A bare ankle is a sure sign that warmer weather is around the corner, and there's no better way to herald the arrival of spring than with the classic Gucci horsebit loafer, a shoe that represents easy transitional footwear.

Ever since the loafer (open with a new tab) was created in the early 20th century, the sturdy leather slip-on shoe has been the workwear of choice among Norwegian farmers and fishermen. But Guccio Gucci, founder of the Italian fashion house Gucci, saw the shoe's potential for more than practicality. The loafer also had sartorial appeal.

So in 1953, after opening its first U.S. boutique in New York, the Gucci house introduced its signature loafer, featuring a metal horsebit front detail inspired by the riding shoes of the English aristocracy. The padded insole and low heel made them a favorite among businessmen and academics, while movie stars and style icons like Audrey Hepburn and Jacqueline Kennedy adored Gucci's sleek, understated loafers as everyday wear. 1985 saw the popularity of the In 1985, Gucci's loafers were selected for inclusion in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City due to their popularity.

While synonymous with timelessness, Gucci's contemporary appeal is also unwavering. While Marie Claire editor-in-chief Sally Holmes incorporates the classic black Gucci horsebit loafer with ankle-length pants and an A-line jacket into her weekday commute, Marie Claire's style editor recently wore a pair to Copenhagen's revived an archival red pair purchased at a vintage store in Copenhagen. [A perfect hybrid of casual and dress, Gucci's horsebit loafer was always one step ahead of the curve. It's no wonder that 50 years after its debut, the shoe's style is still a cult classic in the fashion world and a worthy investment.