Who needs heels when you can step into a simple-yet-effective shoe, like the loafer? And thanks to some of our favorite tastemakers, including Taylor Swift and Reese Witherspoon, the flats of decades past have received a millennial update. According to T Magazine, the Bass Weejun was one of the first loafer styles that was meant to be a man’s shoe. “But so many women were buying and wearing boys’ sizes that two years later Bass launched a feminine version that was a line-for-line copy of the original,” the publication reveals. Keep reading to get tips from celeb stylist Eric Himel on four new ways to rock your own pair.
Velvet Tuxedo Mini
“Velvet is a traditionally dressy fabric, so choose a loafer with adornments such as embellishments, studs or appliqués to match the innate dressiness of the fabric,” Himel tells Stylish, citing Jamie Chung‘s November 8 Election Day ensemble in Beverly Hills. “A dressier fabrication such as a loafer in satin would also complement a velvet ensemble. Avoid a basic leather loafer with this look.”
Cropped Jeans
Reese Witherspoon kept it cute and casual in an oxblood button-down and ankle-length jeans in Los Angeles October 20. “While almost any type of loafer would work with a cropped jean, choose something on the more understated side for that cool updated prep school look, like a classic Gucci loafer,” Himel advises. “Choose a loafer with a tassel for an even more ’80s prep school look!”
Feminine Dress
“Dress up a feminine frock with a loafer with a sleeker silhouette or one that has a lower vamp that shows more skin,” Himel notes. Suki Waterhouse did just that in her red-and-white polka-dot frock and black shoes in Venice, Italy, on September 7.
Skinny Pants
“Skinny pants, skinny loafers!” Himel says (Taylor Swift’s New York City street style on September 28 is a perfect example). “Choose an elongated loafer that continues the line of a skinny pants down the foot. Try a pointy-toe style for maximum effect.”
