How to style Loafers: Classic outfit ideas

Some things don’t come back into style because they never left.
Loafers are one of them. They’re one of those pieces that have proven themselves year after year, decade after decade, with good reason.

Why Loafers are my Go-To

Loafers are what I consider a classic style. They’re quietly confident. Maybe that’s one of the reasons I love them so much. Another reason is how easy they are to wear. You don’t have to overthink it. Slip them on and go. And I do this more times than not. You probably know this, since in most of my outfit posts, I have a pair on. Sorry, not sorry.

Loafers 2. Brown Loafers 3. Mule 4. Black Loafers 5. Tassel Loafers 6. Penny Loafers 7. Bow Tortise Shell Loafer 8 Crocodile-Embossed Leather 9. Tortoise shell loafer 10. Leopard Loafer

The women who made loafers iconic

Some women just understand classic style. And if you look closely, loafers show up again and again.

Image from Pinterest

Audrey Hepburn wore loafers in a way that felt easy. Slim pants, simple tops. Everything is just right.

Princess Diana made loafers feel relaxed but polished. Jeans, oversized sweaters, tailored blazers. She wore them so well.

How to style loafers

I love that loafers are seasonless. Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer, they just work. Not many shoes can say that. I like to think they go with just about anything. This is how I like to style them:

• Straight-leg jeans with a button-down, a cozy sweater, or a slim turtleneck. Add a blazer if you want it to feel a little more polished, or skip it and keep it relaxed.
• Wide-leg jeans with a simple sweater or a fitted tee. The balance works every time. Tailored trousers, especially wide-leg ones, for that easy, pulled-together look that still feels comfortable.
• Dresses and skirts when you want to add a bit of structure without trying too hard.
• And travel outfits. This is probably when I wear loafers the most. They’re comfortable enough for long days but still make you feel like you made an effort. I wear this lounge set style a lot on travel days.

Socks with loafers are things I find chic. Pairing with the right socks is important, though.

As you can see, loafers are no strangers to my wardrobe. You can see my outfits here.

Build a classic closet

If you’re building a classic closet, add loafers. It’s a must in my opinion. A good pair in black or brown will take you farther than you think. They work with what you already own and instantly make an outfit feel more intentional.

Then later, try adding in others with different textures and colors. Suede is a good one, as is the croc-stamped and even the tortoise-shell.

Honestly, if a shoe has been worn by Audrey Hepburn and Princess Diana, it’s probably doing something right.