At the risk of offending some readers, I have often found that loafers and monks have a tendency to signal money and arrogance rather than style. They are Veblenesque in my imagination, perfect examples of Thorstein Veblen’s conspicuous consumption.
I am a little afraid that my position is nothing but a prejudice though. Therefore, I have decided testing it. I have started wearing loafers ands monks giving my laced shoes a break once in a while.
Until now, I feel at home. I like being Veblenesque.
Above in the photo my monks in drizzle. They are, like most of my shoes, bespoke from Central Europe.
Source: The Journal of Style
Torsten,
I am afraid I suffer the same prejudice (at least with loafers) and am still unable to overcome my bias.
Monks do not inflict the same bias upon my pysche as I associate them with those men of whom they originated their namesake from, monks, (abbots, etc).
In non-sartorial terms, the other ‘men of the cloth’ : )