Many guys turn silent when they’re asked the question about Loafers or Lace-ups. Some of them because they don’t know the types of shoes, others because they’re clueless about matching their shoes with the occasion.
While you don’t have to be fashion savvy to be stylish, there are some things every man must know. Some of these subtleties can make it or break it especially in the eyes of the women around you. Knowing when to wear loafers and when to wear lace-ups is one of them.
Did you notice this? I didn’t take sides for either slip-ons (the alternative name for loafers) or lace-ups. This is because they both have their place in a man’s wardrobe. Sure, some guys (even from the fashion industry) choose to go exclusively with either one or the other. I’m sure they have their own reasons for their choices but…
…let’s try to ask a different question. Instead of asking: Should I go for lace-ups or for loafers? …a much better question is. When can I wear loafers and when can I wear lace-ups? How can I match shoes for the occasion?
I’m going to make things simple. In fact, I’m going to make them extremely simple. The cardinal rule to obey as far as laces are concerned is this:
Loafers are more casual than lace-up shoes.
They’re easier to put on and they are derived from lace-ups. It took a while for them to be accepted by men because, initially, they were considered inappropriate. You know how, sometimes, new things cause a lot of arguing and debate? Loafers were no exception. Eventually, slip-ons got accepted. In fact, they became a standard in America for casual footwear, and it’s even acceptable to wear them without socks. This Protalus guide explains how to do it properly.
When to wear loafers?
Now that the degree of formality is clear, let’s see some concrete situations where you can wear loafers. They’re great if…
• you’re going out to have fun (walk in the park, bars, and clubs)
• you’re going out to a semi-formal event (tickets to the theater, dinner with your business associates, etc.)
• you’re off to a weekend to the countryside (unless you anticipate bad roads)
When to wear lace-ups?
While you might think lace-up shoes are only good for formal situations, you don’t have to be THAT strict. Wear them if:
• you’re going to a wedding, a business meeting or other important event (by important I mean an event where you need to show the highest amount of respect possible and you need to be taken as seriously as possible)
• you’re off to a semi-formal event (in such situations, lace-ups or loafers don’t really matter)
• you’re going out and you’re sure that you won’t be too far apart from those around you with them
As you can see, there is no fixed rule that tells you when to wear slip-ons and when to wear lace-ups. Like everything else related to dressing for an occasion, it’s all about how well you understand where you’re going, who else is going to be there and the type of relationships you have with them. It’s all about asserting the situation, then making the most of it.
And, last but not least, before you decide whether to go for either one, assess yourself and your personality. Are you the chill type of guy? You should probably think about wearing loafers. Are you passionate about business or are you trying to be taken more seriously? Go for lace-ups.
Pinstripe Magazine Staff
Online Men’s Lifestyle Magazine on Gear, Grooming, Girls, Gadgets
