Here’s how to wear your summer loafers this winter
We tend to confine these low-slung slip-ons to our wardrobe come wintertime. But a loafer’s for life — not just for summertime…
Words: Jonathan Wells
Winter is hard on our wardrobes. Every year, when the summer sun sets, we’re forced to gather up armfuls of colourful silk blend shirts and loud print swim shorts and bundle them back into hiding. And, in their place, we pull out waterproof coats and thickly-knitted jumpers to combat the dull, dreary season that’s drizzled in.
Well no more. This year, we’re determined to carry across some of our summer clothes into the winter months. And, top of that list, is the humble loafer.
You may not think that these low-slung shoes have any place outside of summer. But, before you kick them off for another year, listen up. Loafers may look most at home on the sun-soaked Riviera, or paired with a linen summer suit — but there are plenty of ways to carry this style into winter.
Famed for developing the iconic Penny Loafer almost a century ago in 1936, G.H. Bass is the gold standard of footwear – but plenty of brands have follows in its wake, with famous loafer fans including Paul Newman and JFK. So, if you’re looking to carry your summer wardrobe through to winter, take a look at the perfect loafer line-up to keep you in slip-on style all-year-round.
Party season calls for tassel loafers
First things first: December brings party season to cities across the world. And, when your friends, co-workers and families fire up the festivities, you’ll inevitably have to deal with some tricky dress codes.
Perhaps the most difficult of these is ‘Cocktail’, for which one must imbue their signature flair into a lounge suit. Our recommendation for the best way to achieve this? The tassel loafer. Itself a little flamboyant, there’s a stellar selection out there, in rich colours from burnished cognac to deep black and even navy velvet.
Slip-on casual loafers for off-duty style
You’ll be amazed by what a simple pair of socks can do. You may have been strolling around in your loafers sock-less this summer, but your off-duty winter moments can also be spent in slip-ons. Just remember to pull on a pair of good quality woollen socks before you step into them.
And there’s quite the selection of casual-leaning loafers to choose from. G.H. Bass’ rather special suede styles, while we also love these more classic designs from Churchs and Cheaney.
Dress up when you suit up with black loafers
And then we come to the even more dreary subject of the winter office. If your hours behind a desk weren’t already dull enough, the colder months tend to mean you have to pull out your heavy-duty boots to wear with your suit instead of the delicate loafers of summer.
But there are other options. Whether it’s Prada’s chunky rubber soled penny loafers, Tod’s polished-leather gommino shoes or G.H. Bass’ Lincoln loafers in black leather, which have heavy lug outsoles, these shoes are proof that loafers can be weather — and office proof — all year long.
Looking for something seriously winter ready? Here’s are the boots to be strapping on now…
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