How to Style: Loafers
Loafer outfit ideas that prove this shoe never goes out of style—and show you how to wear them year-round.
The word “classic” gets thrown around constantly in fashion, but loafers are one of the rare pieces that actually deserve the title. Born from menswear traditions, they’ve since been adopted, reimagined, and reinterpreted by almost every fashion house in existence. Gucci made the horsebit loafer iconic in the ‘50s, Prada gave us chunky-soled rebellion in the ‘90s, and today every designer has their own iteration.
What makes loafers so enduring? They’re a shape-shifter: equal parts smart and casual, they bridge boardroom polish with street-style ease. Seasonless by nature, they are especially perfect in the unpredictable swirl of autumn, but they also work seamlessly for summer city breaks, winter layering, and spring’s transitional fits. In short: every wardrobe deserves a loafer (or three).
Written By: Dawn Rajah - Published: 06/09/25
Loafer Basics: The Styles You Need to Know
Before diving into outfits, let’s decode the main types of loafers:
Penny loafers – The original. Sleek, minimal, with a small slit across the vamp (originally for stashing a coin). Pairs beautifully with jeans, chinos, or pleated skirts.
Tassel loafers – Slightly dressier, adding movement and flourish. Great for office wear or cocktail evenings.
Horsebit loafers – Gucci’s signature. Gold hardware means instant elevation. Timeless with tailoring, but increasingly worn with denim for a high-low twist.
Chunky loafers – Thick soles, exaggerated shapes, a nod to ‘90s and Y2K nostalgia. Ideal for edgy looks or anyone wanting extra height and drama.
Suede loafers – Softer and more casual, perfect for summer styling or smart-casual men’s outfits.
Yes, loafers can be dressed up or down. Yes, they look great with skirts and dresses. And yes, they are still very much in fashion, arguably more than ever in 2025, with designers continuing to feature them in collections from Paris to Milan.
Outfit Ideas: Styling for Any Occasion
1. The Tailored Two-Piece + Horsebit Loafers
When styling loafers for the office (or anywhere business casual reigns), nothing beats the sharpness of a tailored suit grounded. Opt for a slim black or grey trouser suit with polished horsebit loafers. This strikes the perfect balance of formal-yet-modern and answers the eternal question: Are loafers business casual or formal? (Spoiler: it’s both, simply depends on styling). To soften the look, add a silky blouse; to toughen it, layer a leather trench.
For workwear, avoid shoes that are overly distressed or extremely chunky, they can read too casual.
2. Oversized Blazer + Chunky Loafers
Loafers thrive on contrasts. An oversized blazer (worn as a dress or layered over bike shorts) paired with thick soles feels edgy yet elevated. Add gold jewellery and you’ve got an easy desk-to-dinner look. Perfect for those asking what are trendy ways to style chunky loafers?
3. Straight-Leg Jeans + Penny Loafers
Loafers and jeans are a match made in heaven. Cropped or ankle-length denim highlights the shoe, especially in lighter washes for spring and darker washes for winter. Pair with a simple tee and a boxy blazer for a model-off-duty look. The French do this especially well: understated denim, a navy knit, leather loafers, and minimal jewellery.
If you’re wondering what pants go best with loafers, start with straight-leg trousers, cropped jeans, or cigarette pants. They showcase the shoe without bunching at the hem.
4. Wide-Leg Trousers + Tassel Loafers
Tassel loafers add just the right touch of sophistication to flowing trousers. This works beautifully for both men and women. For men: think relaxed linen trousers, crisp shirt, men’s suede loafers—ideal summer wedding guest attire. For women: wide-leg tailored trousers, tucked-in blouse, brown loafers, professional yet breezy.
Avoid overly long trousers that pool over the shoes, it kills the silhouette.
5. Mini Skirt + Chunky Loafers
The perfect combination for students, creatives, and anyone chasing that “cool girl” energy. Pair a pleated mini with knee-high socks or tights, then anchor with platform loafers. You can add an oversized knit or varsity jacket for a collegiate spin. This outfit answers “Can loafers be worn with skirts?” with a resounding yes, and it’s a clever way to make chunky soles look more feminine.
Be cautious with too delicate pieces (think prom-style tulle fabrications); this shoes can ground a look, but some occasions still demand heels or boots.
6. Knitted Dress + Sleek Loafers
Dresses and loafers aren’t just a yes, they’re a power move. A body-skimming knit dress with black leather loafers is chic enough for the office, while a floral midi paired with a suede shoe screams summer holiday ease. This is also a brilliant way to transition from summer to autumn: swap sandals for tan loafers as soon as the temperature dips, but keep your favourite dresses in rotation.
To make them look more feminine, opt for pastel tones, patent finishes, or pair them with sheer socks.
7. Loafers with Socks
The combo is a styling trick beloved by both runway stylists and Parisian locals. White ankle socks with black footwear and a mini dress read preppy-chic. Patterned or coloured socks with black suede loafers can make an otherwise simple jeans outfit stand out.
Yes, you can wear socks with loafers. The key is choosing intentional socks—either minimal white cotton for a retro look, or bold patterned styles for fashion flair. Avoid bulky gym socks unless you’re leaning into an ironic streetwear moment.
8. Statement Coat + Loafers
For winter, style slip-on loafers with wool trousers, a roll-neck, and a big statement coat (think faux fur, oversized plaid, or cocoon silhouettes). These may not seem like the warmest shoe, but paired with socks or tights they work surprisingly well in cold weather, especially chunkier versions with thicker soles.
Final Word: Loafers in 2025
Loafers are having a major resurgence, but they’ve never really gone away. Whether you lean towards French-girl simplicity, collegiate nostalgia, or chunky 2025 trend-driven soles, they’re endlessly versatile. The best way to wear loafers is to lean into their contradictions: they’re polished yet relaxed, classic yet constantly reinvented. Consider them the Swiss army knife of footwear: always reliable, but never boring.