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Oxfords vs loafers: which style is more versatile?

Mander

(website)

Veteran

Hey, folks, long time no see!

Anyway I have another shopping dilemma. I have spied these two shoes on sale, but I can't decide which ones to get. I don't have loafers or oxfords at the moment, so in theory they are both wardrobe holes.

You guys probably barely remember me and what I like to wear. I'm plus size, very casual, almost always jeans, frequently boot cut or straight leg. I find androgynous styles, "English country" looks (e.g. tweed and plaid), and bold graphics most appealing, although in practice I am often wearing jeans and a t-shirt, and I seem to have a genetic fondness for frumpy shoes. I have a poison eye for ankle grazer styles though I do sometimes wear fairly short skinny jeans. And I'm living in London, so lots of walking around in the rain.

Anyway, here are the shoes --
Oxfords: http://www.clarks.co.uk/p/26109164
Loafers: http://www.clarks.co.uk/p/26109165#reviews

Shopping

18 replies

Latest reply was from catgirl

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

They are both nice shoes. I have a slight preference for the oxford because it seems to have cleaner lines to me and I like the patent toe cap. I have long feet though so that type of detail can work well. The higher vamp can be easier to work with for narrower pants too since you are less likely to have a little gap between pant and shoe that needs to be filled in. Unless you are in a climate where you don't need to worry about warmth - if so, ignore that bit.

skylurker

Veteran

Hi Mander, nice to hear from you.
For me, oxfords are more versatile because I don't like socks with loafers - so they end up as a Spring/Summer only item.
I also find laced-up shoes more comfortable to walk in.
Style-wise, I see the loafers as graphic, the oxfords as simply classic - for English country look, I'd go for a brogue.

LaPed

Veteran

I feel like loafers are having a moment of vogue-ness right now, but I'll always choose an oxford over a loafer -- for, style, comfort, and versatility.

Keix

Veteran

I think the loafer style reads hipper and younger to me, but YMMV. Also depends on whether you love or hate lace-up shoes; personally I'm on the hate side because I don't wear shoes in the house so I need to stop to lace them up every time I'm right at the door.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

I love both your picks! Since you mention English country style as a preference, I'd say go for the oxfords. They are probably more versatile for your style. If you were a skirt and/or cropped trouser kind of person, I'd say loafers.

lyn67

Veteran

Thanx Mandy for the thread! I often have the same dillema...will learn a lot from the comments:-)

rachylou

Veteran

I'd personally go for the loafers. They're good looking - that they have a little heel to me means they'll be able to go many places and just add a bit of dash to anything else you out on. Oxfords are, well, mannish. They are (still) menswear for women. I think they're harder to style.

Runcarla

Veteran

The oxfords pictured are classic, whereas the loafers with the platform sole and white detail is more trendy. I wold vote the Oxford for a cleaner line with straight legged pants and and shoes with ties are more supportive for walking, in general (loosening up or snugged in as needed.

The styles are so different, I feel like they would fill different wardrobe holes. If you love them can you stretch for both?

Gwennie

I think the loafers in this case, since they are not as heavy, might be more flexible. Although I do think the fact that the oxfords are one color work well for some outfits. Overall, I find oxfords more versatile generally for me.

ladyjules

I'm a fan of the loafer pair, but I wouldn't say I prefer loafers over oxfords. But this particular pair of loafers have more structure, and I love the white details against the black leather. The other pair... I'm not so fond of the shiny part, I prefer oxfords simple... not shiny or with any shiny details in them.

Joy

Veteran

I have both oxfords and loafers and wear the loafer style most. I think the reason is mainly that I can wear them year round. Oxfords are too heavy for our summers. I like both your picks. If I lived in London, I would buy the thickest soled shoes I could find because of the puddles.

Bonnie

Veteran

My preference is for the loafers because they are really different and cute, but if you want them for walking long distances, you should go with what is more comfortable because they're both great looking shoes.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

It is a dilemma, for sure. I love oxfords and have a hard time wearing loafers, personally. I wear my oxfords with skinny pants and slim legged ones, and I rarely wear my loafers at all. But in this case, I like the look of the loafers better, for a slightly more feminine look. Sorry I'm not much help!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I think the Oxfords are more versatile but the loafers have that great heel - of course it would soon be covered with mud no? Great to "see" you!

Mander

(website)

Veteran

I still haven't decided but I'm leaning toward the Oxfords. I realized that I have been wanting a pair of shoes in this general style for ages but haven't actually bought any, barring a pair of very cheap (read: not durable) floral ones that I got just for fun.

Maybe I can find them in a store and try them on, and not have to mess around with trying to decide which house to have them shipped to...

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Hands down the loafers.

Diana

Veteran

Ordinarily I'm an Oxford girl through and through but I find those loafers really compelling. The graphic sharpness is really nice. Depends on whether or not they'll stay on your feet though.

catgirl

Veteran

I think laceless oxfords are the best of both worlds.