8 ways to wear loafers (and boat shoes)

I love loafers. It harks back to the late 80s when me and my friends saved up our Saturday job money (Pizza Land on Camberley High Street – polyester shirt and knee-length skirt uniform mandatory) and got the train into London on a pilgrimage to Shelly’s Shoes. It was, in our teenage minds, THE coolest place to buy shoes and the only place you could get Dr Martens. With just a Dolcis and a Freeman Hardy & Willis to choose from locally, we had to go further afield to get the best footwear.

I bought a pair of Dr Marten tassel loafers the first time I went. Later on, I went back for the classic 8‑hole boots, but my first pair were the loafers, and I still remember how pleased I was with myself when I wore those bad boys to school with white ankle socks. Some things don’t change, as I’d still rock that look now. But without the rest of the school uniform, obviously; that would be weird and somewhat creepy.

Loafers have never really gone away, and they’re definitely having another moment right now. Also having a moment are boat shoes. relinquish those thoughts of city boi’s wearing them with bad shorts in the summer. We can do better than that. Let’s have a look at eights ways to wear them.

WITH A SUEDE JACKET & TURN UP JEANS

We all know that suede is the fabric of choice this year, and every high street shop has their own version of the brown suede jacket, so choose wisely. And I had to start with those classic DM loafers from my youth here. Word on the street is that this pair are way more comfortable that they used to be. No more blister plasters and bleeding ankles to deal with as the leather is softer and lighter. Wear with some groovy socks and turn up your jeans so you can show them off.

WITH WHITE JEANS

It is the season to dig out those white jeans, if not now then when? I can’t recommend highly enough the COS clean cut regular t shirts, either with short or long sleeves, they are the perfect layering piece.

WITH YOUR FANCY PANTS

When I say ‘your’ I really mean ‘my’. I wore this exact outfit the other week, and before I even got to my destination I had three people compliment my trousers. Now I feel like I should get the jacket to match, but will I ever wear it as a full suit? That’s the question. I was also wearing these trousers when I saw Joe Jonas in End in Soho before Christmas. I kick myself almost every day that all I could think to say to him was ‘I love Waffle House’. Obviously since then I’ve thought of a hundred-and-one more interesting things I could have uttered. Sorry, Joe. At least my trousers were cool, even if I wasn’t.

I’ve also been wearing my 11 year old Gucci loafers a lot recently. I have these ones with the soft back and they are supremely comfortable and I never wear them with socks.

WITH A SUPER SIMPLE SHIRT & JEANS

If you swap out your trainers for a nice pair of loafers, it makes this very simple outfit into something just a little bit smarter. We’re now heading into that rather short window of time when you can finally wear your favourite leather jacket – if you, like me, have one that won’t really fit a jumper underneath it. Relish these spring days when, like Goldilocks and her porridge, ‘it’s not too hot, it’s not too cold, it’s just right’.

WITH A FAUX SUEDE SKIRT AND TRENCH COAT

You could go for real suede but, if you’re anything like me, one false move with a butter knife at breakfast and it’s ruined for ever. Save the real suede for shoes and jackets. I’ve mentioned these loafers from Grenson before. I have them in black and they are super-soft and comfortable from first wear. Winning.

THE MIU MIU STYLE

Are they officially loafers if they have laces? Or is that technically a boat shoe? And why does a boat shoe need laces? Questions that really don’t need answers. But I will say that these M&S shoes are an absolute dead ringer for these Miu Miu shoes and are less than £50. That’s the kind of answer you really need.

WITH A LITTLE BIT OF LEOPARD

Because I like leopard. I also like this cardigan and these socks. I’d happily wear them all together in one outfit. And if I bumped into Joe Jonas wearing this I would thank him for tagging all the restaurants he ate at when he was in Lisbon, because we also ate in them when we went there a month later and enjoyed them immensely. I feel that would start a real conversation and we would be firm friends for life. Or he would have me down as a stalker. Could go either way.

THE CLASSIC BOAT SHOE

So named for use on boats due to their non-slip properties. formerly the preserve of men who wear red trousers. You know the type. Now re-invented by our friends in high fashion and acceptable for us all to wear. May I suggest getting a few pair of these footsies if you plan on wearing sans socks. I made a rookie error this week and had to dive into M&S to buy an emergency pair.

Enjoy loafer season; it should keep us occupied until we reach sandal weather.

K x

WearsMyMoney

I spent it all on clothes by the looks of things...