Loafer shoes are a hallmark of refined elegance and timeless sophistication and are one of the most important parts of any ‘Old Money’ look.
From the iconic Penny to the esteemed Gucci and beyond, all types of loafers depict a sense of stylistic discernment, refined taste, and Old Money charm.
However, each loafer type is best styled in a particular way according to the shoe’s history and origins, each look depicting a distinct sense of heritage and luxury.
What Are Loafers?
As you’re about to find out, what does (and doesn’t) constitute a loafer is down to the exacting details.
First things first, let’s break down and discuss the key characteristics of a loafer.
- No Laces. Ultimately, a loafer has no laces; in other words, it’s a slip-on shoe.
- Open Ankles. A loafer is a “low shoe,” meaning that the ankle is exposed, and the shoe does not wrap snugly around it.
- Small Heels. Loafers typically feature heels with a relatively low profile.
- Decoration. Loafers will usually feature some decoration across the vamp, such as a saddle, tassel, or horse bit.
How to Wear Different Types of Loafers
Penny Loafers
The Penny loafer is the American Preppy take on this classic shoe design, recognisable for the diamond-shaped saddle (the leather strip sewn across the upper), perfect for slipping in a penny, hence the shoe’s name.
The Penny loafer shoe was popularised by the ‘Ivy League‘ students as a traditional yet comfortable shoe ideal for the blends of casual and formal attire depicting the collegiate look.
- Formality: Formal, Semi-Formal, Casual
- Everyday wear: Yes
- Season: Spring, Summer, Autumn
Bit Loafers
A creation of Aldo Gucci, the Gucci loafer or the Bit loafer, named after the horse-bit snaffle, is recognised by the golden metal detail across the vamp.
Keeping with the company’s saddle-making heritage and Gucci’s love for the equestrian style, in 1968, he replaced the horizontal leather strap with gold hardware in the shape of two rings with a linked bar across.
The style was a hit with politicians like Richard Nixon and George Bush Sr., Hollywood stars like John Wayne, Jane Birkin, Brigitte Bardot, and Clarke Gable, and became the business shoe of Wall Street.
- Formality: Semi-Formal, Casual
- Everyday wear: Yes
- Season: Spring, Summer
Kiltie Loafer
The Kiltie loafer has a decorative fringed tongue overlaying the instep, a design inspired by the kilt, a traditional Scottish dress, hence its name.
Popularised by country club golfers, Kiltie loafers have a flair reminiscent of Scottish golfing greens and are the ideal footwear for creating British Old Money looks (aka Sloane Ranger).
- Formality: Semi-Formal, Casual
- Everyday wear: Yes
- Season: Autumn
Belgian Loafer
The Belgian loafer was invented in the 1950s by Henri Bendel, whose family store brought Chanel, Dior, and Balenciaga shoes to the U.S.
Compared to the sturdy Penny loafer, the Belgian loafer style has a soft construction, a one-piece apron on top of the vamp, and a small, decorative bow.
A delightful nod to European craftsmanship, the Belgian loafer has recently experienced rising popularity.
- Formality: Semi-Formal, Casual
- Everyday wear: Yes
- Season: Spring, Summer
Saddle Loafer
The Saddle loafer has a strip of leather that runs across the vamp and tongue of the shoe, Similar to a Penny loafer.
However, instead of stopping at the moccasin-like apron, this leather ‘saddle’ continues to the loafer’s waist and sole.
- Formality: Formal, Semi-Formal, Casual
- Everyday wear: Yes
- Season: Summer, Autumn
Butterfly Loafer
The Butterfly loafer takes its name from the symmetrical shape created by the two overlapping leather pieces, resembling a butterfly’s wings.
The bold design makes the Butterfly loafer one of the most casual shoes in this style, regardless of the colour or leather choice.
- Formality: Semi-Formal, Casual
- Everyday wear: Yes
- Season: Summer, Autumn
Tassel Loafer
Considered a more formal version of the Penny loafer, the Tassel replaces the saddle, horizontal strap across the vamp, with decorative tassels dangling from the top, hence the shoe name.
These dress shoes were popularised by Prep school and Ivy League students as shoes ideal for elevating smart casual outfits and perfect for business casual settings.
- Formality: Formal, Semi-Formal, Casual
- Everyday wear: Yes
- Season: Summer, Autumn
Take the First Step With The VOU’s Styling Quizzes
Start with our quizzes. First, take our Face Shape Quiz to see which face shape yours is closest to and get first styling suggestions.
Then, see which colours the seasonal colour approach suggests for you with our Seasonal Colour Analysis Quiz.
See which cuts are usually recommended for your build with our Body Shape Quiz, and explore the styles that suit your taste with our Fashion Style Quiz.
Transform Your Image with The VOU’s Professional Guidance
If you want help with choosing and styling loafers, The VOU’s stylists offer paid styling services, from single analyses to a complete package.
Our Professional Face Shape Analysis package provides you with a stylist’s assessment of your face shape from the photos and measurements you send, personalised hairstyle recommendations, customised facial hair styling guide, expert eyewear selection guidance, and detailed grooming recommendations tailored to your unique features.
For the most comprehensive transformation, consider our Complete Image Transformation Package.
The Complete Image Transformation Package includes our Fashion Style, Seasonal Colour, Body Shape and Face Shape analyses, a brand-specific shopping guide and two weeks of support.
The package brings the analyses together into one plan for your clothes, colours and grooming.