Dress Loafers

Men, women and kids love, loafers, those comfortable, simple slip-on shoes that cross the bridge between casual and dress shoes with ease. We'll share some of our favorite brands and designers in this quick guide to loafers.

Gentlemen prefer leather, and Allen-Edmonds has that handsomely covered with their excellent variety of leather loafers. From the semi-casual and classic styles with tassels to dressier designs with coordinating gold or silver metal details, supple calf leather adds a touch of refinement to their sophisticated loafers. Cole Haan offers similar styles, although one, the Air Lucio, features handwoven detailing across the top of the shoe. Giorgio Brutini tends to keep their slip-ons deceptively simple, unless you'd like a look at the crocodile-embossed or double-stitched loafers, but every style sports a breathable leather lining and a durable rubber out-sole, textured for light traction.

You'll appreciate what Gucci can do for you as a man or a woman with a lovely variety of loafers in soft sued or rich burnished leather, plus Gucci's signature horsebit details in interesting materials like bamboo or metal. Calvin Klein also addresses the needs of both men and women with offerings like the bronzed Zander for women, a delicately grained metallic leather loafer with silver accents, or the Neil for men, a classic design with remarkably flexible leather in black or cognac and double-stitched trim.

For the ladies, we really like Etienne Aigner for their style, such style! Why have just a bow or tassels when you can combine the two, add a touch of metal to the center of it all, and still carry it off with perfect class? How about canvas uppers -- that's the top of the shoe -- in lovely but professional-looking colors with matching patent leather trim. Even the Etienne Aigner moccasins are creatively styled in patent leather, with a buckled strap and cute cut-outs for a flirty look. One of the very best brands for the price, you need to see what Etienne Aigner has to offer you.

For another creative women's loafer collection, check out Joan & David for unexpected details like the "haircalf" toe with an ocelot print against a solid, dark brown smooth leather upper, and brushed metal trim. Don't miss their Vali loafer with a snakeskin texture on soft leather in metallic pewter or bronze. Their Query is very dressy, sporting a bow-and-tassel top with brushed gold tassel crimps against a crocodile-embossed leather with a low, stacked heel.