The tapered penny loafer
The gorgeous Grechen of Grechen’s Closet wrote the most complimentary book review ever of The New Garconne (thank you Grechen) and in the process alerted me to Everlane’s ‘Modern Penny Loafer’.
I’m such a stick-in-the-mud that I hadn’t addressed all the newer elongated loafers (I think Gucci did them first). Like Grechen, I’m faithful to my Bass Weejuns but I agree it’s crucial to step out of your comfort zone every so often.
What I like about the Modern Penny Loafer is how high it comes up on the instep. I don’t like women’s loafers that don’t come up high enough, it just looks a bit skimpy. The tapered silhouette adds a level of formality that regular penny loafers don’t have, making them that much more versatile.
The Modern Penny Loafer comes in black, cognac and oxblood. The cognac (buy it here) is perfect for summer, with dark or faded cigarette jeans or even cropped khakis. And they would also look lovely with a slim cotton trouser suit in any colour from neutrals to cobalt blue (sans socks).
Any thoughts on the tapered penny loafer?
WORDS: Navaz Batliwalla/Disneyrollergirl
IMAGES: Everlane
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25 January, 2017 @ 10:15 am
I LOVE these. I am a little mad that Everlane didn’t come up with these sooner, as I already splurged on an oxblood pair from Tod’s (not their driving shoe, see them here: https://www.instagram.com/p/BPAIUe0DQzg/) over a year ago. I can’t justify a second pair. For one the Tod’s were pricey, for another, I live in the tropics. Dammit, Everlane.
25 January, 2017 @ 7:52 pm
Thanks Kat, I like the Tod’s!
25 January, 2017 @ 4:57 pm
whoa. thanks so much for the shout-out :) i loved your book so much and can’t wait for a sequel, hint hint !!
i appreciate the everlane loafer, and like the “modern” tapered look, but i crave the classic style of the bass weejun right now, the heavier sole, the more rounded toe…
everlane’s cognac is really beautiful though!
25 January, 2017 @ 7:53 pm
Thanks Grechen :)
27 January, 2017 @ 10:31 pm
No
27 January, 2017 @ 11:46 pm
haha not a fan then!
28 January, 2017 @ 1:30 pm
I like the Newbark loafers I just bought in the NAP sale. Two tone navy and white, very soft. Perfect for later in the year, hopefully.
31 January, 2017 @ 6:12 pm
Ahhh my only problem with soft flats (also think: ballet pumps) is London’s year-round rain :( Good for holidays though!
28 January, 2017 @ 2:56 pm
You may just have introduced me to a loafer I actually like – and might be able to wear (if – as someone suggested, they are narrow – which I need). Thank you!
31 January, 2017 @ 6:13 pm
My pleasure!
1 February, 2017 @ 9:21 am
Love the colour and the cut … sadly for me (short, a bit curvy) this shape doesn’t create enough volume at my ‘base’ and leaves me looking top heavy. So am always looking for a chunkier shoe that’s also somehow elegant (?). And totally agree about London weather – my holy grail is a fantastic, ideally pale coloured, spring/summer shoe that will cope with the wet weather but won’t get trashed running around town. Think I’ve just answered my own question there … mutually exclusive wants.
1 February, 2017 @ 9:52 am
Hmmm, some sort of variation on a white Dr Marten? Too butch…?!
3 February, 2017 @ 12:56 pm
I have such memories of going into the Bass stores as a kid and all of these white-haired ladies buying them. It was a big prep thing then. It’s funny that they now have cache. Also read and loved your book made me check-out LaGarconne downtown, thank you very much. I think I need to dig deeper re the loafer as I wasn’t aware there was such a history and how small variations are a big deal. I did buy a Newbark at the NAP sale – patent leather green. LOVE the color but found them a bit flimsy. Will keep them but probably not buy them again. Also bought a pair of Tod’s (Thank you NAP sale -without you I’d have no shoes!) which are the bomb. Two questions for those of you with better fashion sense than I: 1) socks with loafers? Yes or No? And what about those of us with large feet? I’ve seen fashion pix of loafers with ankle socks that I always think are cute and that I could do, but is this a no-no? Does it scream Cle-Vegas? 2) What about Church’s? Just curious that no one’s mentioned their loafers. They have a wonderful chuncky, grabby sole.
3 February, 2017 @ 11:40 pm
Oh that’s funny, in the UK they have always been covetable, they were part of a big Americana thing here in the 80s. I love the socks and loafers look, v gamine if done with trousers the right length. Large feet – maybe make sure you have something with a little volume on your top half to balance…? Church’s loafers look lovely although I haven’t tried them. But I’m a big fan of Church’s generally. Thank you for the nice words about the book!