Guest Post: Classically Cool Loafers

Classic flat loafers are not only for men anymore. These timeless shoes are just plain sexy on a woman. For many, the most popular recollection of the classic loafer is those worn by Michael Jackson as he moon walked his way into the hearts of millions. These shoes actually have a history that reaches back much further than the 80s. It is believed that this style shoe was first worn in the 1930s by cattle farmers is Norway.

The loafer made its debut in the west in the 50's and 60's when designer, G.H. Bass introduced the loafers with the penny slot. Penny loafers can still be seen today. Gucci has actually taken the style of the shoe even further with the horse bit. No matter which style you choose, there is a mystique associated with the loafer. This shoe, once exclusively designed for men, has moved over into the world of women's fashion, with great fain fare.

Many of today's styles for women are more sleek and buffed to a high shine. According to Marie Claire, women's loafers are extremely versatile, being worn by everyone from college students to celebrities. The shoes are convenient and comfortable. They are easy to slide on and they are made to be worn for long periods.

There are many variations to the loafer today, especially when it comes to women. These versatile styles ensure that you will be able to coordinate your loafers with your style of dress. You can dress them up if you like or you make them a part of your casual attire. Not only do women's loafers come in multitudinous styles, but they also come in an endless line of colors and prints.

Set for the Office

There are loafer designs that are perfect for the office. You can dress these shoes up with your business attire. They are a much more comfortable alternative to the traditional heel. Most loafers are designed with a rubber sole and a cushion insole, which means that they will provide hours of comfort while you are working. Because loafers are flat, be careful when putting together your business outfit, especially if you don't want to come across as too casual.

Despite what you have heard about never wearing loafers with a business suit, it can be done when the right suit is paired with the right set of loafers. Make sure that any loafer that you plan to wear with a suit has a slight heel. There are high heel loafers, but that sort of defeats the purpose of going with a loafer in the first place.

When you want to ensure a certain level of sophistication, it is always good to go with a black loafer. If your loafer has enough of a heel, you can also pair it with the right business skirt.

Styling Your Casual Look

When it comes to putting together your casual outfit, loafers make the perfect footwear. They come in hundreds of styles, so you will always be able to find the right style to fit your attire and your personal preference. There is almost no limit to what you can wear loafers with, when attempting to accomplish your casual look. You can wear them with shorts, skirts or dresses. In contrast to the business look, when you are attempting to pull off the casual look, you should ensure that your heel is low or non-existent.

Introducing Masculine Elements

Being that loafers are originally associated with men, adding a couple of masculine elements can serve to bring balance to the look, as long as it is not overdone. One great addition is a boyfriend blazer on the chilly nights out. If you want to take it a step further, you can always wear a fedora that matches the shoes. According to The Chic Curve, wearing loafers in the wrong way can have you looking like an old granny, and that would definitely be a counterproductive move.

If you use a combination of practical fashion and creativity, you can accomplish a great deal with a pair of loafers. How for you go, that is up to you.

Megan Barnes is a classic fashionista. She often blogs about timeless looks and integrating them into fresh style.