How do you wear your loafers? What are your "loafer rules"?

[Texasmade]



Since we're talking about 'sockless' loafers look, any good invisible socks you guys can recommend? I don't want the sock to be showing but I guess it would be more comfortable and less stinky to use a sock. I usually used lower quality slippers as my short-shoes so I could just throw them away if they stink too much, after a season or two But I'd rather have less shoes but better quality now, I don't have as much space to keep them anymore.

I use Banana Republic loafer socks.

 

[wojt]

thanks, will try

 

[G Bruce]

Generally without socks from May through Sept. Dress them up or down with jeans.

 

[archibaldleach]



I know a surgeon who often wears (sleek) loafers with a (well-fitting) suit and button-down shirt (and tie) when seeing patients. Not sure what other people would think, but I think this is kind of a cool look for his job. Just by wearing a suit he is more dressed up than 90% of physicians, but the loafers and button down collar dress the look down in a way that might seem a little more friendly to patients. Many might perceive a doctor in an expensive suit, lace-ups, cutaway collar, cufflinks, etc. to be arrogant and I think the loafers help tone down the look in a way that works nicely for his profession. Just an example of a situation where I think loafers work with a business suit. 

I suspect your average person notices the guy wearing a suit and tie before he notices loafers vs. lace ups and far before he thinks about the button down collar as casual. Hell, loafers are probably seen as dress shoes for the average American at least. I think that outside of SF and people who are extremely style conscious, things like wearing loafers with a suit or a button down collar (with tie) with a suit don't do a lot to dress things down. In any event, the "sleek" part probably helps the look.

Your surgeon would probably be more dressed up than 90% of physicians if he wore a nice trouser and odd jacket combination as well.

 

[FlyingMonkey]

My only loafer rule is 'never wear loafers'. It's a personal one, but I just can't stand them, and unlike laced or buckled shoes, you have no way of adjusting the fit at all.

 

[RDiaz]

I like light colored suede tassel loafers for summer. The most "formal" thing I'd wear them with is a casual summer suit (linen, seersucker, etc). I want to get a pair from Carmina before this summer ends, probably in the same last jrd617 has posted above. You have to be extremely careful when choosing lasts for a pair of loafers, you don't want anything too rounded nor too pointed (and of course stay away from square toes)

 

[bwp]

Being in the southwest and working in a business casual environment, I wear loafers pretty much seven days a week from May to September. Rotation consists of Carmina, Alden and C&J during the work week, always sockless, with slim chinos and an OCBD. On weekends, I have a few pairs of drivers that I wear with shorts. Three years ago I would have not been caught dead, sockless in a pair of loafers, primarily due to the fact that I never saw them worn well prior to joining SF. The only real "rule" that I follow is the pants have to be tapered, I find that loafers don't look all that great with pants that have a hem opening larger than 7.75".