Calling these shoes "boring" may be a little harsh, but I wouldn't necessarily categorize them as the most exciting pair of shoes to own. Much like neutral pumps and block-heel ankle boots, loafers tend to be the more underrated of all shoes despite the fact that they're likely the pairs doing most of the legwork in our wardrobes. I, for one, always knew that a pair of solid loafers would be (in theory) a practical footwear choice, but I couldn't get past the idea of the shoes as "stuffy" and, well, boring. I'm sorry if you're a loafer wearer and this offends you. Maybe it's because my personal style is much edgier than it is classic, but either way, I filed the shoes away long ago—or so I thought.
Recently, I've noticed an influx of cute loafers that actually appeal to my style. Rendered with platform soles and patent and croc finishings and adorned with hardware embellishments, fall's new wave of loafers has me completely rethinking why I was so against the shoes in the first place. Major footwear designers from Acne Studios to indie brands like Nicole Saldaña are reimagining how cool loafers can really be—and I'm here for all of it.
Whether you love or loathe the shoes, go on to shop the cute loafers that I'm pumped to try.
Nicole Saldaña is completely reinventing the loafer.
I'll never say no to a good leopard print.
It's all about the vinyl treatment.
This inverted color scheme is a creative take on classic styles.
Square-toed loafers feel especially fresh.
Another detail I'm looking for in cool loafers is attention to hardware, and I'm loving the fun zipper on this pair.
Dorateymur is another shoe brand that does this exceptionally well.
Case in point: this pair.
This modern zebra print is so fall 2018.
Speaking of animal print…
A subtler take on hardware detailing.
If you're looking for something a bit more subdued but still cool as hell.
This color combo tho.
Next up, read about the five indie brands I'm infatuated with right now.
