Loafers - style and make questions

[GrahamM]

Hi Everyone,

Long-time lurker, new-time member! I'd like to buy fewer but more quality clothes and shoes. I'm not in any sort of occupation that needs suits and that level of formality and in my own time I'm a casual dresser. I'm tempted by a pair of suede brown loafers for no-sock wear in the coming months with lighter, linen based trousers. I already own (cheap £/$) tan, square towed leather loafers from (oops) 2007 which look very very dated and black very pointy leather loafers that don't sit well in terms of "casual" dress. Money is not in limitless supply and in terms of coming autumn/winter etc., does it make sense to spend good money on shoes that can only really be used in the summer as opposed to those which can be wore more of the year?

The loafers I am split between are both made by Carmina

UNLINED PENNY LOAFERS 80579 GENOVA

UNLINED PENNY LOAFERS IN BROWN SUEDE...

www.carminashoemaker.com

UNLINED SLIPPERS 80709 UETAM

UNLINED BROWN SUEDE SLIPPERS...

www.carminashoemaker.com

I really favour the "slipper" style but want to "invest" in something that is timeless given the cost. Would the "slipper" style be less timeless? I assume they are real shoes meant for outdoor wear?
Is the Carmina brand good in terms of value/quality?

Thanks

Graham

 

[GrahamM]

Additional question....

style-wise would the slipper be viewed as feminine?

 

[Phileas Fogg]

The slipper is better known as a Venetian loafer.

Both are classic. Both are timeless and not trendy. It’s a matter of personal preference.

I think that the penny loafer Would be more versatile but that’s just a personal observation. And no, the Venetian loafer is not feminine.

 

[GrahamM]

Thanks!

 

[Thin White Duke]

Carmina is a very decent brand and the quality is good - probably among the best mid-range brands before you get in the silly money and law of diminishing returns territory.
I also agree that the penny loafer is more versatile and could go from the most casual outfit (even shorts, although I would never personally wear loafers with shorts it’s a popular look) through jeans, khakis, linens all the way up to more casual (cotton, linen) suits.
So you’ve picked a good brand and a solid, versatile and stylish shoe that’s not ‘trendy’ so won’t embarrass you in a couple of years. As long as you can get the size and fit right you’re on to a winner. Good luck.