How to style loafers this season
Shannon Firby on Fri, Apr 24, 26
Loafers; the footwear style everyone's after
A shoe style that's dominating the market at the moment is the trusty loafer (or similar like a good old mocassin or grommet-soled driving shoe) Thanks to the likes of celebrities including Harry Styles, Jacob Elordi, and Paul Mescal, who have taken the old, sophisticated footwear and given it a new lease of life... for when trainers don't cut it.
The Clarks Originals Yukoner Penny Loafer - Brown Combi Leather
In a game of match the shoes to the TV show, these ones have the Sopranos written all over them. Clarks Originals have mastered the art of a good loafer and mocassin, with the Wallabees adopted by both hip-hop and britpop royalty. But for when you're not feeling that versatile maple hue, Clarks Originals have the Yukoner Penny Loafer ready to kick up a storm.
We went pretty sleek on the styling to be honest. It's monotone, but not in a boring way. The tapered leg Master Pant from Carhartt WIP and a good pair of (clean) white ribbed socks covers the bottom half of this one. And for the top, a clean (important) tank top, or comfortably fitting T-Shirt, and some layering action from Wax London with a proper slick short-sleeved black shirt embroidered with a bit of white detailing (all black felt too waiter-eqsue). Then the Maple hair on the vamp gets a bit of the limelight as a nice contrast to the rest.
Wanna stick with the Yukoner Penny Loafers by Clarks Originals? The essence of this one's the same; we've pretty much just changed the shirt to something lighter and softer-toned. But doesn't that just prove how much you can do with a good base... and the loafers are a part of the base.
The Clarks Originals Yukoner Penny Loafer - Black Leather
The all-black version makes for a fairly easy throw-on shoe that you don't have to think hard about. The base; some loose-fitting MKI Miyuki Zoku trousers, then the top half... if you don't know your brand motifs already, the victory foliage that is the laurel wreath is adorned to the left of a zip-through bomber jacket by none other than Fred Perry. Frankly, no other brand remains as consistent to their own brand and yet fresh and versatile, and eternally relevant as Fred Perry. What a position to be in.
There seems to be a running theme with Fred Perry here, but we did say they're pretty good at what they do. And it would seem Clarks Originals and Fred Perry go together as British-born champs in music and pop culture alike.
Nantes Suede Leather Moccasins - Sand
Brands like Wax London and NN07 have elevated shirting to a whole new level. No longer the rigid and stuffy businessman's forte, this collection of knitted and crochet short sleeve shirts make for a real good layer to toe the line between smart and casual. Paired with a good fitting pair of Carhartt WIP jeans and a Paraboot Moccassin/Loafer hybrid makes for proper good outfit for the pub garden, date night, or some family BBQ.
So what about the post-Loafer shoe?
Since trends rise and fall, there's gotta be a contingency plan for what's next. Our guess? The moc-style shoe isn't over, nor the derby. So if loafers aren't your bread and butter, brands like Paraboot have the en masse appeal of a smart shoe, without being quite as much of an ankle-bearing statement as a loafer. Offering a bit more coverage and perhaps sturdiness, Paraboots Briac comes with thick beading around the ankle and a highly notched and super grippy rubber sole. Or why not give the Michael a go. A classic derby shoes in the game since 1945, they're pretty solid if you ask us?
