pruduct review

The most stylish people tend to dress in uniforms. If they wear trousers, it’s always with this flat-shoe style. If they’re wearing leggings, it’s always with one of these specific It sneakers, and well, you get the gist. For a long time, if chic people were wearing blue jeans, there was a 99% chance they’d be pairing the denim with classic black loafers, and to an extent, that’s still true.

Lately, I’ve began to notice the rise of a new flat-shoe trend, and my editor senses have been tingling. If I were the betting type, I’d put money behind this shoe style becoming the new default to wear with jeans and maybe even taking the top spot from loafers. I’m talking about flat closed-toe mules that chic people like Hailey Bieber have been spotted wearing more and more. Bieber, for her part, opted for The Row’s Penelope Mules, a sleek pair of leather mules with an open slip-on silhouette. She wore them with vintage Levi’s, a white tee, and a tailored black coat for a casual combo that’s easy but chic.

Both Bieber’s style and The Row’s elevated staples continue to be endlessly replicated, which is why I think—er, know—that her Penelope Mules will become the blueprint for chic flats in 2026. Sure, black loafers are fine, but this year, expect well-dressed people to be wearing flat mules with their jeans instead. Ahead, shop Bieber’s pair and peruse more The Row–esque flats.

On Hailey Bieber: Khaite Tania Coat; Denim by Orlee vintage Levi’s; The Row Penelope Mules ($1270) and Small Park Tote ($1550)