Trending Now | 5 New Season Loafer Styles and How To Wear Them |
The New Arrival footwear favourite of the season is definitely 'The Loafer'. This staple trans-seasonal shoe comes in many forms from eye-popping ‘Horsebit’ styles sporting various luxury hardware to the classic but timeless ‘Penny’ silhouette. While we all love to don a pair of fresh heels it is not easy to find a pair that comfortably ticks the ‘wear all day’ box. Loafers on the other hand are extremely comfortable and highly versatile since you can wear them to work, casually, or even for a date night! There’s a look for you regardless of whether you prefer a classic penny style to complement that statement powersuit for work, or a slim silhouette paired with a slip dress and boyfriend blazer for date night. Yearning for something different? Check out the chilly season’s favourite casual look, a weighty chunky lug sole loafer paired with socks! It is not an exaggeration to state that 'The Loafer' has been reworked, reinvented, and even reimagined by all of the leading footwear brands for the AW2023 Season. Its gender-free mood makes the loafer the ‘shoe du jour’ among male and female audiences. So it is with little surprise that this footwear trend has rapidly become the ‘most coveted’ style of the season. Let’s explore our New Arrival Loafer Collection and share some helpful style tips so you can be a leading fashionista in this on trend new season favourite!
1) Penny Loafers
Traditionally a man’s shoe, the 'Penny Loafer' has been around since the 1930’s and ultimately became a hit with women in the 1950’s. Originally inspired by the footwear of Norwegian fishermen, the Penny Loafer is specifically credited to George Henry Bass from Maine in the USA who reworked and reinvented the classic 'laceless style' in 1936 with an iconic slit in the strap across the bridge of the foot. Conveniently used by college kids to store a penny in each shoe (the cost of an emergency call in the days prior to mobile phones), the name Penny Loafer caught on and the rest they say is history! The Penny Loafer became the ‘Go To’ shoe choice of the 50’s and 60’s helped in no small part by an iconic list of Hollywood stars who frequently wore this new age ‘laceless style’ for business and pleasure, including Elvis Presley, James Dean, Paul Newman even former president JFK as well as leading ladies like Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn. Now 87 years on from its original creation by GH Bass, the Penny Loafer has been reimagined to become a firm loafer favourite for AW2023.
Top of our list in our Finn Footwear Autumn Winter Loafer Collection is our Tamaris Ladies Slip On Penny Loafer, style 24312 41 087 which comes in a shiny 'Black Patent'. This stylish loafer has a modern edge on the iconic Penny Loafer and has the traditional slit across the strap to carry a penny or two for good luck if you so desire! Manufactured with the Tamaris 'Touch-It' technology for optimal wearer comfort, the soft footbed adapts to the natural shape of the foot providing extra cushioning for the perfect ‘wear all day’ loafer shoe option.
Tamaris Ladies Penny Loafer 24312 41 087
Style Watch - How to Wear Penny Loafers?
The Penny Loafer can be styled in so many different ways making them the perfect accessory for all your Autumn Winter outfits. For a relaxed look, wear them with your favourite 'Mom Jeans' and oversized sweater. They're also the perfect everyday ‘wear to work’ shoe. Pair with skirts and dresses of varying hemlines to create a bold statement look. Equally they look great with ankle grazer pants, or your favourite tailored suit and long coat combination. The advice from the style experts is clear;
“Just keep the proportions slim so the effect is smooth sophistication not sloppy”
advises www.stylegirlfriend.com fashion writer Gabi Meyers in her article ‘How to Wear Penny Loafers: A Guy’s style Guide (June 2023). For other ideas on how to wear loafers, check out this great article from Julia Guerra on www.instyle.com ‘10 Loafer Outfits That Prove You Can Wear This Sleek Shoe With Anything’ (Sept 12, 2022).
2) Horsebit Loafers
The 'Horsebit Loafer' is one of the most iconic footwear styles made famous by Aldo Gucci back in the 1950s. A recent article by Leah Dolan from www.edition.cnn.com entitled '70 years on, Gucci’s Horsebit loafer is still a coveted status symbol' (June 8th 2023) explains the genesis of the Horsebit loafer
“Gucci died in 1953, just weeks after sons Aldo, Rodolfo and Vasco opened the brand’s first flagship store in New York. That same year, inspired by his father’s beloved equine motifs, Aldo created the Horsebit loafer in the hopes of enticing the same clientele Guccio had encountered at The Savoy”.
2023 marks the 70th anniversary of this distinctive shoe and earlier in June 2023, Gucci staged an exhibition celebrating the legacy of its signature loafer coinciding with the Menswear shows at Milan Fashion Week. There’s no doubt that this shoe has widespread appeal among both male and female audiences. When in doubt as to what shoe to wear the answer lies in the Horsebit loafer!
Fashion write Remy Farrell from www.whowhatwear.co.uk emphatically states in his writeup '6 Timeless Loafer Trends That You're About to See Everywhere This Year'
The defining stylistic feature of the Horsebit loafer is undoubtedly the snaffle bit detail which elevates the design thus creating a shoe that has become a status symbol across all cohorts around the world.
If you are looking for a sleeker style loafer that oozes style and sophistication then our Caprice Ladies Slip on Horsebit Loafer Style 24201-41 022 is sure to turn heads this season. Manufactured from stunning 'Black Nappa leather', this soft buttery leather upper comes with a square toe and snaffle bit detail in a slim silhouette. A leather footbed in a G fit together with the CAPRICE insole provides added comfort acting like a second skin which caresses the foot ensuring optimal foot climate all day long. This Horsebit loafer can be styled in so many ways, whether it’s a casual lunch with the girls in jeans and boyfriend blazer or that all important work presentation to complement the signature slouchy suit!
Caprice Horsebit Loafer 24201-41 022
If you have a penchant for suede over leather, then you will absolutely fall in love with our Caprice Horsebit-Chain Loafer, Style 24200-41 343 in 'Taupe Suede' or Style 24200-41 857 in 'Ocean Suede'. As a dressy flat loafer option, these styles bridge the sweet spot hybrid of classy and comfortable. Both styles have the CAPRICE insole and come in a leather upper with leather sock lining for added comfort. There’s little doubt that both these styles will add a level of sophistication and style to your shoerobe collection this season.
Caprice Ladies Horsebit-Chain Loafer 24200-41 343
Moreover, our Unisa loafer collection for AW2023 boasts some stylish Horsebit-chain loafer options. Our Unisa Baxter Horsebit-Chain loafer in 'Black Patent' is a textured patent shoe with gold chain detail, almond-shaped toe cap, and a block heel in a tonal layered wood look. The outer sole has a slip-resistant thread.
This classy ‘glossy polish’ patent black leather loafer is the ideal ‘go to’ smart casual shoe for your Autumn Winter wardrobe. The Gold Horsebit-chain hardware elevates the overall design of this loafer adding both style and sophistication to this statement shoe, which is made all the more elegant by the rounded almond-shaped toe cap. The flat block heel ensures maximum wearer comfort, and the classic black colour will pair with everything in your wardrobe. This classy loafer will take you seamlessly throughout the day from ‘on duty’ to ‘off duty’ hours!
If Gold embellished loafers are your thing then Unisa’s Dapi Flat Loafer is the ideal choice. This loafer features a combination of gold embellishments, almond-shape toe cap, flat block heel, and comes in a leather upper and is leather lined. It also has a slip resistant thread on the outer sole providing the perfect stability footwear solution for a ‘wear all day’ loafer option.
Unisa Ladies Dapi Flat Loafer Style Watch - How to Wear Horsebit loafers?
The Horsebit loafer works with just about any and every outfit! For laid back comfort and an ‘off duty vibe’ why not pair with a Knit Midi dress and boyfriend blazer, or your favourite slim leg jean and comfy top. If you prefer, why not don a pair of your favourite palazzo pants and chunky sweater which will offset the slim silhouette of the shoe? Searching for a more preppy look to wear to work? then a tailored shirt, ankle grazer pants and cropped jacket will tick the ‘on duty’ box equally as well!
3) Chain Loafers
One of the season’s hottest new trends is the 'Chain Loafer' which has been reworked and reimagined by various brand leaders to offer various iterations. This season our Jana Softline loafer collection comes in a flat stacked heel option with a choice of two colours, 'Taupe' Style 24260-41-341 and new season 'Pewter', style 24260-41 915. It also comes in a shiny 'Black Patent' style 24260-41 018. Jana has become a leading brand in Europe synonymous with high quality materials, soft and flexible soles, comfortable footbeds coupled with a modern look at an attractive price point. These styles are set to fly off the shelves as the perfect smart casual loafer choice this season. If you prefer classic and traditional then you can’t go wrong with the black patent option. On the other hand, if you prefer the ‘Metallic Look’ then pewter is your new season best friend!
Jana Ladies Chain Loafer 24260-41 018
Rieker also boasts a lovely stylish chain loafer option style 50664-00. Available in classic Black the gold chain hardware and gold accent in the heel makes this loafer a perfect addition to any of your Autumn Winter outfits.
Our Unisa Baxter ‘Slipper Style’ loafer comes in a 'Navy Atlantic’ colourway and is crafted from luxuriously soft suede leather with almond shaped toe cap and flat block heel for added comfort. The gold chain detail adds to the contemporary style and elegance of the shoe. An ideal choice that will take you seamlessly throughout the day from ‘on the clock’ to ‘off the clock’ hours.
Unisa Baxter Ladies Slipper Style Loafer
4) Chunky Lug Sole Loafers
Not all loafers come in a sleeky style so if you prefer a more clunkier option then do not despair as chunky lug sole loafers are very much on trend for AW2023. As www.vogue.com fashion writer Laura Lajiness Kaupke stated in her most recent article 'Falling For Loafers—The Best Penny, Lug-Soled, and Backless Styles to Shop Now' (August 22 2023)
“From lug soles to overbuilt platforms, weighty loafers are unquestionably one of the season’s most coveted takes on the classic shoe, especially when styled with socks in chilly weather”
Chunky loafers with their thicker lug soles are a throwback to the 90’s and since retro fashion has become a leading trend, it is little surprise that 'Chunky Weighty Loafers' are fast becoming an obsession for many.
Our Ara Kent Ladies Chunky Lug Sole Loafer Style 31209-14 is a perfect Autumn Winter statement shoe for the fashion-conscious discerning woman! With its croc leather upper finish and chain Gold detail it is both functional and sophisticated making it the ideal shoe for your Autumn Winter wardrobe. Available in a 'Cool Midnight' Colourway, its leather upper is complemented by the Ara High Soft Removable insole and a deep thread lug sole for stability and comfort. It is not only the perfect loafer style for casual comfort when paired with jeans, skirts, and dresses, but is also the ideal 'Go To' Work shoe when paired with pants, blazer, and crispy white shirt. You are sure to make a statement this season wherever you choose to wear these snazzy loafers!
Ara Kent Ladies Chunky Sole Loafer 31209-14
In keeping with the chunkier weighty loafer, we also have our Ara Kent Ladies Patent Wedge Loafer style 54352-11. This elegantly styled loafer is the perfect Autumn Winter statement shoe. With its 'Black Patent' leather upper, the lug sole is lightweight and trimmed at a slight angle to give a flared silhouette. It is both functional and sophisticated making it the ideal Autumn Winter shoe.
Style Watch - How to Wear Chunky Weighty loafers?
Glamour Magazine UK fashion writers Trodd & Fullerton put it perfectly when they stated in their article ’15 Best Chunky Loafers and How to Style them in 2023’
“The good news is that chunky loafers look pretty damn perfect with everything. They add edge to pretty dresses with a boyfriend blazer thrown over the top, obviously they work with office-appropriate outfits, like with a slouchy trouser suit or tailoring and they also provide the ultimate accent to jeans and a jumper when you’re ticking off those weekend errands”
Fact is when it comes to ‘cost per wear’ you are certain to maximise your investment in a pair of chunky loafers since their versatility, style and comfort lends themselves to so many outfit combinations. Our advice is simple. have fun experimenting with the chunky loafer one of the season’s hottest new trends as you build your eagerly anticipated Autumn Winter capsule wardrobe.
5) Heeled Loafers
You would be forgiven for thinking that loafers are synonymous with a flat heel since traditionally the loafer was conceived as a ‘low heel’ footwear option. However as part of the reworked and reimagined new season offerings, many brands are experimenting with heeled options. If you wish to have a more casual stylish look without losing the height of a traditional heel then a heeled loafer is the perfect choice.
Our Tamaris Ladies Block Heel Loafer style 24434-41 805 is one of our most coveted new season styles. It features a lovely 'Navy Patent' upper with the beautiful signature snaffle Horsebit detail across the front. The Tamaris 'Touch-It' Insole provides cushioning for all day comfort. This heeled loafer will pair perfectly with pants, midi skirts, dresses, and suits, and works equally as well whether you wear them weekdays to the office or at the weekends to jazz up any outfit.
Tamaris Ladies Block Heel Loafer Shoe 24434-41 805
Style Watch - How to Wear Heeled loafers?
If you want to give a smart but edgy look to any outfit this season without compromising on the height of a traditional heel then the heeled loafer is the perfect substitute. Pair the heeled loafer with contrasting socks and ankle grazer pants, boyfriend shirt and blazer for a bold but cheeky vibe or why not wear it with your favourite midi dress, crossbody bag and leather jacket for that weekend look. Equally they work great with a pencil skirt, blouse and blazer or power suit for work. So whatever your preference, heeled loafers have the versatility and style to complement every outfit for any occasion be it business or pleasure.
FAQs
Q. Why are they called Horsebit Loafers?
Inspired by his father’s love of all things equine, Aldo Gucci designed the Horsebit loafer in 1953 to attract a similar affluent clientele that frequented the Savoy Hotel where his father worked as a luggage porter as a young man. The shoe was inspired by Gucci's love of all things equine hence the snaffle bit which is the signature hardware feature of this ‘much loved’ and 'much revered’ iconic statement shoe.
Q. Why are they called Penny Loafers?
Originally inspired by the footwear of Norwegian fishermen, the Penny Loafer is specifically credited to George Henry Bass from Maine in the USA who reworked and reinvented the classic 'laceless' style in 1936 with its iconic slit in the strap across the bridge of the foot. Conveniently used by college kids to store a penny in each shoe (the cost of an emergency call in the days prior to mobile phones), the name Penny loafer became the globally accepted term for this loafer style.
Q. What are the Different Types of Loafer Styles?
Many leading footwear companies have invested millions of euros reworking, reinventing, and reimagining the loafer shoe which has contributed to its mass appeal among both male and female audiences. Although there is quite literally an endless amount of loafer variations and iterations to suit all preferences and personalities, it is generally accepted that the following (many of which we highlighted in this Blog Post), are the main loafer styles: Penny Loafer, Horsebit Loafer, Chain Loafer, Driving Loafer, Chunky Lug Sole Loafer, Tassel Loafer, High Heeled Loafer, Slipper Loafer, and Kiltie Loafer.
Thank you for reading Our Blog Post 'Trending Now | 5 New Season Loafer Styles and How to Wear them' . Remember to choose Finn Footwear for all your footwear needs this season. We are always available to take your calls and answer your questions!
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