The Row fall 2011; Imaxtree Ballet slippers may have some competition with the recent popularity of lounge loafers. These shoes have come on the scene with a vengeance and taken androgyny to a new fashionable level. Everyone from Alexander McQueen to Sam Edelman have contributed to the trend and have brought studs, prints, and tassels to the table. Here’s what to consider before  you delve into this trend: Longevity: Not new to the style scene, the loafer has been around since Hugh Hefner debuted them in the ’70s. We never thought we’d tale a cue from the Playboy patriarch, but even the most unpredictable of celebrities end up being trendsetters. For those of us who can’t decide between the flat and the oxford, this is a neutral combination of the two that is sure to be around for years to come. Wearability: If there’s one thing that these shoes possess, it’s comfortability. These shoes are literally made for walking. Or lounging. And although we all love a good heel, a great stylish and practical flat is like winning the lottery. You can follow in the footsteps of the always fashionable Mary-Kate and Ashley and their brand The Row and pair them with mens-like business wear, or you can throw them on with a simple jeans and T-shirt for running errands. Dressed up or down, they work like a charm. Personality: Whether you’re a plain Jane or love to experiment with prints, there’s a loafer out there for everybody. Studs, velvet, leopard, or patent, whatever your hearts desire. Although they may come off a bit grandfather-esque, it all depends on the style of the shoe and yours. Save vs. Splurge?: Save. Although the studded Louboutin loafers may be tempting, some of the splurges run close to $1,000, and who has that kind of money? There’s no need to break the bank to nab a pair of these shoes. Save options:
Photo: Courtesy of Aldo Killion Black Patent, $28, Aldo

Photo: Courtesy of Topshop Manney Pink Spot Slippers, $60, Topshop
Photo: Courtesy of DSW Wanted Ritzy Flat, $30, DSW
Photo: Courtesy of Asos DV by Dolce Vita Marcel Tasselled Loafers, $100, Asos
Photo: Courtesy of Lulu's Qupid Strip 27 Mustard Velvet Yellow Loafer Flats, $26, Lulu’s
Photo: Courtesy of Steve Madden MADEE tailored loafer, $120, Steve Madden
Photo: Courtesy of Nordstrom Adena Same Edelman spike and sequined satin flat, $150, Nordstrom Splurge Options:
Photo: Courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman Loeffler Randall printed calf-hair loafers, $325, Bergdorf


Photo: Courtesy of Shopbop Marc Jacobs jumbled logo metallic flats, $260, Shopbop
Photo: Courtesy of Net-A-Porter Christian Louboutin leapord print and bow loafers, $1,295. Net-A-Porter 


Photo: Courtesy of Free People Carillo metal disk studded loafers, $288, Free People


Photo: Courtesy of Neiman Marcus Charlotte Olympia cat face velvet skimmer flats, $695, Neiman Marcus

 

Photo: Courtesy of Saks Alexander McQueen velvet embroidered skull loafers, $595, Saks