Loafers in the New Era

They're back! They never left! Classic commuter shoes with a new perspective.

Left: The Row Resort 2023 Right: Miu Miu Spring 2022

Loafers lost their luster somewhere in the pandemic. I had leaned so heavily into sneakers that loafers moved to the top shelf of my closet. If it wasn’t a sandal or boot, there was always a tennie that could fill those (non-proverbial) shoes. Between my casual moods and the fact that I lean so heavily preppy anyway, loafers started to make me feel unbalanced, almost in costume.

But now life is in full swing. Looking polished and getting out the door is a priority again and I am realizing loafers did and do serve a purpose. I love getting from here to there without schlepping an extra pair of shoes or thinking about my feet at all for that matter. So a good commuter shoe, that isn’t actually a commuter shoe but part of the full outfit, is once again essential.

As I dissect the category, I am realizing I am not looking for the same loafer I was before I just wore sneakers for three years. I’m not interested in my Bass Weejuns. Or my Crockett & Joness (though if you are looking for a classic loafer, the Crockett one is perfection. I’ll never get rid of it.)

I am gravitating toward buttery soft almost slipper loafers like these shiny The Row gents. Thankfully they are sold out in my size everywhere saving me from myself. I also obviously love the chunky Miu Miu penny loafers complete with shiny coin. But we already knew those were the dream. So here are five unique and thoroughly now-feeling alternates. All with a little something special. And how to wear them juuuuust right.

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The Sleek Shiny Pair

Emme Parsons loafers. I sized down a half size in these.

This Emme Parsons loafer is scratching the Row itch at less than half the price. Bless! I like that this style is hardware free and the vamp comes up really high on the top of the foot. Plus the shine and croc emboss makes it feel extra fancy, definitely not basic.

I can see how they steer basic if you pair with the same old same old though. So I took these loafers as a challenge to try some new fall shapes: A longer than I’m used to jean. A Chanel-y textured jacket. I think this outfit really works!

Emme Parsons loafers, Levis 501s in a 30 inch inseam instead of my usual 28. An old silky jacket (the tag says Henri Bendel!) but anything silky or creamy would do. Our favorite sapphire tennis necklace and great bright white tee from this underwear brand that just launched women’s.

And to fashioninze a simple sweater and A-line skirt you already have: SOCKS! Also shown: Black cashmere sweater I cut the sleeves off. A vintage Prada skirt.

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The Ballet Slipper Alternative

The softest loafer you will ever wear. A big chunky sweater since there are only like 5 days a fall you can wear these until you need to shove your sleeve in a coat. Goldsign jeans.

I had literally zero break in period with this pair by Yuni Buffa. I don’t think that has ever happened to me before with a loafer. I usually have to wear them around the house for a week with socks before I can brave the subway sockless. But I literally walked 6,823 steps in these on their first outing and zero ouchies. They feel and look as gentle as a jazz or ballet slipper with a little more heel. I like their ladylike-ness and have been pairing them with jeans and sweaters in the way I would have a Weejun in the olden days or ballet slippers a month ago. I again recommend half-sizing down.

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The Sleek-Shiny-Ballet-Slipper-Alt Combo

Eytys Otello loafers. They have a soft heel that can fold down, a roundish toe and the shine I’m craving. They’re next on my list.

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A Loafer Mary-Jane!? OK!

Hereu loafers. My standard size 38 foot fit just right in these 38s.

I had a long talk with a clothing designer yesterday to try and put our finger on why we all of a sudden find loafers challenging. I don’t even know how it came up. But we came to the conclusion that it might be because we are just less gamine now. We are moms. We are women running businesses! We need a little femininity in the mix in a way we didn’t used to.

Which brings me to this Mary Jane loafer hybrid. I love it for two reasons. 1. It adds femininity to a chunkier style. And 2. The strap actually holds you in and prevents heel rubbing, something I was worried about in such a stiff leather pair. I was able to wear these band-aid-free on their first day out of the box!

I see all the teenage girls wearing chunky loafers after school around the neighborhood and they are adorable in their toughness. But I struggle with such a masculine, statement shoe. These feel like they do the same thing, in a more grown-up way.

Left: Richer Poorer sweatshirt (more on that in a coming week), my tried and true black cigarette pants (a similar pair here) and white socks. Right: A vintage Armani tweed jacket and Suzie Kondi velour sweats. I cannot wait to wear this to school drop off!

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Last but DEFINITELY not least

Tod’s Cinnamon Driving Shoe

If the Sopranos were a designer loafer, these would be it. The squarish toe, the thin gold chain. I just love this style. It feels very “throw on” but makes you look twice. Is it from a weird side street shop on your vacation? Is it designer? It has all the ironies needed to be a capital F fashion shoe, but would look just at home on someone in a Barbour jacket and Goyard tote. Interesting loafers for all!

Now store those sneakers. <3

Yours TRULY,

Becky

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