Sleepers
Fashionistas who value comfort, but at the same time strive to be always in trend, have already acquired slipers. Don't you have them in your wardrobe yet? Then we will tell you how this shoe won the hearts of millions of people around the world. You might also want to grab a pair of these versatile boots for all occasions.
What it is?
Slippers are lightweight, partly closed slip-on shoes. They are pleasant to wear and easy to put on and take off. There are models with small heels, but most often you can see flat slippers.
Sleepers came into fashion with the light hand of Prince Albert. In the 19th century, these shoes were very popular among English aristocrats. Noble people wore these velvet slippers with tuxedos, as they were tired of the classic shoes, in which it was not very convenient to hold social events. In those days, only representatives of the stronger sex wore them. Now these comfortable shoes have become popular among both men and women, and the variety of materials allows them to choose a pair for every taste.
Due to their versatility, slippers fit well into a wide variety of styles. In 2016, they literally blew up the catwalks. Urban fashion is still relevant, and these shoes have become an integral part of it. Perhaps the success of these amazing slippers is in their successful cut. They don't look as rough as sneakers and other athletic shoes, and if we talk about feminine models, then many of them look sleeker than ballet flats. Combined with impeccable comfort, this makes them incredibly relevant for many seasons.
How are they different from loafers and slip-ons?
Many people confuse sleepers with slip-ons. Both shoes are predominantly casual, but slip-ons are still a more sporty option. They usually have elasticated side panels and small tabs. Their sole is always flat, rubbery and rather thick.Various prints for slip-ons are used, it can be cartoons, and abstract patterns, and they are made of canvas, suede or leather. For the first time they were released by the designers of the Vans company.
Loafers are similar to sleepers, they are also comfortable shoes, but they look a little more solid due to the rigid sole and the obligatory small heel. They can be decorated with buckles or tassels, and the color scheme of loafers is always restrained.
Types and models
There are many models of sleepers, especially for women. You can choose them for different styles and for any event. So, what options for slippers do designers offer for ladies?
On thin soles
This option is closest to the classic, which was popular two centuries ago. Like the very slippers of aristocrats, these models usually do not have a heel and are made of velvety materials. Along with them, sleepers from other fabrics are also produced - here the imagination of designers knows no limits.
Thanks to the flat sole without insteps in such shoes, you can feel comfortable in the office, and on the streets of the city, and in nature. Such a pair, perhaps, will take its place in every girl's wardrobe.
- On the platform
Tall slippers appeared somewhat later than the usual "Prince Albert slippers", but they have already won the love of many fashionistas. This model has retained the common features of classic sleepers, however, thanks to the platform, they look more stylish and youthful, and they add a few centimeters of growth. The platform can be of different thickness, but not too large, because the main advantage of sleepers is convenience!
- Heels
In such sleepers, you can go to a social event. They will be quite appropriate in combination with an evening dress and a small handbag. As a rule, these models are made in a calmer color scheme than others, while elements of embroidery and other decor are allowed. The heel is always wide and comfortable, which means you will not get tired even if the ceremony is too long.
- Slippers
Earlier, aristocrats used to wear sleepers at home, so why not use them as house shoes now? Knitted and textile models do the job well. You can meet guests in them or take them with you when you go to visit a friend.
- Slippers for men
Here, designers do not offer such a variety of models as for women. Basically, men's sleepers are divided into classic and modern. The former include boots of their velvet, suede or nubuck, with a tongue. Modern options delight the eye with bright colors and are most often made of leather. However, not all representatives of the stronger sex are ready for such colorful boots, and therefore they are less popular.
Material
- Velvet
Although the first sleepers were made of velvet, today it is increasingly giving way to other materials. Such models basically remained only in the men's wardrobe, and then they are being replaced by more modern, suede "brothers". And yet, lovers of the classics prefer them, although it is not so easy to find them and they are quite expensive.
- Leather
Leather shoes are the most popular, so sleepers over time began to make them of this versatile material. Due to their practicality, leather models have pushed the usual velvet ones, since they are easier to care for, and they retain their presentation much longer.
- Lacquer
At first glance, this may seem strange ... How shoes, which are primarily designed to give comfort, can be made of patent leather. After all, this material is usually used for classic shoes. And yet the designers did it! The shiny slippers are quite comfortable to use and at the same time look sophisticated and original. The color scheme of such models can be any, but, as it is not difficult to guess, black boots are the most popular among customers.
- Canvas
Canvas or other textiles are also great for making sleepers.This option becomes very popular in the summer. In combination with a thin sole, fabric shoes give their owners a feeling of lightness and comfort.
- Suede
An expensive but highly maintenance option. Like any footwear made of such a capricious material, it easily gets dirty and covered with dust, so when you go outside in it, you should take a suede care product with you. For walks in the rain, when there are a lot of puddles, they are understandably unsuitable. Sleepers of mint and other “powdered” delicate colors are especially relevant.
- On fur
The Gucci brand once delighted its fans with leather slippers with fur, they became one of the features of the fall-winter 2015 collection. Such an unusual finish looked very unexpected on leather slippers. Both men and women were encouraged to wear these winter sleepers.
- Knitted
Hand-made lovers did not lag behind fashion and began to create street slippers, armed with threads and a crochet hook. To give homemade shoes stability, they were knitted from linen or cotton. Despite the fact that they are created by hand, the craftsmen repeat all the design features of sleepers: a rounded slightly elongated toe is knitted, a comfortable heel counter. They fit perfectly into a wardrobe for a summer vacation and will surely appeal to fans of boho or hippie style.
Colour
Of course, the most common color for shoes is black, therefore, these sleepers can be found in stores most often. They are more suitable for the sets of clothes that we wear to work or for everyday walks. Light-colored slippers in white, beige or sandy colors are especially popular in summer, when things of light shades or bright saturated colors prevail in the wardrobe.
You can also find multi-colored slippers, including those with different prints. This type of shoe allows for any unexpected patterns. Most often they decorate fabric models. These can be cartoon characters, floral and animal patterns, a cage, a strip, etc.
Decor
It would seem that smart slippers look somewhat strange on city streets. But the designers do not see any contradictions in this and offer bright and sometimes even too catchy trim elements for sleepers. Instead of precious stones that adorned the shoes of aristocrats during the time of Prince Albert, rhinestones are used today.... In addition, gold threads, beads, beads, sequins, lace, metal spikes and other accessories are used. Lovers of exclusiveness can easily decorate their shoes on their own. You can get ideas at fashion shows, because couturiers still pay a lot of attention to sleepers and give them an important place in their extravagant collections.
Brands
At different times sleepers either lost their popularity or gained it again. These boots' finest hour began in 2011 when Charles philip again reminded the world of their existence in its bright line. Since then, many brands have supported him and released similar shoes.
Young girls who follow fashion trends are probably familiar with elegant velvety shoes with cats on socks from Charlotte Olimpia. Prada have chosen for their boots in this style a design with reptile sequins, as well as flowers and gold. Designers Valentino delighted the fans with pink slippers, decorated with black lace or crystals. Christian louboutin launched a line of spiked leather and satin slippers.
Alexander McQueen presented colored models with signature beaded skulls. Brand name Miu Miu embodied in his collection the trends of the Baroque style - a little pretentious luxury of gold and bright colors. Jimmy choo He experimented with calfskin and produced very versatile sleepers suitable for different situations. And models from Vera wang features an ethnic style, in this collection there are even straw shoes. Brian atwood created truly brutal slippers - suede with holographic snakeskin imitation. Brand name Renee Caovilla released shoes with lace toe, Swarovski crystals and beads.
How and with what to wear?
Since sleepers are, first of all, comfortable shoes, they will best complement casual clothes. Cropped skinny jeans or leggings that do not hide the ankle are perfect. This set can be complemented by a simple T-shirt, as well as a light summer jacket. Even if all things from this ensemble are too laconic, sleepers with bright decor will refresh this set and make it not so everyday.
If you combine sleepers with a more feminine outfit, then a win-win option would be black shoes with a cropped flared skirt and a light blouse. A laconic belt with a large buckle completes the look.
What could be more appropriate in the summer than shorts? They can be worn with slippers of different colors with rhinestones, sequins or embroidery. The same goes for versatile denim skirts. On top, you can pick up a simple cotton blouse.
With all the versatility of this shoe, we note that you should not combine it with pajama-style suits or with socks, otherwise your image will look too homely.
According to stylists, you should not wear too long trousers with slippers. Some musicians and artists boldly wear classic costumes with them. You never know what epotage stars can afford? For people not from show business, such a combination would be inappropriate. Jeans go well with slippers. True, in this case, you should pay attention not to the classics, but to the narrowed models. You can choose fitted chinos instead. A T-shirt with a checked shirt or a sweatshirt can complement this look.
In summer, slippers will replace the usual sneakers, for example, complete with a colorful shirt and denim shorts. For those looking to stand out, fashion experts advise experimenting with a sweatshirt with a small hat, black slip-on jeans, and a leather backpack. The color scheme of these things should be uniform, preferably dark, but the print on the sweatshirt should be bright.
So, here are the basic rules to remember for lovers of sleepers:
- wear them without socks;
- do not wear such shoes with trousers and skirts in which the ankles are not visible;
- avoid pajama-style sets.
Now you know enough about sleepers to choose a pair you like, and maybe several pairs. We are sure you will appreciate these shoes and they will become a hit in your summer wardrobe.