Spring 2012 Trends for Men: Tassel Loafers

Posted on May 3, 2012 in Fashion

It’s so hard for us to come up with anything other than, “Haha, tassel loafers, amirite?” But guess what? They’re back.

Michael Bastian Spring 2012 Collection

Alexander McQueen

B Store

Church’s

Gucci

Harrys of London

Jimmy Choo

John Lobb

Of course, to the seventy-and-above crowd they never really went away, which is why we find it so hard to embrace them wholeheartedly. Lorenzo, ever the game fashionista, is thisclose to declaring his love for them, but Tom is willing to hold out. And by “hold out,” he means, “not bloody likely.”

And you, boykittens? What are your thoughts on the likelihood of your feet coming to look like a party favor in the near future?

Tassel Loafers: YEA or NAY?

The fate of the world rests on this one question.

[Photo Credit: mrporter.com, vogue.it]

Tags:

http://twitter.com/PhDKnitter marlie

I’m a girlkitten, but I like them. I agree that they never really went away — my dad wears them all the time (oh wait, he’s in that age 70-ish crowd).

ETA: They would only work on the right guy, with the right outfit. A dude who would be confident in his preppiness.
http://twitter.com/iraki86 IraKi

Hell to the NO! I would never sleep with a guy wearing this (unless he was Ryan Gosling of course)
- LesYeuxHiboux
  
  These could kill even The Gosling’s mojo.
  - http://pulse.yahoo.com/_HU6TW5A67UOLM5IPLN6INMAVZ4 Martin C
    
    I could see him werqing those Jimmy Choos. And once he wears one, I’m sure every boystar will want one too.
http://joyouslifesf.wordpress.com Kiltdntiltd

Well, with my daily kilt wearing, they will be a perfect new choice in footwear. Lord knows I am grateful the “my feet were crushing under a falling piano” shoes are over, with their ridiculously long toe.
- aristida_girl
  
  HaHa!, I love the “feet crushed under the piano description”..
- understateddiva
  
  Oh, my thank you for this. My boss still wears them. They look like they’re made for picking some sort of mollusk off of a rocky shoal.
  - http://joyouslifesf.wordpress.com Kiltdntiltd
    
    oh THANK you! I saw this first this morning, and it gave me my first out loud laugh of Friday. The mental image will be with me all day.
- Melvis Velour
  
  I always said those things were inversely proportional the size of the wearers member…just sayin’
  - http://joyouslifesf.wordpress.com Kiltdntiltd
    
    Hmmm, you are very probably right, though I refuse absolutely, to do any field research on this subject.
EditKitten

I’m OK with all of them … except for the Jimmy Choos. Those are fucking hideous and divorce-worthy.
- http://joyouslifesf.wordpress.com Kiltdntiltd
  
  Those said “douche canoe” right off, but gimme them Guccis, Now!
  - http://www.wordydoodles.com WordyDoodles
    
    ”Douche canoe” may well be one of the finest phrases I have seen.
    - http://joyouslifesf.wordpress.com Kiltdntiltd
      
      Many thanks to my dear friend Heidi for that one.
    - aristida_girl
      
      Oh man, I laughed so hard at that one my man wanted to know what i was laughing at : ) thanks for the funny…
  - Sara__B
    
    I want the Guccis for myself, and I’m female.
    - http://joyouslifesf.wordpress.com Kiltdntiltd
      
      As long as we don’t wear them to the same event, I’m cool with that! (grinning)
  - blumonky
    
    Yes, the Gucci’s are barely tolerable…douche canoe…love it.
- Ceur
  
  I was gonna say ‘I only like the Jimmy Choos.’ Oh well, I’m still young enough to blame it on something/someone.
  - http://twitter.com/urban_gypsy Tess Danesi
    
    Blame it on your mom. It’s what I do.
- Sweetpea176
  
  They look like slippers — nay. Otherwise, I think a tassel loafer can be a very nice.
  - EditKitten
    
    Agreed — the rest are actually quite nice! The Jimmy Choos just seem … shapeless to me. But what do I know — I’m my 30s, so I’m an old now.
Allison Woods

No.

I would require my guy undergo a mental evaluation if he showed up in those.
Carla_Charlton

No, no no!! Tassel loafers are sooooo Scott Disick/Eddie Cibrian!
hughman

Since I am approximately 10,000 years old and from the South I love loafers worn sockless, tasseled or otherwise. Of course I am also extremely Old Skool about it so it’s always been Bass Weejuns for me (tasseled brown or black with dimes in the penny slot).
- kimmeister
  
  Might I say you are looking mighty fine for your age?
- Susan Crawford
  
  As another 10,000-year-old survivor, I am also firmly in the Bass camp – love the new Rebecca Antonoff styles for lady-kittens, and I love to see a man rocking the sockless Weejun look. SO old-school prepster! Also, Hughman, I adore your blog, themapofwhen. Give your lovely doggie a hug from me.
  - hughman
    
    omg, thanks so much for the compliment about my blog susan!! *blush* xx
    - GlitterPoodle
      
      +1 for your blog. I’ve hung onto an old pair of tassle loafers on the off chance they came back in – I’ve been dreading this day, yet feeling quite clever for tucking them away.
- Aurumgirl
  
  I have always loved that look too, and I’ve been just as specific about it–Bass Weejuns with dimes in the penny slot! It may be “10,000 years old” but it always looks polished and easy going–there’s a low-key elegance about it. Old Skool, maybe, but very sexy to me.
- Puckndc
  
  I agree COMPLETELY!!!…classic is classic…..nothing like a pair of cordovan wingtips as well for those dressier occasions!!
Leonardo Alves

Not gonna happen!
http://www.facebook.com/people/Bernd-Hilbert/1191245573 Bernd Hilbert

No, no, no and no. The only ones I somewhat like are the Jimmy Choo’s, they look comfy and that color is fab
http://profile.yahoo.com/4KLZGI7NMQE2LQDYYSMPFXANW4 Uche

Nay. But they’ve still hung around. I’ve never seen them in anything but leather, though. Am I the only who’s never seen it in suede or anything?
TieDye64

ohmygodno. Nothing against loafers, but tassels are a no.
Tatiana Luján

I love them.
Matthew Bond

I adore boat shoes and oxfords, but not when they have tassels!
MilaXX

Hell to the YEA! Then again I am in the demographic for which they never went out of style. I like every single pair. Maybe it will give boy celebs something better to wear when it’s a casual RC than stupid combat boots.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Jill-Tracy/100001557759289 Jill Tracy

I want the Jimmy Choos in a ladies size!! So cute!!
MikeW_PHX

I’ve never liked the tassels on shoes. They’ve always struck me as just a bit too “twee.”
homofascist

Not in a million billion years. These are move offensive than those Givenchy prints from yesterday. I am having a hard time picturing any gay man wearing these.
boweryboy

NAY!

Especially the Harrys of London and Jimmy Choo.
- out for a walk
  
  Agreed. None of these are good but those two pairs are just flat-out distressing.
http://pleasewelcomeyourjudges.com/ Brian @ PWYJudges

“Ew. NAY!” – this boykitten.
fnarf

I’m wearing a pair right now. Made by Mezlan, purchased by me about three years ago (so ahead of the curve). They’re comfortable yet stylish, with a traditional kind of flair — an aspect of menswear I am always looking to encourage.
holdmewhileimnaked

only if they had platforms.

edited to add:
although the blue moccasins are a nice color.
BobStPaul

I would consider wearing several of these – if only they didn’t have the tassels. Not offended by them but the tassels are totally superfluous.
http://twitter.com/connectinglines Me Again

PUKE. These are the shoes that make hot guys ugly.
CQAussie

Can the ladies give their 2 cents? I think they’re adorable!! Which is probably why the Hubs will not be sporting one in the near or far future.
Lina_bee

Huh. They look sort of silly on their own but they’re cute on the models. Of course, I feel that way about women’s shoes, too, so what do I know? They do remind me of my dad when I was little…but I’m happier with these coming back than the 80s getting another 15 minutes.
sunandmoon24

I’ve never worn them…but actually have always liked them….albeit secretly
http://profile.yahoo.com/XZTPYIF64TK3QDEMWUAS3KULFI Ted

the first three when the models were in them: kinda cool with the short, and absolutely hideous with the suit
http://vhanna26.typepad.com Vera

Love them–especially those blue suede Jimmy Choos–but my husband would never wear them.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1430717080 Scott Woodard

I got the Dr. Martens navy with white soles and white tassels and I LOVE them!
http://twitter.com/drnels Nels P. Highberg

I’d get the Jimmy Choos in a sec.
http://blue-again.myopenid.com/ blue

The bright blue ones look like slippers but I guess the rest are passable.
SpcilK

I’m all about it.
http://roughmenstandready.wordpress.com/ Dejah Thoris

GRANDPA SHOES!!!!!! Scroll down so that the actual models’ heads don’t show, and those three are ALL GRANDPAS!!!!
http://twitter.com/marieldrucker Marie Drucker

My goodness that man has huge calves. They almost look painful.
sunnycalif

Thanks for a laugh–blue suede shoes! Elvis was right!
kikisayshi

bedroom slippers
Sara__B

Nay with a suit. Yea for more casual wear.
blumonky

Men, please just say no.
beebee10

I think the moccasin style look really good but the rest are bad.
Oh and they must be worn sockless.
giiiirrrr

Yea! I think they’re whimsical and cute.
kimmeister

Mostly nay, but I do like the B Store and the Gucci pairs. Hubby would never go for them though.
Flounder Books

I have a pair of Alden Shell Cordovan Tassel Mocs that I love. I wear them all the time with dark jeans and a blazer.
sleepycat

I am sort on the fence, they are nice and I remember my dad wearing them when I was young. I don’t wear real shoes in the summer (i.e. my trusty birks) and will only wear deck shoes, slipons, low-tops otherwise. Granted if I move to New York for more then 2 years then I might invest in the Lobb pair. Some of those however look like bedroom slippers.
http://profile.yahoo.com/AUBZLLMU5I7WSEFF65722YQXO4 michelle

i actually love them and wish they made them for lady kittens. i would wear the crap out of them any day of the week!
http://twitter.com/Eovaai Eovaai

Hell no to the Jimmy Choos, YES to the rest.
iambilljr

Not a chance.
DCSheehan

No! Noooooooooo! If my husband came home with a pair of these I’d divorce him. Then burn the shoes.
spooki C

Barf. Never.
jw_ny

I’m with Tom…”Not bloody likely!” XD

I don’t think I’d wear any of them even if the tassel were removed…
Isana Leshchinskaya

very very YEA
http://twitter.com/#!/Space_Kitty Space Kitty

Nay.

By which I mean, that fine young man in the middle up there can wear whatever he pleases, but mere mortals probably can’t do the same.
http://phantomminuet.blogspot.com/ MinAgain

I like them. All except for the electric blue ones. They look cheap.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Emily-Smith/12431153 Emily Smith

my fiance would give them a resounding HELL NO he hates tassels on shoes. i finally got him to start wearing loafers but he won’t tough them with a 10 foot pole if they have tassels. so perhaps they’re best for the more…into fashion fellows.
- http://www.facebook.com/people/Emily-Smith/12431153 Emily Smith
  
  *touch them
http://twitter.com/jaythenerdkid Aaminah Khan

The Guccis are pretty fab in their way. I could take or leave the rest (leaning heavily towards “leave” on those Jimmy Choos). I don’t haaaaate them, but they’re not something I’d buy for my boyfriend.
3boysful

Did they ever go out?!? J’adore tassled loafers! For guys and gals.
demidaemon

UM, NO.
NurseEllen

My boykitten could wear these any time and it would be OK with me.
http://gabyrippling.tumblr.com/ Gabriella M

Huh. I don’t really understand the violent response. I’ve always thought they’re cute. Then again, all the men in my family take after my nautical grandfather, who basically only wears loafers of some sort, and we’re a boat shoe wearing family, so these are just a hop, skip, and jump away from what everyone in my family regularly wears.
amber_julene

Not. On. My. Husband’s. Feet. Ewwwww. One of a few returning trends that make me cringe.
siriuslover

I’m not a boykitten, but I think that only the brown ones might work. The rest look like slippers you buy at Macy’s during the holidays.
I’ve Got Rocks In My Bed

IM GONNA WEAR LOAFERS TIL JESUS GETS BACK BABY! WHY? BECAUSE I LOVE THEM. I DO NOT CARE WHO SAYS WHAT IS IN. IF ITS IN MY CLOSET, IM WEARING IT BABY!
http://www.thechipsterdiaries.blogspot.com/ Jess

I like them… FOR ME! (A lady)
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1241487378 Lauren Lynch Fox
  
  Me too! I like the blue ones!!!
EEKstl

My lawyer husband rocks the Cole Haan tassel loafers daily to the office and court (black or cordovan!). Very sexy. I think I need to get him the blue suede version, especially as he is from Memphis.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Patrick-Cleary/1201575213 Patrick Cleary

I like them in the wilder colors, but not in browns and blacks.
MeredithCallahan

I’m a girlkitten who wears boyclothes and no. No, no, no. Not a damn shoe there wouldn’t be improved by cutting the things off. And the Jimmy Choos aren’t salvageable.
Dhammadina

Dorky.
aristida_girl

I like the image a man (generally) projects when wearing shoes like these, mature, knowledgeable of the world, and relaxed in his environment, wherever it is at any given time…also, I love that suede is still in, I will be appropriating this trend for myself, I got some kinda thing for suede, especially in shoes…
Linderella

I am now officially un-trendy. NAY!
Except the B Store pair because the little Mary Jane strap made me laugh–but I still wouldn’t wear them.
- Linderella
  
  P.S. The John Lobbs look Payless-cheap.
  - fnarf
    
    That’s funny because a typical pair of shoes from Lobb runs about $5,000.
  - formerlyAnon
    
    I think it’s the color. It’s very close to the color very common to the “IamNOTremotelyleather” substance of which cheap shoes & purses are made. I imagine up close and personal the Payless impression is not so strong.
    - Linderella
      
      Oh, the color is absolutely what I meant. I’m sure they are worlds apart in quality. But still, why would a designer pick a color and style that has such cheap connotations?
http://twitter.com/FotoVerite Matthew Bergman

Nay, Nay, a thousand times nay! I rather wear crocks. And I loath crocks.
Jessi03

Aww, my dad wears those! Yea? He’s 67.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Trevor-Scott/569555595 Trevor Scott

No, Flora, no.
Amy Ellinger

Yea! As long as you keep them away from douchenozzles. Another Southern girl here- my grandpa and great-grandpa wore them, and they were some classy gentlemen.

And I’ll take the McQueens and Guccis in whatever a women’s size 9 would be, please.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_NOWQRXMYKVEJBF2FRWGEYQLPUM K

My boyfriend is likely to drool over the Gucci and the John Lobb. He loves oxfords and topsiders. He had bought me a pair of topsiders to wear.
http://profiles.google.com/insertbrackets Tory Adkisson

I like them, especially the Harrys of London and John Lobb. I kinda like the 8 Store and Jimmy Choos too.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Sarah-Adams/1143985903 Sarah Adams

So many of these shoes would look lovely without the stupid tassel. Except the Jimmy Choos. Those look like Walmart slippers. I expect half my male students will be wearing them come fall semester.
hearkentoit

When I saw this post pop up I was like “I hope Lorenzo starts wearing those soon.”
emcat8

I don’t mind the McQueen ones, because they look more like smoking slippers than loafers, but the rest are ugh. But then, I’ve always hated loafers with a huge fiery passion.
MoreShoes

I tried a red pair in the style of Alexander McQueen’s and felt as if I were walking in slippers. Took them out right away. I guess, if you love them, they’ll work for you. In my case, they remind me too much of an retirement house. So the answer is NAY.
Melvis Velour

just shows that if you can’t come up with something original, recycle something of Grandpa’s…and jack up the prices….
Aurumgirl

I like them, but I don’t think one tassled loafer is the same as any other tassled loafer. Love the Belgian loafer style (the Alexander McQueen, Church’s and the John Lobb examples) but not crazy about the idea applied to your standard moccasin slipper style (the Jimmy Choos). The Harry’s of London version makes me cry. As a girl kitten, I am not sure I’m so opposed to the idea of a man’s feet looking like “a party favour”. I think I’m actually all for it.
Laylalola

For the man who wears prop eyeglasses without lenses.
alyce1213

YEA to the beautiful colors, suedes and leathers.
NAY to the ultimate douchebag shoe.

(I find them douchey only on men UNDER 70; over 70 is fine)
newleaf1

I love them, but I live in the south and went to school in the 80′s so I loooooove me some preppy men. Except for the turned up collars, that takes them into rich douche category.
mjude

i dont know a soul who would wear them.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_LKEXXETU3A347XGCCWUYZ6K3TE NJScor72

God no, wtf is wrong with you two….
- http://www.tomandlorenzo.com/ Tom and Lorenzo
  
  Nothing. What the fuck is wrong with you?
  - http://pulse.yahoo.com/_LKEXXETU3A347XGCCWUYZ6K3TE NJScor72
    
    I don’t wear ugly ass shoes
CatherineRhodes

Nay.
AthenaJ

Sure, they’re kinda cute!
Nariya

Grandpa grandpa grandpa. I can see them working on a distinguished gentleman on the Italian coast or something, but even then, could go wrong.
Kayceed

Heck yeah.
Greg Yoder

I think if you’re one of the models in this post, no one is looking at your feet anyway. If anyone else wears them, they make him look like an insurance salesman. Ugh.
Greg Yoder

I think if you’re one of the models in this post, no one is looking at your feet anyway. If anyone else wears them, they make him look like an insurance salesman. Ugh.
meowing

Mr. Meowing (getting thisclose to that old-man level), said “esshhh” when I told him tassels are back. So, guess that’s an out from the Meowing household.
rketeckt

This boykitten is with Tom…not in this or any other lifetime.
http://profile.yahoo.com/2LIE6ISFQUBIAO7OB6U5TAVXXQ Depot'er

aren’t they just called ‘bedroom shoes’? the Jimmy Choos look like something you would wear with your p.j.s….
sleah_in_norcal

don’t like them without socks. makes my feet hurt and feel sweaty just to look at them. not a sexy look to me.
ThaliaMenninger

Not bloody likely.
MzzPants

My waifish fashion-plate son is making a face….guess that’s a ‘nay’.
Dan Howell

Absolutely not. I cannot pass them in a shoe store without giggling. I still can’t convince myself I can pull off loafers, let alone loafers with tassels. Ugh…tassels belong on curtain tie backs, table drapes, and strippers.
http://profile.yahoo.com/ZFKRECRF5BOBWB4RXAJGI4D6KA mmc

Girlkitten here, and yes, I like them. My father and older brother wore them, both frugal men, who dropped money on good dress shoes. I particularly love the grey Bastian shoes on the left in the first picture. A modern, updated version. Sue me.
aimee_parrott

I can almost get behind them, but here’s the thing: there’s no way red loafers with a white tassel worn with plaid pants are going to look like anything other than “oops, he forgot to change out of his pajamas this morning.” Seriously, if you look at that picture from the waist down you’d think it was a sleepwear show. The right pair with khakis or jeans could be great, though.
joe_tey83

Nay. Unless you are a elf or pixie.
greatscoutm

Kittengirl here: Loves.
formerlyAnon

The only hands down never, ever, ever, ever, “Nay” are the McQueens. Unless you really trying to look like you’ve reached the stage that you wear you indoor/outdoor slippers around the clock, and are consciously grateful you don’t yet need an aide around the clock.

How DO they look more like slippers than the Jimmy Choo mocasins? “Tis a puzzlement.

But none of ‘em are sexy. The Gucci are stylish, in their way, and the John Lobb’s look right for a rather dull lawyer or lobbyist.
http://ultimatevariety.blogspot.com/ Thombeau

Tassels, darlings, are only acceptable on pasties.
ccm800

Nay – nope…the fogie hipster art school boys will eat em up though.
Good Shot

No fuckin’ way. I can’t stand wearing something with no practical purpose. See also: epaulettes.
Ezmartin

Ewww no
Truly_Outrageous

YEA. I wouldn’t mind my feet looking like a party favor. And I wouldnt mind grabbing those Jimmy Choos or the B Store shoes. At least the tassels aren’t so fringy. And I have to say this cheesy joke: I would wear the Church’s shoes to church.
Puckndc

I’m not in my 70′s and they never went away ……does anybody think this is worse than “pre-scuffed” shoes that the “fashionistas” have been wearing????…maybe they will hem their pants properly now!
Puckndc

BESIDES….everybody that is nay-saying seems to be what….20???????
- Linderella
  
  I turned 51 last weekend. And I’m saying NAY.
  - Puckndc
    
    ” I don’t agree with what you say, but will defend to the death your right to say it!”..LOL
    - Linderella
      
      I should add that I love loafers and wear them fairly regularly (and fabulously, of course!). My objection to (most of)these is the tassel.
      - Puckndc
        
        And I wore tasseled loafer the other night and someone ( under 50 ) complimented me on them…of course the rest of me looked like Maude Findley
Renaissance_Man_ATL

Yes!
http://profiles.google.com/dwight.lake Dwight Lake

Some of them are cute but I’d only wear them if they came without the tassels :-/
Samantha Irene

love love love the Bastains. Would love to see the husband wearing them – but alas that will never happen in a million zillion years – I can hardly get him out of his Nikes. Perhaps I’ll just get myself a pair. I’ve always loved all kinds of loafers.

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Spring 2012 Trends for Men: Tassel Loafers

Tassel Loafers: YEA or NAY?

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