The original penny loafer is experiencing a rebirth. This classic shoe wasn’t originally designed to hold a penny. It began as a simple slip on shoes, but in the 1940s college students began to put pennies in the front slot for a place to keep a coin in case they needed to call home. And although we no longer need change to make a call home, the penny loafer has remained as a reminder that a classic shoe never goes out of style. This season you will find several fresh versions of this loafer filling the new arrivals sections, from cult designer styles to nostalgic versions channeling the ’90s and ’00s. That’s right, the classic shoe style most synonymous with academia in its preppiest form has undergone a remix of sorts. Think chunky silhouettes with lug soles and souped-up platforms, eye-catching embellishments like oversize buckles to sleek, metal-worked adornments, and daring colors, from pastels to neon.
But, of course, timeless loafers will never fade away—some of the most versatile designs include iconic Penny loafers, supple driving silhouettes, and minimalist shapes, all coming in luxurious leather and suede. Meaning? They’ll last for years in your shoe closet.
Womens Designer Loafers are also so easy to style. Think about pairing them with a denim maxi skirt and a button up white oxford or perhaps a short denim skirt with a white tee. A good womens loafer handcrafted in Italian leather is the perfect accessory for these classic looks. Or if you are in a hurry, but still want to look stylish, a fun pair of leggings with loafers is a style that will never steer you wrong.
Penny loafers are typically defined by a horizontal strap, or “saddle,” that sits across the instep. This strap can be made of brown or black Italian leather or it could be an accent in a fun, colorful or textured leather pattern. Penny loafers historically were known to come in iconic brown or black leather. But today you will find them in a myriad of materials as well as different heel heights, including heeled or flat.
An updated version of the penny loafer is the Platform Loafer. This new style is a classic with a twist. This new reiteration platform loafer is really comfortable and could easily become your go-to shoe. Many Instagram influencers are opting for the recent trend of mega-platforms. This latest style has emerged in loafer-form, and we’re liking the results.
Whether you prefer a Chunky-Sole Loafer to an overbuilt platform or a classic flat heel, weighty loafers are unquestionably the season’s most coveted take on the classic shoe, especially when styled with sheer socks this Spring. Or if you prefer the classics, a heeled loafer is also a great way to round out your shoe collection.
