When you think of “school shoes,” there are only three styles of shoes that come into mind: ballet flats, mary janes, and slip-ons. But among the three, one style stands out the most for its association with academic dressing. Blame it on teenage flicks or slice-of-life animes, but loafers have inevitably developed a reputation for being a school staple.
However, you don’t need to be a student just to trot around in this preppy pair. Thanks to a slew of luxury brands remaking the humble penny loafer into a covetable designer must-have, more influencers and celebrities have been seen sporting these slip-ons as of late. Their sole of choice? The Prada Loafers.
What is the Prada Loafer?
Unlike the typical Weejun pair (a slang of Norwegian; this is term is used to describe the classic leather slip that features a leather strip on top, top stitching, and a low-heel), Prada’s take on loafers has a boxy, chunky sole while the classic silhouette has a distinct leather finish. Both don the brand’s iconic triangular logo on top. These iterations have a chic androgynous silhouette that you can easily dress up or down.
The style was introduced as part of the Italian brand’s Pre-Fall 2020 collection and it's likely to become a mainstay considering the high demand globally.
What are the different kinds of Prada loafers?
What distinguishes Prada's loafers from the slip-ons of other brands like like Chanel, Gucci, and Tod’s is its sole. The size and shape of Prada’s is relatively oversized with distinct grooves, too. Overall, there are three types of Prada loafers: the classic, the Chocolate line, and the Monolith.
Prada Classic Leather Loafers
The classic series comprises of styles that are sleeker and more feminine. The heel is streamlined (it could be flat or elevated) and the toe cap is rounded and shaped much like a pointe shoe. Don’t stress if you think these are too plain, because there are a number of styles available such as patent leather and one studded with crystals if you’re looking for something with more pizzazz!
Brushed leather loafers, $825 (approx. P42,127), PRADA, prada.com
Satin loafers with crystals, $1550 (approx. P79,148), PRADA, prada.com
Patent leather loafers, $775 (P39,557), PRADA, prada.com
Prada Chocolate Loafers
Not to be mistaken by everyone’s favorite V-day giftable or the color, Chocolate is simply the name of the loafer line. This iteration has more height and “chonk” that gives the shoes a boxier silhouette. It’s also safe to say that the Chocolate has been the most popular among Prada's loafers yet, having been worn by the likes of Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid to name a few.
Chocolate brushed leather loafers, $995 (approx. P50,954), PRADA, prada.com
Chocolate Sharp brushed leather loafers, $1050 (approx. P53,771), PRADA, prada.com
Prada Monolith Pointy Brushed Leather Loafers
The newly-minted cult-classic comes in two basic colors: all-black and all-white. This monochromatic look is also one of the style’s main characteristics. The pair for women features a distinct pointed toe and a sleek upper silhouette that contrasts with the clunky sole.
Monolith brushed leather loafers in black, $1150 (approx. P58,697), PRADA, prada.com
Monolith brushed leather loafers in black, $1150 (approx. P58,697), PRADA, prada.com
How do celebrities and influencres wear the Prada Loafers?
As mentioned earlier, style stars seem to gravitate towards the Prada Chocolate loafer. But whether you opt to cop this line, the Monolith, or the classic, here are outfit combos that will convince you that it’s more than a shoe for the bookish.
1. Knitwear co-ords + baguette bag + Prada Chocolate loafers
Trust Ida Anduyan to come up with comfy but sexy loungewear ‘fit you’d love to wear from your living room to a café. To keep it semi-casual, take cues from the content creator and leave buttons open to subtly show some skin.
2. Coat + black tee + leather pants + Prada Chocolate loafers
For your next trip to someplace chilly, don this cozy outfit as seen on Danish model Josefine Hanning Jensen. But don’t fret! You can still wear this look in our warm climes by trading the coat with a lightweight blazer or a dark denim jacket!
3. Baby doll dress + bandana + socks + Prada Chocolate loafers + Prada Nylon Baguette bag
Fashion designer and influencer Renee de Guzman is undeniably a Prada fan. So much in fact that this sweet OOTD features two of the brand’s most popular pieces as of late! That said, the monolith is a great way to break the femininity of an eyelet baby doll dress and make an outfit more contemporary.
4. Blazer suit + button-down + Prada Chocolate loafers
We love how David Guison dressed up this pair with a classic neutral suit. Follow his cue and opt for a somber ensemble that’s not dreary in black. This makes your loafers stand out more with the subtle contrast in color.
5. Black T-shirt + coat or blazer + shorts + Prada Chocolate loafers + sling bag
Go monochrome like your Monoliths with a ‘fit that shows a lot of leg! Again, swap out the coat for a lightweight trench or an oversized blazer to match the temp!
6. Button-down + trousers + white socks + Prada Chocolate loafers + tote bag
When going all-out neutral, a cool way to keep the palette interesting is opting for a harmonious set of hues that allow each piece to standout. In this case, the white socks that peek through David’s trousers definitely help highlight the cut of the trousers and your statement slip-ons!
7. Cropped top + statement shorts + socks + Prada Chocolate loafers
Take a page from your pre-school ‘fits and go with something short from head to hip! This will put the spotlight on your socks and shoes, which is the reason you’re wearing this outfit anyway, right?
8. Cropped top + denim shorts + trench (optional) + socks + Prada Chocolate loafers
Hailey Bieber definitely knows how to create a sultry look with some insanely casual pieces. Her trick to dressing up a boring cropped tee and denims? She slips on her Prada loafers, of course! The socks add that cute school girl touch that’s very 2000s!
9. T-shirt + vest + blazer + straight-cut denims + socks + Prada Chocolate loafers
Talk about collegiate! This look is all about channeling your inner straight-A student, but you don’t need to attend class to get full marks to pull it off. Though we love Bella Hadid’s expert layering with this ‘fit, you can lose the vest when the weather is too warm and the look will still work.
10. Oversized sweater + distressed denim shorts + socks + Prada Chocolate loafers
As far as the model bunch is concerned, white socks are a must when styling these slip-ons! And we don’t blame them, they do add a youthful touch to any look!
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