Footwear styling tips for men: How to style loafers

The history of loafers dates back to the 1900s and has a Scandinavian origin. Although its history goes down to more than 100 years, with numerous innovations been made over the years, these are still the must-haves in every man’s closet. Loafers are basically flat slip-on shoes without any laces.

Let us take you through the variety of loafers and different ways of styling them.

Mule loafers:

Mule loafers saw a backward trend when they returned from early 90s to again in fashion in the late 21st century. Mules are basically half loafers aka backless loafers or open-ended loafers. The ground rule when styling mule loafers is that they are strictly NOT for formal occasions / events. They are designed to suit casual gatherings, making a classy statement when paired with jeans or chinos. These can also be your go-to options for date nights, clubs and office after parties to give you a semi formal look.

Mules come in different fabric ranging from leather to suede to velvet. Pair a leather mule with a semi formal look, suede ones for the night parties and keep the velvet ones for festive occasions like wedding and receptions with sherwani and indo-western look.

Penny loafers:

Penny loafers are the standard American wear loafers since the 1930s. These loafers are very much in trend now a days, as these are the most common type of loafers you would find in the market or anyone's closet. These are very fashionable with the leather strip on the top of the shoe. One of the most classic loafers a man can slip his feet into, this is the one which provides the perfect formal look. Style these with your formal outfits to compete the look and be comfortable on your feet to dive swiftly into the day.

Tasselled loafers:

Tassel loafers are the loafers with a tiny tassel on the vamp of the shoe to give it an extra x-factor. This style is one of our favourite which is very simple yet playful. Pair them with your favourite chinos and a Nehru jacket for a complete polished look. Tassel loafers look great in leather as well as suede and come in varied neutral tones as well as well shades such as navy, cherry, or even ombre, proving the extra edge of style.

Embroidered loafers:

A lot has been experimented with the loafers, and now come embroidered loafers- the most apt design for a suave Indian attire statement. Pair these colorful velvet or suede loafers with sherwanis, indo-western outfits or even kurta and nehru jacket look, for a fancy exclusive traditional statement. Put your stylish best forward with fashion forward footwear such as these.

(Inputs from Harkirat Singh, Managing, Director Aero Club, the maker of Woodland & Woods)