Loafers
Comfortable, fashionable, sometimes unremarkable in appearance, sometimes shocking - loafers can revive your wardrobe, bring bright colors into it, regardless of colors. These shoes combine style and comfort. Loafers are perfect for everyday life as well as for special occasions or business events. However, despite the obvious advantages of this shoe, most fashionistas are clearly not very familiar with it yet. So what are loafers?
Peculiarities
Loafers rightfully belong to the high style of fashionable "outfit". These are up-to-date footwear models for connoisseurs of simplicity and sophistication. These shoes are distinguished by their appearance, which is reflected in the rough outlines of the model with a soft design and in the rounded shape of the nose. Although there are often comparisons with classic shoes. And the loafers themselves are often called shoes, which is now not considered a gross mistake.
The heel of loafers is well reinforced, the heel is quite pronounced, although the shoe as a whole has a flat, rigid sole. By the way, today this figure is actively changing and you can see high-heeled loafers. In classic loafers, the heel height is no more than 5 cm. And it, as a rule, has a square shape, which gives it more stability. Stylish shoes are distinguished by a “high” tongue and additional decorative elements, for example, in the form of a buckle or fringe. It is worth noting that loafers are different from other flat shoes. If we compare them with slippers, then the differences will relate specifically to the decorative elements, the presence of a low hard heel in loafers. Moccasins and slippers lack this detail.
The peculiarity of sleepers is in their original purpose. At first, they were worn by men as night shoes or slippers. Loafers should not be confused with moccasins.The latter are more related to free shoe models, so popular among active women.
At the same time, do not forget that the most diverse, but somewhat similar in style, shoe models are suitable for creating an individual fashionable image:
- sleepers,
- oxfords,
- chelsea,
- brogues,
- loafers,
- Derby,
- monkey,
- espadrilles.
These shoe models differ from loafers in the shape of the toe and heel, as well as in the sole and decorative elements.
Various models of loafers are classified as comfortable and stylish footwear in urban environments. These models almost immediately from the moment of their appearance managed to take pride of place in the fashion world. Most often they are worn instead of elegant high-heeled shoes. In style, they are not inferior to each other. With loafers (as with shoes), you can create almost any classic look. Most outfits benefit from loafers. A simple cut combined with decorative angularity gives them solidity. In addition, slim ankles can be accentuated in these shoes. In general, the stylish fashion look thanks to loafers takes on a more flirtatious shape. This is a godsend for young fashionistas to create their own image.
The first thing you notice when looking at loafers is the unpretentious design, as if it came down to us from the 19th century. Although, in fact, the middle of the 20th century is associated with the transformation of these shoes into an independent direction. Rather, since that time, loafers have ceased to be exclusively men's shoes and have acquired more "feminine" outlines. And if we really adhere to accuracy, then loafers were once an element of the British naval uniform for men. The idea of adapting the style to women's fashion appeared among designers back in the 30s of the 20th century, but the debt did not find a successful embodiment. Much later, in the 1950s, these shoes were recognized as the beauties of Hollywood. And with the end of the 60s, a new trend in the fashion world came and for a long time pushed this element of the wardrobe to the margins of the fashion industry, although the interest to them did not dry out. Today, there is a renewed interest in loafers. Moreover, this applies to both women's and men's fashion.
Since clothes today are becoming more and more versatile, comfortable and pragmatic, then such shoes, as well as possible, correspond to fashion trends. Loafers have now become an integral part of the trendy urban look, especially in the off-season.
Modern footwear models compare favorably with their predecessors with a spectacular look with the use of metallic elements, suede or leather. And despite the "masculine" style, these shoes visually make the leg graceful.
Other shoe options may not always compete with loafers in terms of versatility. You can really wear almost anything to them, and get an actual bow. It can be an informal image for a party or a business style for negotiations. Loafers look stylish on the platform, acquiring the features of youth or "school" fashion. There can be many fashionable variations here.
Models
Fashionable stylish loafers look very different from the rest of the shoes, since they do not lace up, they have a kind of low-heeled sole.
The toe of such shoes can be either rounded or sharp, the heel in classic models has a rectangular shape. Loafers have a moccasin-like upper, but they don't have a heel and are softer overall. They also differ in the presence of simple decorative elements like tassels, fringes, stripes.
Fashionable models of loafers are presented today in a wide variety of variations - women's, men's, children's models (for girls and boys). Designer loafers are of interest. It can be:
- boots with heels, or high loafers;
- loafers decorated with tassels, fringes, laces, bows, embroidery, chains, rhinestones;
- loafers with spikes on the sole and with ears;
- loafers without a backdrop.
There are winter and summer models, sports, home, or even business style. There are two main types of loafers:
- with miniature tassel loafers in leather;
- penny loafers with a characteristic one-penny slot, as a tribute to the tradition of using a coin for luck, for example, in exams.
All models of loafers, in addition to external colors, finishes and decor, differ in the type of sole. Perhaps this is the main distinguishing feature of this shoe. Loafers can be with low heels, wedge heels, platform and even high heels, with "tractor" soles.
Loafers can have heels of different thickness. Most popular loafers have wide soles without looking rough. Especially if you combine them with light clothes, for example, with a chiffon dress. This visually balances the image. The geometric heel of loafers today does not look as "powerful" as the first models.
It will not be difficult to buy wedge loafers today. From the moment of its appearance, such shoes most of all fell to the taste of young fashionable women of short stature. You can wear these shoes with jeans, shorts or dresses. True, preference should be given to comfortable wedge loafers that will not cause discomfort when walking.
The "tractor" sole is also an example of an "amateur" model. Some have noted the "brutality" in the style of this shoe. At the same time, it should be noted how harmoniously these loafers will look in combination with a light short dress. And, of course, when choosing clothes for them, you cannot do without a pair of jeans.
The main thing is that loafers do not weigh down the image, do not make it too mundane. In this sense, you need to understand how loafers will suit you if you, for example, have short stature and large ankles.
Loafers, similar to loafers, with flat soles are more suitable for romantic natures. The appearance of such shoes is beyond doubt. The soft textured materials make these loafers more like shoes or moccasins.
Materials (edit)
Give credit to modern designers. Loafers would hardly have gained such widespread popularity if they were not so practical. The designers have managed to make these shoes more comfortable thanks to the right materials.
Manufacturers offer the following loafers to choose from:
- lacquer,
- varnished,
- on fur,
- leather,
- suede,
- velvet,
- made of genuine leather.
Loafers made from quality natural or artificial materials are included in the fashionable summer and demi-season shows of the collections. They can have stylish decorative finishes in the same color. Although a rich palette of shoe styles and colors allows any fashionista to choose shoes to her liking.
Color solutions
Modern models of loafers are presented today in a wide variety of colors:
- burgundy,
- black,
- gold,
- blue,
- beige,
- with red soles,
- silvery,
- green,
- gray,
- leopard,
- silver,
- white,
- pink.
White and black give the shoe a classic look that is more typical for a business look. Today there are many interesting models of loafers in bright neon colors. Loafers with animal prints are very relevant this season. Lovers of extreme fashion will love loafers in reptile colors.
Manufacturers
Modern footwear manufacturers for everyday wear could not ignore the trendy loafers. These shoes are simple and comfortable to wear in their own way, without much sophistication and without unnecessary details. However, she is able to diversify both male and female wardrobe. In this regard, it is worth taking a closer look at the various models of loafers from different manufacturers.
The most popular brands are Lofer Austria, Spur, Kari. Belgian brands have proven themselves to be a good manufacturer of such shoes; Italy supplies the market with samples of exquisite and high-quality loafers.
Renowned fashion houses such as Gucci add their own unique touches to classic designs. So, the brand has varieties of these fashionable shoes with a metal clasp. Belgian loafers are quite distinctive in style. They are sewn using the “inside out” method, and a leather bow is sewn onto the tongue.
Fashion trends and new items
The fashion for loafers has never left without a trace. She simply subsided, then surged with renewed vigor. Today, loafers have received a new stylish look, although they have not lost their traditional elements. Some designers try to compensate for the simplicity of this shoe by adding sophisticated and eye-catching decorative elements. Although this season, the classic shape of loafers with perky tassels to match remains in trend.
Every year, designers more and more endow loafers with the features of classic women's shoes. For example, they began to be made with high heels, and sometimes you can even find a model on a stiletto heel.
What to wear with?
Loafers are loved all over the world for their versatility. They go great with anything:
- with a suit,
- with trousers,
- with jeans,
- with skirts,
- with dresses,
- with shorts.
But there are general rules when creating a fashionable look with loafers.
- Loafers are worn in combination with cropped trousers. Perhaps this is one of the first companions of this shoe. This combination allows you to get a more romantic gentle image for a young fashionista. The top can be open - T-shirts, tops or light blouses.
- You should be smart when choosing a companion for loafers so as not to weigh down the bottom of the image. Therefore, it is worth looking at dresses made of flowing fabrics, skirts with frills and blouses with lace trim. At the same time, it is better to give preference to loafers with wedges or heels.
- For a romantic look, you don't have to dress only in dresses. For example, shorts are a great addition to a loafers look.
- The slimness of the figure allows you to wear a wide variety of clothes. So, in combination with loafers, skinny jeans, a fitted suit or a pencil skirt look good. The choice of clothing will depend on the upcoming event. You can complement the look with a loose bag, massive watch or a fashionable scarf.
- When determining the combination of loafers with clothes, you should pay attention to the bright finish of the shoes, the presence of decorative elements, details. For example, short cocktail dresses look very attractive with loafers in bright colors. As an addition to them, an elegant clutch is suitable.
- With loafers, in addition to dresses, airy asymmetric tunics of bright colors look great. In such an outfit, you can safely go to an informal event, party.
- As an alternative to light dresses, a combination of loafers with long knitted sweaters is considered today. It can also be fluffy and soft sweatshirts.
There are tons of ways to create stylish combinations from loafers and other wardrobe items. But first, it is important to choose the right model, taking into account the height, weight, shape of the legs. For example, loafers on a large foot or against a too thin ankle are unlikely to look appropriate. Otherwise, the fashionable verdict for loafers is unambiguous: wear and enjoy.
Many women still doubt whether they should change their fashion preferences and follow the "youth" fashion with large boots or loafers. There is no definitive answer here. A lot is decided by the individual style, harmony and youthfulness of a fashionista. So, loafers truly do not cease to be a versatile shoe option.
Fashion has not spared children's shoes either. Loafers have gained a well-deserved popularity among children due to their stylish cut and comfort to wear. In such shoes, a child can safely go to class, parents - to work. You just should not choose shoes that are bulky and heavy in shape, so as not to spoil the first impression.Ate, initially, to correctly choose stylish shoes, so it will become a favorite accessory in the wardrobe of men, women and children for a long time.