15 Stylish Loafers for Men, According to a Celebrity Stylist
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High heels are to women what loafers are to men. As in, they’re a wardrobe staple. The demure style doubles as the perfect casual dress shoe for the office or everyday, low-key occasions, yet it still has an elevated look about it that makes it work as an evening or tuxedo shoe for fancier fetes.
"Loafers are inherently versatile as they can be paired with both formal- and casual-wear," Bailey Moon, a New York-based celebrity and personal stylist who counts The Gilded Age's Morgan Spector as his client, tells Town & Country. "It's the perfect transitional shoe from day to night, and also when sneakers feel too casual and dress shoes feel too stuffy."
"The slip on design and soft leather material are intended for maximum comfort and seasonless wear," adds Moon. "It's a mainstay shoe that is just as relevant now as it was decades ago, and a classic and sleek option that comes in a variety of soles, colors, and design."
Below, Moon advises on the best men's loafers to buy now and wear forever.
Camden Loafers
"I love what J.Crew has been doing with their menswear offerings," says Moon. "These loafers are a riff off the 1930s penny loafer that was popular with college students. The small slit at the front of the shoe allowed enough space for a penny in each shoe. The rubber sole adds extra comfort for extended work day-wear."
One reviewer says: "I have a review back in Summer for a brown pair of these loafers. Well, I loved that pair so much that I picked up another pair in black. My original Camden loafers are great and I still find that pair incredibly comfortable and versatile. So I got the black pair and am equally as pleased with those. They are sleek looking and can dress up any outfit."
Size Range: 7-13
Material: Leather
Colors: 3
Grayson Tassel Loafer
"Tassels on loafers were introduced in the 1950s as purely a decorative touch to the shoe," says Moon. "Their timeless design has maintained and become a great option for those who want a bit more playfulness with their loafer."
One reviewer says: "The fit and style of the Grayson make it an excellent choice. Whether you wear them with shorts and no socks, khakis or a suit, you can’t go wrong."
Size Range: 6-16
Material: Calfskin leather
Colors: 5
Brushed Leather Loafers
When in doubt, Moon says you can't go wrong with a classic Prada loafer: "It's a refined and chic option."
T&C's Fashion and Accessories Director Dania Lucero Ortiz agrees. "The notched effect of the welt gives off the appearance of a hand-crafted touch, while the distinct triangular logo gives a subtle nod to the luxury of the piece," she says, adding that shoe "will long reign as my tried and true."
Size Range: 5-13
Material: Leather
Men's Horsebit 1953 Loafer
Name a more classic loafer than the Gucci horsebit. Moon says the "signature horsebit detail is a nice elevated touch for a luxury shoe without logos."
Size Range: 6-13.5
Material: Leather
Colors: 2
Mario Velvet Loafers
Heading somewhere formal this season? "Velvet loafers have become a popular evening loafer and are perfectly paired with a tuxedo or dinner jacket," says Moon. The stylist is a fan of this navy pair from Manolo Blahnik and calls it "a good investment if you attend black tie events."
Size Range: 5-13
Material: Velvet
Colors: 3
Wilde Chestnut X White Penny Loafer
"For the more fashion conscious shopper, Duke + Dexter's two-toned loafers are a nod to the classics with a bit of an edge," says Moon.
One reviewer writes: "Absolutely in love, fit like a charm and with the amount of complements I’ve gotten has been great. Great work team!"
Size Range: 8-14
Material: Italian leather
Colors: 2
Mens Larson Easy Weejuns Loafer
If it's classic you want, it's classic you get with G.H. Bass, the brand behind the first-ever penny loafers.
One reviewer raves: "Hands down one of the best loafers you can find! Extremely soft, feeling like a glove on your feet, very easy to manage, and travel with. Became my go to shoe this fall!"
Size Range: 7-13
Material: Leather
Colors: 3
Adrian Leather Platform Tassel Loafers
"For a more contemporary approach to this very classic shoe, Dr Martens's loafer with a thick rubber platform gives some extra height," says Moon.
One reviewer says: "I absolutely love this pair!! It gives me such a boost in height in a conspicuous manner:) The leather is so smooth and durable! It is simply incredible!"
Size Range: 6-14
Material: Leather
Haddock Loafers
Bottega's signature Intrecciato weaving combined with a hint of height? What could be chicer?
Size Range: 40-45
Material: Leather
Pierce Leather Penny Loafers
A polished pair that can go from boardroom to a black-tie event with ease.
Size Range: 5-16
Material: Leather
Moccasin with Gancini Ornament
For a casual daytime pair, Moon recommends opting for suede. And who better to turn to for that than Ferragamo?
Size Range: 5-11
Material: Suede
Colors: 7
Nuovo Gommino Driving Loafers
For a comfortable loafer that doesn't scrimp on style, might we suggest the humble driving shoe? Tod's iconic Gommino features pebble outsoles for extra grip and a supple suede upper that exudes elegance.
Size Range: 4UK-12UK
Material: Suede
Colors: 3
Leather Penny Loafers
Thom Browne updates that classic penny loafer with textured grained leather, and we wouldn't expect anything less from the designer. It's subtle but certainly won't go unnoticed.
Size Range: 7-12
Material: Grained leather
Parham Leather Penny Loafers
Simple black penny loafers with discreet lug soles will surely be the pair he turns to again and again for years to come.
Size Range: 8UK-12UK
Material: Leather
Men's Modern Classics Penny Loafer
Cole Haan's take on the timeless penny loafer is a workhorse: wear to the office, wear to dinner, or dress it up with jeans and t-shirt.
One reviewer writes: "Classic style! Comfortable from the first wear. Looks great with suits, khakis or jeans."
Size Range: 7-13
Material: Leather
Colors: 3
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