While they started out as a preppy staple, loafers are now popping up in nearly every woman’s shoe collection. The effortlessly chic silhouette makes these shoes easy to dress up or down for any occasion and season. Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and Karlie Kloss are among the celebrities who’ve recently rocked the timeless footwear with jeans, boho midi skirts, and sultry slip dresses. Not sure what to pair with women’s loafers? Here is an overview of styles and trends to help guide your decisions.
How to Style Your Loafers
1. Business Casual With Lug-Sole Loafers
Lug-sole loafers were trending during fall 2022 and haven’t lost momentum. The chunky rubber sole gives a relaxed feel to loose-fitting casual business attire. The platform heel on a pair of patent leather penny loafers will add height to your frame, so those high-waisted, menswear-inspired trousers look long and elegant instead of pooling on the floor.
2. Simple Silhouettes as a Standout Accessory
A closet full of neutral clothing is a minimalist-chic dream—and it can still be fun with the right details. A pair of sleek black trousers, a heather gray shift dress, or a beige turtleneck and winter white culottes can help your daytime ensemble transition to a killer evening outfit.
Neutral clothing also serves as the perfect backdrop to help colorful accessories stand out. Wear low-profile, pointed-toe loafers in luxe fabrics and vibrant hues to liven up a neutral ensemble.
Bright pink suede, shimmering metallics, and delicate studs and rhinestones, for instance, pop against an all-black ensemble. Neutral tweeds with metallic accents will complement a flowy sundress and baggy cardigan outfit. Complete the look with a structured, cross-body satchel.
3. Denim With Chunky Loafers
Denim and lug-sole loafers go together like Euphoria characters and graphic liner. All over TikTok, you’ll see trendsetting Gen-Zers style square-toed chunky, black kiltie loafers with high-waisted, slouchy-fit jeans and crop tops.
As a callback to Y2K fashion, pair the footwear with dark-wash bootcut jeans and a comfy ironic T-shirt—or throw it all the way back to the ‘90s with a boxy cardigan or a plaid button-down. Carry your essentials in an oversized hobo bag with metal straps for a bit of bling.
4. Contrast With White Ankle Socks
The simplicity of white cotton ankle socks helps visually balance the chunky loafers. Sport the sock-and-loafer trend any time you wear a mini skirt or satiny slip dress and moto jacket. Jet-black loafers with white socks will make your outfit appear edgy. White socks with ruffles paired with color-blocked loafers in light neutrals or pastel hues will add feminine, flirty flair to your attire.
5. Penny Loafers With Sleek Silhouettes
Loafers have long been a staple of gamine style—think chic, streamlined style by way of Audrey Hepburn or Jean Seberg. Leather or suede penny loafers with a flat sole and simple horizontal strap on the instep complement the clean lines and slimming silhouette of cropped dress pants and ankle-skimming tapered trousers. If the dress pants have a pattern, wear a solid color top and black or brown loafers to tone down the loud print.
6. Low-Sole Loafers With Leggings
Leggings with low-sole loafers can appear chic and sophisticated, as long as you stick with solid-colored suede, opaque jersey or ponte fabric, or faux leather. Contrasting prints and sportier styles could clash with the classic footwear. Pair leggings with a baggy cropped sweater or loose-fitting T-shirt and a tailored blazer. To add pizzazz to the preppy ensemble, opt for loafers in a shiny metallic hue, unexpected jewel tone, or animal print. Carry your belongings in a textured bucket bag.
7. Heels With a Pleated Skirt
For sexy librarian vibes, wear a knee-length pleated skirt in black leather or dark wool with a pair of high-heel loafers and a fitted tan or black turtleneck. Complete the look with sheer ankle socks or black tights to elongate your frame. Wear hair slicked back in a bun or low ponytail to show off simple stud earrings and statement-making eyeglass frames.
8. Dressed-Up Joggers
Sweatpants are no longer just a go-to uniform for lazy days spent on the couch binge-watching TV. Now, the silhouette is a slimmer, more tailored jogger—a happy medium between snug leggings and wide-leg casualwear. Matched with the right footwear, top, and accessories, these updated sweatpants are suitable for a casual brunch with your besties or an impromptu dinner date with your sweetie.
Style lug-sole black loafers with black faux-leather sweatpants, a fitted gray sweatshirt, and a chunky gold chain necklace for an ultra-cool daytime ensemble. Haul your cargo in a sporty mini backpack. Change into a flowy top with a plunging neckline, black or navy fitted sweatpants, pointed-toe penny loafers, and a pair of statement earrings to transition to evening. Tote essentials in an embossed leather or rhinestone-encrusted clutch.