige ones with neutral or white socks.
Shop these:
3. Sporty + Casual
These snake-print metallic sneaker mules are fabulous, no? They also come in black leather with white soles for a more classic look.
Shop these:
Tips for Wearing Mules in Cold Weather
Weather you sock up or not, here are a few tips for making mules work for you when the weather turns colder:
- If it’s a little rainy or snowy, choose mules with thicker soles. The higher the open parts are the shoe are from the ground, the less likely you are to get your feet wet. Obv, if it’s too rainy or snowy, mules might not be your best bet.
- Choose materials that are thicker. Again, sort of obvious, but the more material you can put between your skin and the elements, the better. Plus, thicker, more substantial leathers or faux leathers and suedes just look better in fall and winter.
- If you’re going with socks, think about whether you want to emphasize the mule with contrasting colored socks or have more of a sleek, monochromatic look where your mules and socks are the same color.
- Tights or thin trouser socks are a great option for a more classic, dressy look when temps are cooler.
- Stick with simpler shapes and heels. Kitten or spike heels not only don’t play well with icy walkways, so unless you’re going for a dressy night-out look, stick with block heels, wedges, or thicker flats.
I’m still in the middle of #nosphopseptember2018 (check my Insta for more info on that, as well as a $110 PayPal prize!) and the only mules I own are some summery leopard espadrille mules from Target. I love the look of mules for fall and winter, though, so when I’m back in shopping mode I might pick up one of these pairs of mules to try, both with and without socks. But what about you? Would you (or DO you) wear socks with mules?