In the past couple of years, there has been a growing trend of people moving towards more formal footwear styles. With the rise of the “smart casual” dress code and an emphasis on dressing professionally for office after coming back from work from home, many people have been looking for shoes that are both polished and comfortable. Loafers, with their classic and sophisticated design, have been a natural choice for many people looking to elevate their shoe game. The comeback of loafers is also attributed to the renewed interest in traditional menswear, with more people looking to incorporate timeless pieces into their wardrobes. Loafers have also been embraced by women, who have been pairing them with everything from denim to dresses. The loafer’s ability to be dressed up or down has made it a staple in the fashion industry.
So what is it, the trendy loafer of 2023? We will answer in this article.
Summary
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So What is a Loafer?
A loafer is a type of shoe that is typically low and flat, with a slip-on design and no laces. They are often made of leather or suede, and are considered to be a casual and comfortable style of shoe.
The Comeback of the Men’s Loafers
In recent years, men’s loafers have made a comeback in the fashion world. The classic and timeless design of the loafer, with its sleek and sophisticated look, has resonated with men who are looking for a shoe that can be worn in a variety of settings. The loafer’s versatility has made it a popular choice for both casual and formal occasions. The renewed interest in traditional menswear has also played a role in the comeback of loafers, with many men looking to incorporate timeless pieces into their wardrobes. The comeback of more formal style amongst Gen Z has been made notably thanks to the “cores”, or specific aesthetics on social media, especially TikTok. The “dark academia” aesthetic and the “old money” core have definitely contributed to the popularisation of the men’s loafer.
Here are some of our top picks:
Formal, but Naughty: The Chunky Platform Loafer
One popular trend in the fashion world that emerged in recent years is the platform loafer. This style combines the traditional silhouette of a loafer with a chunky platform sole, giving the shoe a bold and contemporary look. Platform loafers have been seen in a variety of materials and colors, from classic leather to colorful suede. High-end fashion brands, as well as streetwear labels have popularized this trend. Both men and women wear platform loafers, since it is very easy to dress them up or down. The platform sole adds height and gives the shoe a bold look, making them perfect for those who want to make a fashion statement. Despite of the chunky look, these platform shoes are extremely lightweight thanks to the ultra-light soles made with special rubber materials.
Luckily for shoppers, the chunky loafers are now present in all pricing categories. Check out the Stradivarius Platform Loafer in affordable segment, the Charles & Keith in the premium segment and the Prada Soft Loafers in luxury.
The Loafer Slippers: Formal at Home
Loafer slippers have become a trendy alternative to traditional slippers, featuring the same classic silhouette but made with soft materials like velvet, suede or knit for added comfort. They have become popular due to the rise of the “stay-at-home” culture thanks to remote work and have been popularized by celebrities and influencers. They are versatile, comfortable, and fashionable, perfect for those who want to keep their feet warm and cozy, but also want to maintain a sense of style even at home. For the knit-lovers we suggest the Vivaia Fluffy Loafers, for the ones who are always cold – the warm and fuzzy UGG Ascot Slipper, and for those who want to be a bit boujie – the Church’s Sovereign 2 Loafers.
The refined and elevated tassel loafer
If you want to elevate this style you can go with the version with tassels. These details make the loafer a little more refined and elegant to use it for a dinner or an outing into town.
Check out the all Italian artisanal men’s loafers by Doucal’s, or the versatile Doc Martens.
The Iconic Loafers of 2023
Let us examine the top loafers of 2023. The first on our list is the Rothy’s Almond Loafer, which is crafted from 9 recycled water bottles and boasts a comfortable knit design. The second is the Prada Monolith Loafer, which gained popularity in 2022 due to its appearance on the Netflix series “Wednesday,” where it was worn by the main character, played by Jenna Ortega, throughout the first season. Lastly, we have the Vagabond Kenova Loafer, a minimalistic yet high-quality option that offers great value for its price point and is expected to be a hit this year.
Loafers FAQ
A loafer and a slip-on are both types of shoes that have a similar design and can be worn without laces, but there are some differences between the two.
A loafer is typically a slip-on shoe that is low and flat, with no laces. They are often made of leather or suede and are considered to be a casual and comfortable style of shoe. Loafers often have a more formal and polished look, and can be worn with both casual and formal attire.
A slip-on, on the other hand, is a more general term for a shoe that does not have laces and can be put on and taken off easily. Slip-on shoes can come in a variety of styles, such as loafers, moccasins, deck shoes, and sneakers. They are often considered to be more casual and laid-back than loafers.
In summary, Loafers are a specific type of slip-on shoes which has a more formal look and can be worn with both casual and formal attire, while slip-on is a more general term that refers to any shoe that can be put on and taken off easily.
A loafer and a moccasin are both types of shoes that have a similar design, but there are some differences between the two.
A loafer is typically a slip-on shoe that is low and flat, with no laces. They are often made of leather or suede and are considered to be a casual and comfortable style of shoe.
A moccasin, on the other hand, is a type of shoe that is also low and flat, but it is typically made of soft leather or suede and has a more traditional, natural look. Moccasins are often handmade and are designed to be comfortable and durable. Moccasins are also often associated with Native American culture and are considered to be a traditional type of shoe.
The main difference between the two is the style and material, Loafers are more formal, sleek and have a polished look while Moccasins are more casual, traditional and have a rustic look.
A tassel loafer is a type of loafer shoe that features a decorative tassel on the top of the vamp. The tassel is usually made of leather or suede, and is often a distinguishing feature of this style of loafer. Tassel loafers are considered to be a classic and timeless style, and are often worn with formal and semi-formal attire. They can be made from various materials such as leather, suede, velvet and can come in a variety of colors. They are considered as a versatile shoe, can be worn with a suit or dress pants as well as with a pair of jeans.