THE JOURNAL
If you’re anything like us, you’re likely to spend the remainder of January – and, let’s be honest, most of February – in hibernation mode, cosied up in luxe, soft layers. Venturing out of the house is starting to feel like something of a military expedition. However, should you ever want to take that leap of faith, we’re here for it. And luckily, we’ve got the kind of woollen wonders that’ll make all the right impressions on your rare outings.
Amid a host of timeless staples that you can wear, quite literally, forever, our New Essentials edit – a collection of modern, stylish and beautifully made wardrobe building blocks – features slim, chunky and full-coverage knitwear that no man should ever be without. From The Elder Statesman’s fine sweater to Gucci’s signature cardigan and everything in between, we’ve picked a few of our favourites below.
01. The George Cleverley timeless penny loafers
For a style with over 100 years of design history behind it, it seems only right to choose a shoemaker with an equally prestigious background. George Cleverley has been crafting bespoke footwear since 1958, with clients including Sir Winston Churchill. The Bradley II penny loafer is crafted from smooth black leather, with a pointed toe that makes them ideal for smarter occasions.
02. The G.H. Bass & Co. heritage Weejuns
Since G.H. Bass. played such an important role in the creation of the loafer, any true footwear aficionado should have one of their heritage styles in the closet. The penny loafer is what the brand is best known for, but we’re fans of the Larkin, which is hand-stitched from glossy burgundy leather and features moccasin toes, threaded detailing and, crucially, tassels.
03. The Mr P. contemporary classic loafers
Mr P.’s Permanent collection has been designed as a one-stop-shop for the modern man’s everyday wardrobe essentials, so it’s unsurprising that the roster includes a stellar loafer. The Scott style in polished black leather has a split apron toe and the classic penny bar extends on either side of the vamp with a cross-stitch for a subtle update on the original.
04. The Brunello Cucinelli elegant suede loafers
One of the great benefits of all loafers is that they are comfortable while also staying smart. However, for supreme comfort, these flexible and lightweight suede loafers from Brunello Cucinelli are hard to beat. Expertly crafted in Italy, slip these on over a pair of fine merino socks for immediate podalic bliss. The soft, deep black suede also makes these a fine choice for eveningwear occasions.
05. The CELINE HOMME throwback loafers
If you like your footwear with a bit of flair, CELINE HOMME have gone all out with these lizard-scale suede loafers, complete with kiltie (more usually seen on brogues and Oxfords) and chain-link plaque. They’re a little bit 1970s sleaze, a little bit glamour, but mostly a refreshing contemporary take on the traditional design.
06. The Gucci iconic horsebit loafers
No loafer collection would be complete without Gucci’s iconic horsebit design. The brand first introduced the double ring and bar from a horse’s bridle in 1953 to evoke the equestrian lifestyle popular among its clientele, and it has since become a hallmark of its footwear and accessories collections. This pair, in simple black and burnished gold, will outlast even the most enduring trends.
07. The Zegna everyday loafers
For day-to-day wear, a meticulously crafted, sturdy pair of penny loafers that are just the right balance between chunky and sleek are a must – and luckily, ZEGNA have got us covered. Crafted from supple leather on a hard-wearing rubber sole, the band swaps the usual penny slot for the brand’s ‘L’Asola’ cut-out, named after the buttonhole detail on tailored suits.