Are black loafers frumpy or cool?

[CoffeeOpinions]

I am new to the style and beauty board, and I see a range of opinions on here about all things S&B, but I thought I'd ask my question here and garner some thoughts!

It's about flat shoes - black loafers, with a gold embellishment on the top (e.g. chain or snaffle, as in from a horse's bridle). I see younger models wearing these shoes in online advertisements, and I'm sure I've seen young women wearing the shoes in real life and looking smart/cool/good.... but I worry about looking frumpy! I'm 41. Does the level of frumpy vs cool/stylish depend on the specific brand of the shoe, or something about the shape? I live in London, and I work in the arts.

Here are a few links to the sort of thing I mean. If anyone has any insight on how to choose the least frumpy version for my age, do share!

Black Dune leather with chain
https://www.dunelondon.com/goldsmith-chain-trim-leather-loafers-black-0076510780004484.html

Black Dune suede snaffle loafer
https://www.johnlewis.com/dune-glenniee-suede-comfort-snaffle-loafers-black/p111138960?size=EU40&s_ppc=2dx_mixed_fashion_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw5v2wBhBrEiwAXDDoJWO7bcNKeHh3EpntNrtdJ1X48SN3C_r0NX0nIvBuWKb2t5HQbTELCxoCNQMQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Black Russell Bromley snaffle
https://www.russellandbromley.co.uk/loafer/123953?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw5v2wBhBrEiwAXDDoJQeCrIvrOfbUuVkZejmiy8q38bgpMGrd4l1PQCp8yq-rsgFtuy1b-RoCFNkQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

My problem with loafers is that I have narrow heels. So they fit across the toes and are loose at the heels and are like flip flops when I walk. Mine probably wouldn't pass the MN frumpometer, but at least I can walk in them.

RampantIvy I love the idea of a frumpometer 😀 I can almost hear what one would sound like in parts of the library I work in. It would go off like a Detectorists metal detector in certain areas 🤣

I'm nearly 60 and like them. I've not been stylish for 30 years.

I've just bought a pair to replace some 'lower' ones that I've had for a decade.

Penny loafers were fashionable in the 1980s / early 90s along with blazers, which is probably why I still wear them. Not sure I would if I was young now.

The beautiful, cool young person in my work wears slim ankle grazer trousers with chunky loafers. It looks great.

Love them. Have chunky and slim but more typically wear slim. Also still wear brogues and Derbys.

I know you know this but honestly you should wear what you like. I’ve been called stylish my whole life but I’ve never really been fashionable. The concept “frump” and caring about it makes you more likely to be the thing you don’t want to be. It’s self conscious dressing that can make things naff.

I wear loafers with dresses for work, I honestly have no other real options and think they are a good compromise when you a) can't wear heels or a lot of shoes due to bunions b) not used to wearing shoes all day (I work from home and live in trainers and boots and c) it is bloomin boiling where I work so I can't wear boots.

I always get complimented on them....I buy from Moda in Pelle which are reasonably priced and really really comfortable.

I have slightly chunkier ones from M&S, they are comfortable, but are really heavy, and the tassels on them refuse to lie flat.
I gave them up, just due to the weight of the darn shoes

I once had some gorgeous navy suede ones that I was wearing when I crashed my car on black ice, I managed to get out ok, but my shoe was stuck under the pedal in the car, I still regret the loss of that gorgeous shoe

I think loafers are such a classic and wear them with Tapered or cigarette trousers a la Audrey Hepburn.

I want to ban the word "frumpy".

Chunky loafers are in fashion, if that's what you want to know, they look deeply uncomfortable, so I don't wear them but they are worn by trendy looking types, definitely.

So do I. The fashionistas on mumsnet love to sneer at other people's sartorial choices by telling them they are frumpy. I hate the word.

Dated or old fashioned is fine, but frumpy is derogatroy.

"Frumpy" is a ridiculous word.

Although, if by "fashiionista" you mean the type of posters on say the Parisian thread who are obsessive and knowledgeable about design, and given the amount of non high street, non mainstream clothes which are as likely to be declared to be "frumpy" as anything from say Seasalt (no offence intended they do wearable, everyday dresses in natural fibres) I'm not inclined to give much (any) value to the opinion of anyone who authoritatively declares something to be "frumpy".

I don't think it's "fashionistas" who used frumpy.

I think it is the black that puts me off, I regard loafers as for spring and summer and black isn’t summery. I might feel differently if I worked in an office.

I think cropped trousers and ankle grazers like that photo on anyone look ridiculous, like a Year Six child who has outgrown their school uniform but their parents won't a new one because the child is going to secondary in three months' time.

Plus, don't your feet and ankles get really cold?

frumpy. soz op

😂 Love that description tbh but no I like wearing them in the warmer months, with pop socks or those "footies" socks so not got bare feet.

I live in mine and have done since I was at college in the early 80s. I'm now 60. I always wore them for comfort not style, and never when I was going out or trying to look good (although had many other shoe faux pas over the decades.....😂).

I still wear them all the time - out shopping, driving, picking up kids, on the way to pilates etc. I would wear them to work if I had an office job now. I wear straight jeans almost all the time, and everything is geared to speed and comfort.

I am a frump these days. I can't imagine a young person rocking the look really - especially with all the gold chain additions (I avoid those unless really small and discreet). Maybe in the office, but I doubt they ever look really 'cool'. Sorry....

Thank you for all the advice and opinions.

@VitoCorleoneOfMNMafia thanks for the recommendations. Aware of all those brands and must say I hate DMs. Too ubiquitous/try hard cool, while the quality has really gone down the pan. I prefer Solovairs - theyre made in the UK in the factory which used to do the soles for Docs. Very nice styling and softer leather too while giving a similar vibe.
I think I will stick with DD's loafer wish. She is young and has a well turned ankle so while I view the shoes as sensible she views them as stylish - win win!

Those Solovair boots look, dare I say it, nicer than DMs and in a range of lovely colours, if not available with roses etc on.

Thanks for the recommendation!

As much as I hate loafers and brogues, if I had to buy a pair I would go for a pair by Lanx.
All their stuff looks great ans us fabulous quality.
https://lanxshoes.com/products/harwood-oxblood

@VitoCorleoneOfMNMafia I can totaly vouch for them! My 28 year old DS, 61 year old DH and I all have various pairs and you can walk miles in them. In style! Just working on 26 year old DD now to make it a family affair! Proper British craftsmanship and quality!

I work in central London and loafers are hugely popular among everyone IMO!

Boden do a great snaffle loafer which is soft and looks elegant - all sorts of colours to choose from.

https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/iris-snaffle-loafers-black/sty-a1412-blk

I really like these in the silver. If you have them are they comfy at the heel? That seems to be the issue for me.