How To Wear It: Suede Loafers for Spring and Summer

Banana Republic Dellbrook Suede Loafer – $88.80 ($148)

NOTE: These have since sold out. But J. Crew has a really nice Ludlow suede loafer now available, albeit they’re a bit pricey. But it’s J. Crew, so, wait for sales! Want something darker? Try the Allen Edmonds Mercer in Olive. Want something surprisingly cheap? Try the Nordstrom Kai suede loafer.

We’re not talking boat shoes here. We’re not even talkin’ clunky, “Weejun” style penny loafers. We’re talking sleek without being pointy, comfy with or without socks, suede loafers for the warm weather ahead. BR’s Dellbrook Suede Loafer shown above and throughout this post are a fine example of this type of shoe. Dressed down from laced dress shoes for sure, but not schlumpy in the least. Could you wear them with shorts? Maybe, but sticking with chinos or trousers or even jeans is the safer way to go. As evidenced by these suggestions:

 

With a Polo & Lightweight Chinos

• Chinos: Bonobos Sretch Lightweight Chinos – $62.40 w/ ECLIPSE20 ($78)
• Polo: Banana Republic Slim Luxury-Touch Polo – $20.99 ($49.50)
• Belt: Jomers Sagamore Woven Belt – $20 Sold Out
• Watch: Deep Blue Automatic 300m Diver – $175 on a gray NATO strap
• Sunglasses: Le Specs Hard Knock – sold out (but maybe try these from Prive Revaux for the blue lens aviator look?)

Wheelhouse stuff here. A perfect casual, but not frumpy or sloppy look for when temps start to heat up. Sockless or no shows or (gasp) socks are up to you.

 

With a Light Grey Suit

• Suit: Target Goodfellow & Co “Choice” Suit Separates – $149.98 (Careful though, these have chopped jackets. Review here. If the Budget Thome Browne thing isn’t your deal, try Spier & Mackay or Suitsupply.)
• Shirt: Banana Republic Grant Slim-Fit Non-Iron Dress Shirt – $47.70 when 40% off ($79.50) similar
• Belt: J. Crew Factory Washed Leather Belt – $23.50
• Watch: Tag Heuer Monaco – Expensive (But try these alternatives if you’re not into the expensive watches.)
• Sunglasses: Persol Foldable 714 – $160ish (sometimes less via Massdrop)

A super easy way to dress down a suit, but still look super polished and dressed up enough. It’s also a great way to get more use out of your suits. Would look terrific at a nice but not stuffy summer wedding, or out on the town for a warm summer night with drinks & dinner.

 

With Chinos & a Sportcoat

• Polo: Target Goodfellow Elevated Polo in Navy – $14 similar
• Sportcoat: Suitsupply Italian Hopsack Wool  – $399 similar
• Pants: B.R. Slim Fly-Weight Traveler Pants – $98 similar
• Belt: Suitsupply Brown Suede Belt – $79 similar, kinda. Shown above is an OLD Polo RL option which is tough to replicate.
• Sunglasses: Persol Foldable 714 – $160ish (sometimes less via Massdrop)
• Watch: Standard Issue Instruments Pilot Timer – discontinued (but the Todd Snyder Military would be a nice affordable alternative?)

I call this look “Irish Mafia goes to Boca Raton for the weekend” (and have called it such when wearing it when someone offers a compliment). And whether you have an unkempt redhead look or not (the Irish connection), the dark polo under a light sportcoat + saturated colors does give off an interesting vibe. Not for everyone, but the ladies seem to like it if you’re capable of wearing it with an authentic (key word = authentic) level of not-give-a-F-ness.

 

With Lightweight & Light Color Everything when it gets HOT

• Sportcoat: Banana Republic Core Temp Suit Jacket – $149.50 when 40% off ($249)
• Pocket Square: TheTieBar Chambray Pocket Square – $10
• Shirt: Banana Republic Slim Fit Tech-Stretch Cotton – $53.70 when 40% off ($89.50)
• Pants: Bonobos Stretch Washed Chinos – $70.40 w/ ECLIPSE20 ($88)
• Belt: GAP Basic Leather Belt – $21.57 w/ CYBER + YOURS ($39.95)
• Watch: Nodus Avalon – $650 on a Rubber Strap – $35
• Sunglasses: Le Specs Hard Knock – sold out (but maybe try these from Prive Revaux for the blue lens aviator look?)

For when it REALLY heats up. That sportcoat is made from the same fabric that BR’s famous core-temp chinos are made from. And it works. Really well. Keeps you nice and cool. Sure there’s not a ton of color going on here, but that’s kinda the point. Reflect those rays from the sun.

 

With Four Season Wool Trousers and a Contrasting Polo

• Polo: Target Goodfellow Elevated Polo in Navy – $14 ($16.99) similar
• Trousers: Target Goodfellow Wool Blend Suit Pants – $44.99
• Belt: J. Crew Factory Washed Leather Belt – $23.50
• Watch: Standard Issue Instruments Pilot Timer – discontinued (but the Todd Snyder Military would be a nice affordable alternative?)

A standard look that many men wear to business casual workplaces in the summer, but the suede loafers and slim (okay, skinny for some body types) trousers really keep it sleek, while also remaining timeless overall.

Has something caught your eye, but you’re not sure how to wear it? Send in any suggestions for our “how to wear it” series to joe@dappered.com.