Casual Style Upgrades With Loafers
The loafer is one of the most timeless styles of dress shoes that one can choose to wear, and should be a part of every man’s wardrobe. While loafers have remained true to their classic and original purpose and design, however, the ways in which they can be worn have opened up dramatically over the course of the past few decades. Gone are the days when loafers were reserved specifically for formal situations, as they can now be used to accentuate a variety of different looks in an effective manner. As a result, those who have avoided this style of shoe based upon its formal connotations can get a lot of mileage out of learning how to incorporate loafers into more casual ensembles. The following are just a few different ways to accessorize with loafers, each of which is worth experimenting with.
Daily Casual
For men who tend to dress casually on a daily basis, the idea of wearing loafers might seem somewhat crazy. That said, there’s no reason why even the most casual of outfits can’t be worn with a pair of loafers effectively; just look at how Ed Westwick uses loafers to accent his casual attire. When pairing loafers with daily casual attire, the most important thing to remember is to keep things as simple as possible; a basic white tee, dark-washed designer jeans and woven belt makes for the perfect base for accessorizing with loafers. Strive to create clean, simple lines by contrasting muted colors with one another, and stick to tasseled loafers that match the color of your belt. This is a versatile look that can be built upon over time as you become more comfortable with wearing loafers in a casual manner.
Sophisticated
When it comes time to go out for the evening, most men like to ramp up their appearance a bit. The “sophisticated” look is ideal for incorporating loafers, which are synonymous with class. This look is best created by taking the principles of the “daily casual” look and beefing them up slightly; substituting a button-up or blazer for the tee, for example. Clean, crisp shirts are the name of the game here, as are dark skinny jeans and tailored blazers. Choose a medium-dark brown pair of leather loafers for best results, ensuring that the belt you wear is as similar in shade to your shoes as possible. For added effect, consider accessorizing with a leather messenger bag for the perfect sophisticated “urban warrior” look.
Preppy
Men who like to embrace the preppy look are in luck when it comes to wearing loafers in a casual manner. After all, loafers connote class, which is the backbone of what this look is usually going for. When working towards this look, colors should be muted for the most part; navy blue blazers are perhaps the most obvious choice. You can use accessories to add bright highlights to an ensemble, such as brightly colored argyle socks. Look for a well-structured, rigid heeled loafer to pair with preppy outfits; both suede and leather serve as excellent options. Also great are loafers in “boat shoe style”, as well as tasseled loafers (perfect for a more conservative/mature look) As far as other accessories go, it’s best to keep them to a minimum, sticking to those which are classic and timeless whenever possible.
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