Fashion Trend Report: Loafers

We love a good borrowed-from-the-boys trend around here—blazers, trousers, fedoras and the star of today's article, loafers. Once the exclusive footwear of preppy brands that catered to mostly business-minded types, these understated (and perhaps underrated) shoes have undergone a renaissance in the last few seasons. This particular style of footwear—which could so easily drift into dowdy territory—has been allowed to shine with embellishment, exaggerated heels, new materials and distinctly modern color combinations.

First popularized in 1936 by G.H. Bass and modeled after the footwear of Norwegian fishermen of the time period, this comfortable style has morphed into a cool-girl staple. New-guard designers including The Row, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Alexander Wang and Rodarte, known for blazing the fashion trail for the early style adopters to follow, sent updated loafers down their spring 2014 runways.

Celebs including Taylor Swift, models such as Sigrid Agren and even editors-about-town such as Emily Weiss are getting in on the loafer trend as well, wearing them both dressed up for evening events and dressed down for running errands. Versatility is one of the main selling points for this chic shoe. The fact that they're generally one of the comfiest footwear options out there doesn't hurt either.

Loafers easily transition from spring to summer and on into fall. So, scoop up a pair this instant and get to stepping. Wear them with skirts and dresses now à la Taylor Swift and with slim trousers and layers later on. We love these from Topshop, G.H. Bass (the originals!), Coach, Loeffler Randall and Zara.

Topshop Kourtney Tassel Loafers, $95, at Topshop; G.H. Bass Perforated Weejuns, $70, at ghbass.com; Coach Nadia Leather Driving Loafer, $158, at Nordstrom; Loeffler Randall Dawn Scallop Loafer, $325, at Loeffler Randall; Zara Patent Slip-On Shoes, $60, at Zara

article via StyleBistro