Who needs heels when you can step into a simple-yet-effective shoe, like the loafer? And thanks to some of our favorite tastemakers, including Taylor Swift and Reese Witherspoon, the flats of decades past have received a millennial update. According to T Magazine, the Bass Weejun was one of the first loafer styles that was meant to be a man’s shoe. “But so many women were buying and wearing boys’ sizes that two years later Bass launched a feminine version that was a line-for-line copy of the original,” the publication reveals. Keep reading to get tips from celeb stylist Eric Himel on four new ways to rock your own pair.
Velvet Tuxedo Mini
![Jamie Chung on November 8, 2016.](/wp-content/uploads/jamie-chung-9efec0cc-5042-4dcd-b23c-5dcd94c2cfdc.jpg?w=620&quality=86&strip=all)
“Velvet is a traditionally dressy fabric, so choose a loafer with adornments such as embellishments, studs or appliqués to match the innate dressiness of the fabric,” Himel tells Stylish, citing Jamie Chung‘s November 8 Election Day ensemble in Beverly Hills. “A dressier fabrication such as a loafer in satin would also complement a velvet ensemble. Avoid a basic leather loafer with this look.”
Cropped Jeans
![Reese Witherspoon is seen on October 20, 2016 in Los Angeles, California.](/wp-content/uploads/reese-witherspoon-1f988988-8f14-41db-b46a-554e9e5b280b.jpg?w=1000&quality=74&strip=all)
Reese Witherspoon kept it cute and casual in an oxblood button-down and ankle-length jeans in Los Angeles October 20. “While almost any type of loafer would work with a cropped jean, choose something on the more understated side for that cool updated prep school look, like a classic Gucci loafer,” Himel advises. “Choose a loafer with a tassel for an even more ’80s prep school look!”
Feminine Dress
![Suki Waterhouse is seen during The 73rd Venice Film Festival on September 7, 2016 in Venice, Italy.](/wp-content/uploads/suki-waterhouse-f17dec9e-055f-4ea1-9223-39cd52edf460.jpg?w=1000&quality=40&strip=all)
“Dress up a feminine frock with a loafer with a sleeker silhouette or one that has a lower vamp that shows more skin,” Himel notes. Suki Waterhouse did just that in her red-and-white polka-dot frock and black shoes in Venice, Italy, on September 7.
Skinny Pants
![Taylor Swift is seen on September 28, 2016 in New York City.](/wp-content/uploads/taylor-swift-84234df4-73cc-42fa-b62a-30eb0b88ce17.jpg?w=1000&quality=62&strip=all)
“Skinny pants, skinny loafers!” Himel says (Taylor Swift’s New York City street style on September 28 is a perfect example). “Choose an elongated loafer that continues the line of a skinny pants down the foot. Try a pointy-toe style for maximum effect.”