For those with an eye for fashion, the loafer is an essential shoe, versatile enough to suit almost any occasion. While it may seem unconventional for some, particularly those more accustomed to sneakers, the loafer remains a timeless wardrobe staple. From polished suits to casual vacation outfits, a loafer can elevate a look with ease. This guide offers expert advice on how to style these iconic shoes, with various designs to match every aesthetic.
Understanding the Loafer: Shape, Material, and Style
The loafer's shape plays a pivotal role in its styling. A rounded toe provides a relaxed and comfortable fit, perfect for everyday wear, while a pointed toe offers a more formal, structured silhouette ideal for those who frequently wear suits. Contemporary loafers often feature bold details, such as oversized soles or metallic hardware, adding a modern edge to the design. These loafers can seamlessly transition from casual to formal, making them a perfect choice for fashion-forward individuals.
Material choices also influence the overall style. Calfskin leather loafers are the epitome of elegance, while suede loafers offer a more laid-back, yet refined look. A black leather loafer remains a staple in formal settings, while tan suede or patent leather variants provide a fresh, bold touch.
Loafer styles vary, with the penny loafer being one of the most recognizable. Other popular designs include the tassel loafer, horse-bit loafer, and the flexible Belgian loafer. The backless loafer, made famous by luxury brands, has also become a fashion statement in recent years.
18 Stylish Outfits to Wear with Loafers
Suede Loafers with Smart Separates
This sophisticated ensemble balances elegance and ease, with tailored off-white trousers and a perfectly fitted blazer. The sand suede penny loafers add a relaxed finish, setting this look apart from the more formal Oxfords.
Navy Loafers with White Pants and a Navy Cardigan
A nautical-inspired look that combines white trousers with navy suede loafers and a textured cardigan. The design’s balance of light and dark shades offers a striking contrast while maintaining a refined yet casual feel.
Brown Penny Loafers with White Pants and a Cream Shirt
A neutral palette of white and cream creates a chic, understated look. The brown suede tassel loafers inject a burst of texture and color, giving the outfit a touch of character without overwhelming the overall aesthetic.
Brown Penny Loafers with White Pants and a Suede Jacket
A nod to 70s style, this ensemble pairs dark brown leather penny loafers with tapered white pants. The vintage suede jacket adds a timeless, rugged vibe, elevating the look to new heights.
Suede Penny Loafers with White Jeans and a Black Polo
For a monochromatic, minimalistic style, black loafers are too formal, but the grey suede option perfectly complements white jeans. This pairing delivers a relaxed, casual aesthetic with an elevated touch.
Black Penny Loafers with an All-Black Look
Loafers are not reserved solely for formal trousers. This minimalist all-black outfit paired with tailored shorts keeps things smart yet effortlessly stylish. The black penny loafers tie the ensemble together for a sleek finish.
Black Suede Loafers with Tapered Black Trousers and a Khaki Shacket
Suede loafers provide a more casual alternative to leather versions, making them ideal for pairing with smart separates like this olive shacket. The tapered black trousers complete a modern and stylish look with just the right amount of laid-back elegance.
Black Loafers with Black Pants and a Long-Sleeve Polo
The modern preppy look continues to thrive, and loafers make the perfect finishing touch. This outfit combines classic collegiate elements, like chinos and a polo, with polished black loafers for a refined yet sporty appeal.
Black Loafers with Navy Pants and an Olive Shacket
Navy pants and black loafers combine for a sharp, masculine look. The rugged appeal of the navy pants complements the sleek black loafers, while the olive shacket adds a workwear-inspired edge to the outfit.
Brown Leather Loafers with Navy Pants and a Cream Zip-Through
For a laid-back yet refined Friday look, this outfit combines a cream zip-through sweater with navy chinos. Brown leather loafers inject a dash of sophistication, balancing casual ease with an office-ready vibe.
Oxblood Tassel Loafers with Navy Pants and a Prince of Wales Check Blazer
Oxblood loafers offer a rich, deep hue that adds an elevated feel to smart separates. Pairing them with a Prince of Wales check blazer and navy trousers makes for a striking, polished outfit perfect for any refined occasion.
Black Penny Loafers with a Tobacco Suit
A tobacco linen suit brings effortless charm, and black leather loafers elevate the ensemble with a sleek contrast. The combination is both sartorial and unexpected, perfect for a summer event where sophistication is key.
Sand Suede Loafers with Grey Chino Shorts
Chino shorts paired with sand suede loafers create a refined, off-duty look ideal for warm weather. A grandad collar shirt and cream sweater complete the look, channeling East Coast preppiness with ease.
Chocolate Brown Loafers with Tailored Grey Shorts and a Linen Shirt
This look combines casual yet polished elements, perfect for summer. Chocolate brown loafers add texture, while the linen shirt and tailored shorts offer a comfortable yet elevated finish.
Chunky Loafers with Straight-Leg Cropped Jeans
Pairing stonewashed jeans with brown leather loafers gives this casual outfit a sophisticated edge. The combination of a white T-shirt and chunky loafers creates a modern, stylish look.
Suede Loafers with Jeans and a White Cuban Collar
A soft suede loafer in grey completes this easygoing yet polished look. The white Cuban-collar shirt and blue jeans offer a simple, timeless style with just the right amount of sophistication.
Dark Loafers with Selvedge Denim Jeans
For a rich, textured look, dark loafers pair perfectly with raw indigo selvedge denim. The shawl-collar cardigan adds depth, making this outfit versatile enough for both casual and semi-formal occasions.
Black Penny Loafers with Straight-Leg Stonewashed Jeans
A stonewashed jean and black leather loafer combination elevates a typical off-duty look. The loafers add polish to the casual jeans, making the outfit feel more put-together without sacrificing comfort.