Comfortable, fashionable, sometimes unremarkable in appearance, sometimes shocking - loafers are able to revive your wardrobe, bring bright colors to it regardless of colors. This shoe combines 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 exactly are loafers?
Features
Loafers rightfully belong to the high style of fashionable "equipment". These are actual shoes for connoisseurs of simplicity and sophistication. These shoes are different in appearance, which is expressed in the rough outlines of the model with a soft design and a rounded nose. Although often there are comparisons with classic shoes. And loafers themselves are often called shoes, which is now not considered a gross mistake.
The heel of the loafers is well strengthened, the heel is quite pronounced, although the shoes as a whole have a flat hard sole. By the way, today this indicator is actively changing and you can see high-heeled loafers. In classic loafers, the heel height is no more than 5 cm. And, as a rule, it 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 you compare them with sleepers, the differences will relate specifically to decor elements, the presence of a low hard heel in loafers. Moccasins and sleepers lack such detail.
A feature of sleepers is in their original purpose. At first, they were worn by men as night shoes or slippers. Do not confuse loafers with moccasins.The latter are more relevant 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,
- monks
- espadrilles.
These shoe models differ from loafers in the shape of the toe and heel, as well as the sole and decorative elements.
Various models of loafers are classified as comfortable and stylish shoes in urban environments. Almost immediately from the moment of their appearance, these models 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 in the case of shoes), you can build almost any classic look. Most outfits only win when combined with loafers. A simple style in combination with decorative angularity gives them solidity. In addition, slender ankles can be emphasized in these shoes. And in general, thanks to the loafers, a stylish fashionable image takes on more flirty outlines. This is a godsend to create your own image for young fashionistas.
The first thing you pay attention to when looking at loafers is the unpretentious design, as if it came to us from the 19th century. Although in fact, the transformation of this shoe into an independent direction is associated with the middle of the 20th century. Rather, from that time on, loafers ceased to be exclusively men's shoes and acquired more “feminine” outlines. And if you really adhere to accuracy, then loafers were once an element of the British men's marine uniforms. The idea to adapt 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 by the beauties of Hollywood. And with the end of the 60s, a new trend in the world of fashion came and for a long time pushed this element of the wardrobe to the back of the fashion industry, although the interest in them did not run out. Today, increased interest in loafers has reappeared. Moreover, this applies to both women's and men's fashion.
As clothes today are becoming more versatile, comfortable and pragmatic, such shoes, as well as possible, meet fashion trends. Loafers have now become an integral part of the trendy urban look, especially in the offseason.
Modern models of shoes compare favorably with their predecessors in their spectacular appearance using metal elements, suede or leather. And despite the “masculine” style, these shoes visually make the leg elegant.
Other shoe options may not always compete with loafers in terms of versatility. You can really put on 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.
Models
Fashionable stylish loafers look very different from the rest of the shoes, because they are not laced, they have a kind of sole with a low heel.
The toe of such shoes can be either rounded or sharp, the heel in classic models has a rectangular shape. The upper part of the loafers resembles moccasins, but the latter do not have heels, and in general they look softer. They differ in the presence of simple decorative elements like brushes, fringe, stripes.
Fashionable models of loafers are presented today in a wide variety of variations - female, male, children's models (for girls and boys). Of interest are designer loafers. It can be:
- heeled shoes, or high loafers;
- loafers decorated with tassels, fringe, laces, bow, embroidery, chain, 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. The main ones are two types of loafers:
- with miniature leather jewelry in the form of tassels (tassel loafers);
- 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 the 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 a low heel, on a platform sole, on a platform and even on a high heel, on a "tractor" sole.
Loafers can have different heels in thickness. Most popular models of loafers have a wide sole, but they do not look rough. Especially if you combine them with light clothing, for example, with a chiffon dress. Thus, the image is visually balanced. The geometric heel of loafers today does not look as “powerful" as the first models.
It’s easy to get wedge loafers today. Since the moment of their appearance, such shoes have been most enjoyed by 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, which will not cause discomfort when walking.
The “tractor” sole is also an example of an “amateur” model. Some note 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 they can not 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 much loafers are suitable for you, if you, for example, have low stature and large ankles.
Flat loafer loafers are more suitable for romantic natures. The appearance of such shoes is not in doubt. Thanks to materials with a soft texture, such models of loafers can most likely be compared with shoes or moccasins.
Materials
It is worth paying tribute to modern designers. Loafers would hardly have gained such widespread popularity if they had not been so practical. Designers managed to make these shoes more comfortable thanks to the right materials.
Manufacturers offer today a choice of the following options for loafers:
- varnish,
- varnished
- on fur,
- leather
- suede
- velvet
- from genuine leather.
Loafers made of high-quality natural or artificial materials are included in the fashionable summer and demi-season shows of the collections. They can feature stylish decorative finishes of the same color. Although a rich palette of styles of shoes and its colors allows you to choose shoes to your liking any fashionista.
Color schemes
Modern models of loafers are presented today in a wide variety of colors:
- maroon
- black
- gold
- blue
- beige
- with a red sole
- silvery
- green
- gray
- leopard
- silver
- white
- pink.
White and black colors give the shoe a classic shape, which is more characteristic of the image in a business style. Today there are many interesting models of loafers in bright neon colors. This season is very relevant loafers with animal prints. Lovers of fashionable extreme will like loafers in the colors of reptiles.
Manufacturers
Modern manufacturers of shoes for everyday wear could not ignore fashionable loafers. This shoe is simple and comfortable to wear in its own way, without much sophistication and without unnecessary details. However, it is able to diversify both men's and women's 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 established themselves as a good manufacturer of such shoes. Italy supplies samples of exquisite and high-quality loafers to the market.
Famous fashion houses, such as Gucci, add their own unique elements to classic models. So, the brand has varieties of these trendy shoes with a metal clasp. Belgian loafers are quite peculiar in style. They are sewn with the inside-out method, and a leather bow is sewn onto the tongue.
Fashion trends and news
Fashion for loafers never left without a trace. She simply subsided, then flooded with renewed vigor. Today, loafers have received a new stylish design, although they have not lost their traditional elements. Some designers try to compensate for the simplicity of the style of this shoe by adding refined and eye-catching decorative elements. Although this season, the classic form of loafers with perky tassels to match remains in trend.
Every year, designers are increasingly giving loafers the features of classic women's shoes. For example, they began to make them with high heels, and sometimes you can even meet a model with a stiletto heel.
What to wear?
Around the world, loafers love for their versatility. They go well with anything:
- with a suit
- with pants
- with jeans
- with skirts
- with dresses
- with shorts.
But there are general rules when creating a fashionable image 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 delicate look for a young fashionista. The top can be open - T-shirts, tops or light blouses.
- It should be smart to choose a companion for loafers, so as not to burden the bottom of the image. Therefore, it is worth looking at dresses from flowing fabrics, to skirts with frills and to blouses with lace trim. At the same time, it is better to give preference to loafers on a platform sole or on a heel.
- To give a romantic look, it is not necessary to dress only in dresses. For example, shorts will be a great addition to the image with loafers.
- Slender 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 image with a free bag, a massive watch or a fashionable scarf.
- When determining the combination of loafers with clothes, it is worth paying attention to the bright finish of the shoes, the presence of decorative elements, details. For example, short cocktail dresses look very attractive with loafers of bright colors. An elegant clutch bag will complement them.
- With loafers, in addition to dresses, airy asymmetric tunics of bright colors look great. In this outfit, you can safely go to an informal event, a 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 many ways to create stylish combinations of loafers and other wardrobe elements. 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 on the background of an ankle too thin will hardly look appropriate. The rest of the fashionable sentence to loafers is clear: wear and have fun.
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. The individual style, harmony and youthfulness of a fashionista decides a lot. So, loafers truly do not cease to be a universal option for shoes.
Fashion did not pass by and children's shoes. Loafers have gained well-deserved popularity among children due to the stylish style and comfortable to wear. In such shoes, the child can safely go to classes, parents - to work. You just should not choose shoes that are bulky in appearance and heavy in shape so as not to spoil the first impression.They ate originally competently choose stylish shoes, so it will become a favorite accessory in the wardrobe of men, women, and children for a long time.