Loafers are often labeled as dowdy, but not in my book. They can look cool when you choose an interesting style and pair them with a hip ensemble. Very Euro and always stylish.

Loafers tend to look a little more masculine than ballet flats, which makes them the more arty and edgy choice. I’ve always liked the look of loafers and now more than ever, view them as the “new look ballet flat” . So I’m slowly but surely adding fun loafers to my flat shoe collection.

When purchasing loafers, be mindful of the style detailing and think about how you will wear them with other items in your wardrobe. Here are some guidelines that may help:

• Low vs. high vamps: Generally, both high and low-vamped loafers work best with boot cuts, straight leg slacks or jeans. But loafers with low vamps can be worn with skirts, dresses and cropped pants as well. Add fun hosiery into the mix for an eclectic look.
• Sporty vs. retro styles: Styles with chunky rubber soles look more casual and aren’t quite as versatile as retro styles with refined rubber or leather soles. But if you’re after a completely casual look like the ones I got at the Tsonga Factory, then stick to wearing them with jeans.
• Interesting colour or texture: Loafers tend to look extra classic in a flat black and brown leather. This is ideal for those with a classic sense of style. But if you’re after a trendier vibe, choose loafers in a fun colour and interesting texture like the styles you see below.
• Add the attitude: It’s how you wear the ped that counts. One of my favourite ways of wearing the cream Tsonga loafers is with boot cut or straight leg jeans, a black top, scarf and belted burnt orange 70’s style vintage leather jacket with faux fur trim. The drama of the scarf and the edginess of the jacket offsets the classic integrity of the loafers. I dig that type of contrast.

Loafers are also great to wear with trouser socks or thin wool socks, which makes them a super alternative to booties, ankle boots, ballet flats or fashion sneakers. A nice closed shoe option for nippy weather.

An assortment of fun loafers. All the vamps are high except for those on the pewter and purple pairs, so those are the types of styles that you could pair with skirts, dresses and hose.