Who Says You Can't Wear Slippers Outside? Hailey Bieber Fall Mules Suggest Otherwise
Our take

The recent embrace of slippers as a viable fall footwear choice, spearheaded by Hailey Bieber, signals a fascinating shift in the landscape of contemporary style. It’s a move that feels both delightfully subversive and entirely predictable, given the prevailing trends towards comfort and effortless chic. For years, the fashion world has dictated rigid seasonal boundaries, demanding a complete wardrobe overhaul with each change in temperature. Yet, we've seen a gradual erosion of those rules, fueled by a desire for practicality and a rejection of performative dressing. This is further underscored by the enduring appeal of styles like those featured in [Farewell, Summer—7 Elite Labor Day Outfits to Welcome the New Season In], which subtly acknowledge the lingering warmth while hinting at the autumnal shift. The elevation of a traditionally indoor item – the slipper – to a street-style staple speaks volumes about our evolving relationship with luxury and the blurring lines between casual and elevated dressing.
The genius of Bieber’s move lies in its inherent simplicity. It's not about aggressively pushing a trend; it’s about organically integrating a comfortable, familiar piece into an already established aesthetic. This aligns perfectly with the current mood, where authenticity and ease are prized above all else. We're seeing a similar sentiment reflected in the resurgence of '90s fashion, as demonstrated by Maisie Williams’ recreation of a Sandra Bullock look at the *Practical Magic 2* premiere – [Maisie Williams Recreated a '90s-Era Sandra Bullock Look at the 'Practical Magic 2' Premiere]— a nod to a time when style felt less curated and more about personal expression. The slipper, in this context, becomes a symbol of that relaxed confidence, a quiet declaration of self-assuredness that doesn’t require elaborate styling. It’s a rejection of the frantic pursuit of the "next big thing" in favor of embracing what feels inherently *right*. The rise of the "It Bag" – [The New '90s It Bag of Fall 2026 Is Here] – while still present, is now often approached with a more discerning eye, seeking pieces that offer lasting appeal rather than fleeting trendiness.
The implications extend beyond just footwear. This slipper phenomenon reflects a broader cultural shift towards prioritizing well-being and self-care. After years of relentless hustle and a constant pressure to project an image of perfection, there’s a growing desire for comfort, both physical and emotional. Fashion is mirroring this sentiment, offering pieces that allow us to feel good in our own skin, regardless of external validation. The slipper, in its plush simplicity, embodies that desire. It’s a rejection of the constraints of traditional style, a gentle rebellion against the dictates of the fashion elite. Moreover, it subtly challenges the notion of luxury itself. True luxury, increasingly, isn't about ostentatious displays of wealth; it’s about investing in quality, comfort, and pieces that bring genuine joy. A beautifully crafted pair of slippers can be just as luxurious as a designer handbag, provided they are worn with confidence and intention.
Ultimately, the rise of the slipper signals a move away from a top-down, trend-driven fashion system and towards a more individualistic and emotionally-driven approach to style. It's a testament to the power of influencers like Hailey Bieber, not just for setting trends, but for subtly reshaping our understanding of what it means to be stylish. The question now is, will this comfort-first approach continue to permeate other areas of our wardrobes, or will we see a pendulum swing back towards more structured and formal styles as the weather truly turns? Perhaps the most interesting development will be how designers adapt to this new reality, finding ways to incorporate elements of comfort and ease into their collections without sacrificing the artistry and craftsmanship that define high fashion.
When I'm shopping for a new seasonal shoe trend, I'll spend weeks comparing designers and styles before grabbing my credit card. If my house slippers need a refresh, however, I prioritize comfort and don't think twice about the look. But with my go-to It girls wearing the mules trend outside, I think it's time I started slipper shopping the Hailey Bieber Way.
On August 26, she wore backless black shoes with a cool blue V-neck long-sleeve, cropped black trousers, and the celebrity-beloved Chanel Maxi Flap Bag in the trendy forest green. The oversized handbag seems to be a new addition to Bieber's closet—and a detour from her minimalist color palette.

Are Bieber's days of wearing Uggs on the street style scene behind her? Maybe not entirely, but her taste in slippers has also evolved over the years: Slim suede or pony-hair styles with four-figure price tags have been knocking shearling-lined slides off of Bieber's leaderboard.
Late last year, Bieber began building her mules collection. Since flip-flops, high-vamp flats, and loafers from The Row have never done her wrong, the Rhode founder stayed loyal to the Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen-led label. She debuted the pony-hair Penelope Mules—known for their round, loafer-length toe boxes—with a white crop top, a double-breasted overcoat, straight-leg jeans, and the Park Tote from The Row.

It wasn't long before Bieber unboxed another black pair of Penelopes. By March 2026, she swapped the matte calf-skin style for the same silhouette in glossy leather. While on vacation in Japan, they appeared via Instagram alongside wool trousers from The Row and a vintage Gucci leather jacket. Once the Biebers returned to Beverly Hills, she wore the patent Penelopes with a crocheted skirt set in a matching color.

No matter the season, mules have been a mainstay in Bieber's regular off-duty rotation, but the trend's summer-to-fall potential is undeniable. This summer, celebrities like Zoë Kravitz and Vittoria Ceretti endorsed the ballet flats alternative—will they continue the trend into the fall?
While we wait to find out, thanks to Bieber, I'll definitely be more intentional in the slipper shopping department. Who knows, maybe I'll even take them outside.
Shop the Mules Trend Inspired by Hailey Bieber
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