First let me apologize to any of the subscribers who got a sneak peek of this post last night. I hit the wrong button in Word Press and accidentally published the post early – about 16 hours early. #Oops
It’s time for another #Shoesday post and this week I’m talking about my latest crush … loafers. I can’t seem to stop buying (and wearing) them lately. The contributing factor is probably the more casual mode I often find myself in when I am not meeting clients but I still feel the desire to look professional. They are such an easy way to upgrade any outfit from casual to business casual. So this week I’m showing you my loafer love and all the different styles I have been coveting. #SoManyStyles
Loafers fall into all sorts of categories so I thought I would break down some of my favorites and show you how I’ve been wearing them.
Classic (Round)
First up the classic round, from traditional penny loafers to a more slipper style this style has been around for a long time!! I do have a few good pairs of rounds though (my Rothy’s fall into this category as do my J.Crew sparklers).
I tried these traditional ones from Madewell and while I love them, I am decidedly more of a point gal (keep scrolling).
I would pair these with a traditional trouser, button down blouse and cardigan or Tippi Sweater. In other words, keep the look completely classic. You can glam it up with some fun accessories though! Check out @birdie0819 for perfect examples on how to rock this classic style!
These are my beloved Oshima pants with the blouse shown below and some fun beaded earrings. I simply added a blazer when I walked out the door to upgrade the look to office worthy.
Pants | Loafers | Earrings| Bracelet | Button Down | Cardigan
Classic (Pointed)
For a twist on the classic – elongate the toe a little. You can go completely pointed or with a slightly squared off version. These are my preference and most of the pairs I own fall into this style.
I tried the Everlane Modern Loafer for the first time and I’m in love! The pair I tried was the Violet ones above which weren’t quite the pop of color I was going for but they were so comfortable and impeccably styled that I’m going to have to order another pair (I’m thinking something bright for Spring). As for how to wear them, my typically pairing for pointed loafers is with midi skirts or crop flare pants. You can see a few looks from last spring with a blush colored pair below.
This Spring I am thinking bright red Everlane loafers paired with a pair of check pants. You could also use the classic look from above (right down to the cobalt accessories).
Check Pants | Modern Loafer | Turtleneck | Tote (add a black cardigan or blazer to complete the look for the office)
Embellished
No matter the shape, adding some embellishment to the loafers just makes them that much cooler. I love little studs but the embellishments could be a gold bar, embroidered flowers … you name it. It’s a way to subtly add some personality and fun while still maintaining dress code. Mine are an old Halogen pair but I linked tons of cute options (in more colors than white) below.
Same formula, different loafer. Midi skirt or classic trousers paired with a cashmere sweater because, um, it’s 15 degrees today. #SoCold
Cashmere Sweater | Pleated Skirt | Halogen Loafers
Cashmere Sweater | Camel Pants | Halogen Loafers
White Stud Loafers
My stud loafers have long since sold out but here are fourteen others to choose from.
More Embellished Loafers
Stud aren’t the only form of embellishment. Here are tons of embellished loafers to choose from (in all sorts of fun colors).
Platform
The one pair I can’t seem to stop reaching for are these platform ones from VINCE (similar here and here). They are basically just a classic loafer … elevated but that’s all they need. They are super comfortable and they seem to upgrade any outfit I pair them with. I love shoes with that kind of power.
Sweater | Scarf | Pants | Loafers (just add a blazer as you head to the office).
Side-cut
These are fairly new to the loafer trend and you can find them with all sorts of cut-outs. I love the almost bootie vibe of these Madewell ones.
More Cut Out Loafers
Patterned or Print
Tweed, plaid, leopard … whatever your pattern play it totally works with a loafer style. I love these half leopard – half black (they are older Free People ones) but I am never opposed to all leopard in a shoe. I’ve also gone quite mad for plaid and have seen several good plaid loafers. For these make sure you showcase your shoes with ankle pants or a pencil skirt and keep the rest of your outfit simple. Black and white is always a win!!
Veronica Beard Jacket (this year’s version) | Veronica Beard Sweater (similar) | Level 99 Jeans (similar) | Free People Loafers (old)