Loafers

First making their appearance in the earlier part of the 20th century, loafers are either dressy or worn as a dressy sport shoe (think yachting and you’ll understand). The distinguishing feature of all loafers, however, is a lack of laces or buckles. Traditionally made from leather, loafers are slip-on shoes that resemble a moccasin on top, but have a wide and fairly flat heel. Many loafers have tassels, although these are often dispensed with nowadays. Penny loafers have a strap across the upper portion of the shoe, which was originally designed to hold change or an ornament.

These slim, slanted-toe leather shoes by Gucci are an example of a high-quality dressy loafer. The tassel contributes to their dressy look, but the addition of bamboo to the tassel makes them modern and suitable for semiformal occasions.