You're right that loafers are only casual in a traditional sense, but that sense is still relevant. They still feel more casual than, say, oxfords, which would look bad with this kind of outfit.
And it's fun to think of loafers in a casual light for the same reason it's fun to throw a sport jacket over a tee shirt in place of a blouson or other generic outer layer. Because that's consistent with the intended spirit of those items. I love it when people wear tailoring well, casually, and the same goes for loafers.
You're right that loafers are only casual in a traditional sense, but that sense is still relevant. They still feel more casual than, say, oxfords, which would look bad with this kind of outfit.
And it's fun to think of loafers in a casual light for the same reason it's fun to throw a sport jacket over a tee shirt in place of a blouson or other generic outer layer. Because that's consistent with the intended spirit of those items. I love it when people wear tailoring well, casually, and the same goes for loafers.
Lovely perspective. Thanks, Daniel.