Before I begin explaining the unforeseen comeback of the penny loafer and get carried away preaching the reasons to love the loaf, I gotta ask a question that has been bugging me since I was a youngster: why in the name of Yeezus do we call this shoe the ‘penny loafer’? The name itself gives me the heebie jeebies for irrational reasons I can’t explain.
The penny loafer, which is essentially an oxford without laces, got its name from some American prep school oddballs who would slip a penny into the iconic slit in the strap across the top of the shoe, as a sort of fashion statement. Not sure why a coin sticking out of your footwear was ever considered trendy… but then again, I’m still scratching my head at how Litas became every girl’s ride or die a few years ago, myself included.
What’s important now, is that some of our favorite designers have reinvented the penny loafer, and have created an elevated, more current vibe. Throw on a pair of these chunky classics with your vintage plaid skirt and slouchy knit sweater for a playful, put together look! Here are my 6 favorite versions of the ‘new’ penny loafer that I adore. Please, try not to drool on the screen.
