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THE LOAFER A.K.A. THE LOAFEr

Grandmothers had the exclusive right to this shoe until Alessandro Michele sent his models in loafers down the runway. Now we are all on board and can almost say that the loafer is the new sneaker. Or at least a very good alternative to the sneaker. I asked Iris Gravemaker, stylist for Omoda, about the statement sweater of the fashionable body.

Suddenly it was there, the loafer. What happened?

‘Gucci set the trend, but it was quite extravagant so it didn't immediately find its way to people outside the fashion world. Back then, it was still difficult to find a not too extravagant and affordable pair. But now you really can't ignore it and there is a loafer for everyone.‘

What is the strength of this shoe?

‘It is flat and therefore easy to wear. We like that in the Netherlands too, because we want to move forward, we ride our bikes and have a thousand things to do. Wearing something that is both fashionable and comfortable is a wonderful combination. The nice thing about the loafer is that it is just a bit more elegant and feminine than the sneaker. It sits between the ballerina and the sneaker; ideal.’

How do you wear the loafer?

‘You can go in all directions with the loafer. I personally wear it with a culotte (so jeans halfway down the calf, preferably with some messy fringes at the bottom), a logo sweater on top, and then a striking metallic loafer underneath. But it also looks great with a dress and a jacket over it. They can also go perfectly under a straight trouser with a slightly shorter leg, or under boyfriend jeans that you roll up a bit. A skinny jeans is also a good option. You can really go so many ways with this shoe.‘

What are your favorites?

‘I am a big fan of the metallic variants, especially in a bright color. But the powder pink is also beautiful. We have them in all kinds, including the loafer slide (so the slip-on loafer) and the loafer with large pearls on it for when you want to be a bit bolder with your look. Oh, and the gold and rose gold or the bright blue. I don't have to choose, do I?’

By the way, if you want to buy them, click on ‘Slip-ons’ at Omoda, you'll find them there.