THE LOAFER LOOK

Words by Lesego Ntsime | Images: Supplied

Malume and mamncane’s trusted workwear shoe, the cornerstone of retro and collegiate dressing and an overall symbol of comfort - the loafer cements itself as a wardrobe staple across different style archetypes due to its remarkable range. Revised platform variations, nostalgic ‘90s to 2000s silhouettes and sleek, simplified versions are among the trending styles of the season and can be worn throughout the year.

A style characteristic of the working class, the loafer has trickled up from an everyday shoe to earn its place as a fashion statement. In A Brief History of the Loafer Charles Etoroma contemplates: Given the historic relevance, it’s safe to say the loafer isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, and as the rise of comfort continues to ascend, the durability and versatility that style aficionados revere will always be a selling point.

As seen on celebs like Bella Hadid, Pharell Williams and RuPaul, this understated shoe can be dressed up or down. Put comfort first whether you’re rocking razor-sharp grunge looks or showing off super sophisticated formalwear by slipping into your favourite pair. Here are our tips to wear it like a pro.

The loafer is a ubiquitous emblem of collegiate-dressing. Explore square-toe iterations as seen on the Martine Rose runway or sharpen your looks with pointy silhouettes and score an A for effort. Build your collegiate wardrobe from the top up with sleeveless vests, elevated knitwear and blazers, and consider bottoms like mini skirts, shorts and formal trousers as your bases. 

STYLE TIP: Wear loafers with bottoms that expose socks which go from ankle-length to knee-length to solidify all your class in session-inspired looks. 

Part of a loafer’s appeal rests in its timelessness. Adorned by the working class in urban areas, it has evolved into a necessity in any vintage-inspired wardrobe. Bring out your inner malume/dyan with brands like Jonathan D or revive Kofifi era ensembles with polished styles and chunky, contemporary designs. Dresses, midi and maxi skirts, formal trousers, knitwear, blazers, vests, shirts and blouses are key to creating a wardrobe that pays homage to retro. 

As if the loafer couldn’t be any more versatile; it hops from collegiate-dressing and retro-inspired wardrobes to the other end of the spectrum: grunge. Here it enjoys more daring silhouettes like platform designs and rugged-soles, and can even be accompanied by a heel. Occupy the fashion fringes with denim, faux leather, all-black-everything and checked prints to coordinate bold outfits.

STYLE TIP: Accessorise with jewellery like earrings, bracelets and earrings to soften edgy looks. Consider toning down grunge ensembles by adding pops of colour and texture with knitwear turtlenecks, vests and jerseys for a light layering feel this season. 

A sensational simplicity can be observed in the loafer, a characteristic valued by minimalists. Take a minimalistic approach to styling your loafers by curating a wardrobe that constitutes crisp shirts, tailored bottoms, denim, dresses, blazers and humble tees in a neutral colour palette. 

STYLE TIP: Pair your loafers with the classic white tee and blue jeans look and add a blazer for an outfit that is utterly cosmopolitan-chic.