Loafers to Lace-ups

A good boot can do more for an outfit than most things hanging in your wardrobe, so don’t be shy about going big. Think chunky lug soles, battered leather, unapologetic lace-ups and Chelsea boots with enough attitude to carry a wide-leg trouser. Wear them with faded denim and a patterned knit, or let a pair of hefty stompers do the talking both visually and audibly. The beauty of a winter boot is that it doesn’t need to be pristine. A few scuffs, some creasing, a bit of weathering. In fact, the more lived-in, the better.

Not ready to go full boot? Meet the derby: the loafer’s slightly more weatherproof cousin. With its open lacing and easy versatility, it’s a smart way to give your rotation a winter-ready upgrade without getting too serious about it. Office, pub, weekend wander — it’s a shoe option that’s got you covered and derby shoes can lean more formal, can be given a bit of an attitude injection when given the right outfit context. Sensible shoes do not have to be boring (or really that sensible for that matter).

Who says loafers are just for summer? A little chill in the air doesn’t mean you have to retire your favorite slip-ons. Instead, it’s about switching up how you wear them. Heavier leather, chunkier soles and darker shades. Moody shoes. A loafer with a bit of substance can hold its own well into winter, especially when teamed with a hefty coat or a few layers up top.