Loafers have been associated with modern high society and old money for decades.
Loafers were initially designed as casual slip-on shoes for men in the 1930s. However, they were popularized by Ivy League students in the 1950s and 1960s as a preppy style statement. The Ivy League style, which originated at universities such as Harvard and Yale, was characterized by conservative, classic clothing that exuded a sense of understated elegance. Loafers, with their simple and streamlined design, were the perfect complement to this aesthetic.
Many high-end fashion brands have incorporated loafers into their collections, often using premium materials such as leather or suede. These luxury brands are typically associated with high society and old money due to their high price points and exclusivity.
Here are the best women’s loafers to buy for a classic upscale look that fits in with the quiet luxury aesthetic.
Loro Piana
Loro Piana is a well-respected Italian brand that is renowned for its luxury cashmere and wool products. The company was founded in 1924, and they’ve maintained a commitment to the highest quality materials and craftsmanship since its inception.
While they’re perhaps best known for their textiles and clothing, Loro Piana also offers a line of shoes, which includes loafers. These shoes uphold the brand’s dedication to luxury and quality. Made with the finest leathers and suedes, and often featuring cashmere detailing, Loro Piana loafers are designed for comfort, longevity, and timeless style.
I recommend the Summer Charms suede loafers and the Leather Tassel Moccasin driver loafers.
Belgian Shoes
Belgian Shoes is well known in New York City for producing timeless shoes, particularly women’s loafers. Since its founding in 1955, the brand has been synonymous with quiet luxury shoe design. I recommend the Juliette or Midinette models for loafers.
Del Toro
Del Toro is a Miami-based shoe brand founded by Matthew Chevallard in 2005. The brand’s suede Milano loafer is a classic style with a small leather X on the toe that comes in plenty of colors. I particularly love the Sandstone loafers.
Stubbs & Wootton
Stubbs & Wootton is a classic old-money shoe brand known for its handmade slippers that can be worn during the day or evening. The Smoking Loafers are a classic choice.
Flattered
Flattered has been a Scandinavian staple in minimalist fashion wardrobes since 2013. They have several loafer styles for women, but I love the feminine, pointy-toe Alex suede loafers.
Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren is a classic American fashion brand known for its timeless aesthetic, and its shoes are no exception. Ralph Lauren makes several different loafer styles released through its different lines including Lauren and Polo.
Dear Frances
Dear Frances was launched in London in 2016 by Jane Frances. Designed in Britain and made in Italy, the brand has a loyal following. The Driver loafer in white is very timeless, as well as the Deon loafer.
ATP Atelier
ATP Atelier shoes are designed in Stockholm and made in Tuscany using vegetable-tanned Vacchetta leather.
Aeyde
Aeyde is a Berlin-based footwear brand known for its minimalist aesthetic founded by Luisa Dames in 2015. The Martha loafers are a modern take on the traditional loafer.
Scarosso
Scarosso is a direct-to-consumer women’s loafers brand founded in 2010 by Moritz Offeney. At an accessible luxury price point, the company makes all its footwear in Italy.
M.Gemi
M.Gemi is an American shoe brand with an appreciation for the art of Italian shoemaking. Its number one seller is the Felize Suede mocassin. The driving shoe is a suede loafer that molds to the foot. The gommini rubber sole is perforated for traction and grip.
Margaux
Margaux is an American shoe designer with design offices in New York and a production factory in Spain. Margaux’s “The Loafer” has a classic minimalist design, making it a great everyday shoe. It comes in a couple classic shades like camel and black.
Baudoin & Lange
Baudoin & Lange is a new British shoe company founded by Allan Baudoin in 2016. With a French founder, English headquarters, and European production, this is one shoe company to keep an eye on.
Loafers have a timeless and versatile quality that transcends trends and fads. They are appropriate for a wide range of occasions, from business meetings to casual weekends, and can be dressed up or down depending on the outfit. This versatility and practicality make them a staple in many affluent wardrobes. The combination of their preppy origins, luxury branding, and timeless appeal has contributed to loafers becoming synonymous with modern high society and old money.
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