Slip it On
Simon Crompton of Permanent Style in his Baudoin & Lange loafers.
Slippers seem an odd choice for fall footwear. They’re thinner than most loafers, whether they’re also made of suede or other leathers. Yet slippers complement the season’s coziness with their rich, earthy hues and warm, inviting appearances. They’re the kind of shoe you can wear around town with a tweed suit or corduroy jacket, yet keep on as a house slipper as the day winds down.
Antonio Ciongoli (formerly of Eidos) in his Belgian Shoes.
Of these shoes, the British brand Baudoin & Lange make the sturdiest of the bunch. Theirs feature a thicker durable sole than other slippers (Belgian Shoes come to mind) that improves their durability and longevity. Their curved silhouette ends in a shapely and svelte — yet slightly stubby — toe that pays homage to fall footwear’s chunky look in a slimmed-down manner. Though their tassel style are attractive, the plain Sagan and bow-tie models are the way to go. Opt for one in a dark, lordly tone like Bark Grey (designed by Simon Crompton, the blogger behind Permanent Style), Dartmouth Green or Indigo and prepare for the compliments to roll in.
A small selection of the late Glenn O'Brien's Belgian collection.
That’s not to say Belgian Shoes aren’t a worthy fall footwear choice — they’re great as long as you either have the dough to replace or resole them regularly, or the reluctant acceptance that they have a lifespan of around four months. They come in quirkier colors and patterns than Baudoin & Lange’s slippers, and have been a favorite of irreverent and preppy New Yorkers for years. Yes, Bernie Madoff was a devotee, but so was the late, great Glenn O’Brien and so are men like David Coggins, Antonio Ciongoli and Brendan Babenzian (of Noah). The guys at the Drake’s store in Soho and the Stoffa crew sport them as well, and they pair especially well with both brands’ signature cuffed-trouser look. They’re attractive with denim, too, and a pair of their Mr. Casual model in blackwatch or tweed will take you from fall through the holiday season with subversive grace. Just don’t wear them in the snow.
Other brands make similar slippers that rise to the occasion. The Italian tailoring house Rubinacci recently introduced a sleek pair of velvet bowtie slippers that add a dash of formality to casual ensembles. The New York upstart Founders offers a more structured take on the classic bowtie style for under $300, and though they only come in two shades of brown, they're classic hues that pair with almost everything. Wear them in place of your favorite boots or dress shoes and you'll realize they're supremely versatile and insanely fun.