There’s no better time to think about how to style loafers for women. One of the few shoes that transcend the seasons, loafers sharpen up the simplest of looks all year round.
Super versatile, loafers manage to straddle both smart and casual categories. Invest in a black or brown pair and they’re guaranteed to work seamlessly with any outfit, making them a worthy addition to your wardrobe. Relatively timeless, loafers for women have recently worked their way up the fashion ranks to become one of the top shoe trends 2022, making a splash for the summer but remaining a key silhouette for the fall winter shoe trends 2022 too. Polished, practical, and easy to wear, this androgynous shoe can smarten up jeans or add a masculine edge to pretty midi dresses. In fact, once you’ve invested in a pair of loafers, the outfit possibilities are endless. Which is why fashion editor and stylist, Antonia Kraskowski thinks a great shoe choice.
"A classic style, the loafer is a shoe that doesn't date and works with every outfit - from flippy mini dresses at the weekend, to tailored outfits for work. Not only are loafers stylish but the fact that they're a flat shoe means you can wear them all day without sore feet, a big bonus in my books when it comes to my shoe wardrobe".
And this season there are heaps of styles to choose from too. From sleek backless designs to chunky '90s-inspired platforms, the best loafers come in many iterations so you can go as refined or as statement-making as you like.
How to style loafers for women - 8 outfit ideas from a fashion editor
1. How to style loafers with jeans
Your best jeans are the obvious choice when it comes to how to style loafers for women and it's luckily a shoe that will work with any cut and length of jean. Team with looser styles such as mom jeans or a boyfriend cut to give relaxed denim extra polish and finish with your best t-shirt and a blazer for a pulled-together weekend look that channels effortless French-girl style. Stick to simple black loafers if you want them to work with everything or add extra personality with a vibrant colorful pair.
Fashion editor's picks...
RRP: $29.99 / £24.99 | These retro-inspired jeans are super comfy and flattering. Roll up the hem for added structure and to show off your new loafers. Tuck in your tee to highlight your waist.
RRP: $30 / £33 | If it’s elevated basics you’re after, there’s no better place than Everlane. Crafted from soft organic cotton, they’ve nailed the perfect white tee. It features a classic crew neckline and relaxed fit.
RRP: $99 / £75 | One of the top fashion color trends 2022, these green loafers will lift any look. The slip-on style makes them easy to get on and the slight heel adds height - a smart choice for the season ahead.
2. How to style loafers with dresses
Learning how to style loafers to balance out more feminine pieces, will help to give floaty dresses a tougher edge. Just as effective as a pair of stompy ankle boots but more trans-seasonal, look for chunky '90s designs and oversized metal detailing. Team with the floral frocks, silky slips and the best summer dresses for an elegant look with extra attitude.
Fashion editor's picks...
RRP: $259 / £129 | With a relaxed fit, this breezy dress is ideal for what to wear in the heat. You can layer a t-shirt underneath when the temperature drops or throw on your best leather jacket for extra coverage. Oh, and did we mention it has pockets?
RRP: $795 / £560 | If you're looking to invest in some luxe loafers, make Tod’s your first stop. Set on a chunky rubber sole for extra height, they’re made from luxury, premium Italian leather and feature an oversized chain embellishment.
RRP: $499 / £299 | Masters at rock and roll style, All Saints leather jackets stand the test of time and this iteration is no exception. We love the gold-tone metal hardware for added detail and style points, it features a recycled lining too.
3. How to style loafers with skirts
Similarly to dresses, you can style loafers with any length of skirt from long skirt outfit ideas to micro minis and everything in between. Team with a tiered midi skirt for a cool contrasting look or lean into the preppy vibe of the loafer and style them with a cute mini skirt. Extra fashion kudos if you opt for a plaid print. Add tights or a pair of cozy wool socks if you want extra coverage on your legs.
Fashion editor's picks...
RRP: $305 / £169 | Crafted from Italian tweed with a chic red and cream check print, this timeless design is one you’ll wear time and time again. It fits neatly on the waist and skims over the hips for a comfy and flattering finish. Pair with a tucked-in top or figure-hugging sweater.
RRP: $128 / £156 | One of the best cashmere sweaters, this classic crewneck knit is delightfully soft. It has a relaxed fit and comes in 15 different shades from pared-back neutrals to bolder pink iterations, ensuring there is a version to go with every outfit in your closet this season.
RRP: $63 / £59 | This fuss-free pair of loafers will work with any outfit. From tapered trousers to ladylike skirts. An elegant almond toe with a gold-tone metallic finish, the cream hue will work from AM to PM. The thick black sole adds a chic contrast and a little bit of extra height.
4. How to style loafers with shorts
Studier than a ballet flat and smarter than the best white trainers, loafers are great for teaming with shorter hems, such as a pair of shorts. Bermuda-style shorts are having a fashion moment and the longer length finish is surprisingly flattering whilst keeping them appropriate for the office too. Keep it smart and opt for tailored shorts and your best shirt or team with your denim cut-offs and a stripy knit for easy weekend style.
Fashion editor's picks...
RRP: $69 / £45 | Denim cut-offs don’t have to be skimpy and this relaxed design from Cos gives your jean shorts a smarter spin. With a straight leg cut and an oversized design so you may need to downsize.
RRP: $37 / £28 | If you learned how to style a sweater vest during its comeback last Fall, you'll be pleased to hear the look is still going strong. The perfect layering tool, wear alone or over a blouse for extra coverage.
RRP: $84.99 / £59.99 | Embrace that '90s aesthetic with this chunky loafer design from stalwarts H&M. A great price but with a high-end finish, they feature a satin lining and statement metal detailing.
5. How to style loafers for work
If you want to ditch your heels for something comfier, learning how to style loafers for women will do just the trick. An all-black outfit is a powerful ensemble that will always look chic in an office environment, or if you're in need of some inspiration for what to wear to a job interview. Stick to the pared-back palette and team with black loafers with some pearl or embellished detailing for extra interest. Add a belted trench coat to pull together the whole look.
Fashion editor's picks...
RRP: $35.90 / £29.99 | Master that minimalist look with this simple rib dress, perfect for dressing up or down. The ruched detailing at the side makes it a stylish dress to hide a tummy. It's also available in green and beige.
RRP: $65 / £49 | Sleek and elegant these loafers will work for the 9-5 and the weekend. The pearl embellishment adds extra drama and gives them a party-ready finish that you can take straight from the boardroom to the bar.
RRP: $368 / £380 | Every closet needs a timeless trench to see you through the seasons and this design gets our vote. It has a smart double-breasted closure and a detachable belt that you can use to cinch you in at the waist.
6. How to style loafers with wide-leg trousers
Flattering and stylish, nailing what to wear with wide-leg pants will open up a whole new silhouette for you. For a cool sports luxe look, try wearing your loafers with wide-leg tracksuit bottoms and a polo tee, a look that’s bound to up your style credentials. Petite frames will suit a cropped length or culottes style to help elongate your legs whilst showing off your stylish shoes too.
Fashion editor's picks...
RRP: $225 / £138 | Give your go-to tracksuit bottoms a fancy upgrade with this chic pair. Cut to a leg-lengthening wide design, they feature a sporty side stripe and a comfy elasticated waist. Style with a blouse for an elevated weekend look.
RRP: $984 / £735 | If you’re going to invest in some designer loafers, make it this pair from Italian clothing brand Gucci. Celebrating the fashion house’s heritage designs, these feature the Gucci logo plaque on the front for a super-luxe finish.
RRP: $59 / £45 | Give your basics a sporty spin with a collared neckline. This fitted design is easy to tuck into skirts and trousers and the pillar box hue adds a pop of irresistible color, ideal on dreary days. It has a ribbed design for added texture.
7. How to style loafers with tailoring
Loafers and suiting make for one powerful pairing, so for maximum impact, here's how to style loafers for women with a two-piece suit. Keep it relaxed and modern and opt for looser fits such as an oversized blazer and tapered trousers so you can easily rock this look at the weekend too, mixing and matching with your wardrobe essentials. Give it a playful twist with pops of color - such as a trendy lime green or a soft lilac.
Fashion editor's picks...
RRP: $119.99 / £69.99 | Make an impact in this punchy green blazer. The jewel effect buttons add an extra luxe touch and the slouchy fit gives it an effortless vibe. Wear with the matching trousers or layer over your LBD.
RRP: $79.99 / £49.99 | These wide-leg trousers are a day-to-night staple. They feature a flattering dart detail and a wide-leg cut for a leg-lengthening finish. Try a directional heeled loafer if you want extra height.
RRP: $540 / £440 | Crafted from buttery soft Italian leather these are a real treat for the feet. They have an almond shape toe with a sleek gold strap. Available in sand, tan and black, you’ll reach for these time and time again.
8. How to style loafers with jumpsuits
Much like your best midi dresses, loafers look suitably stylish when paired with a flattering jumpsuit too. With their more masculine utilitarian aesthetic, boilersuits make a great choice if you want to opt for this all-in-one look. Up the ante on a plain khaki or denim all-in-one and opt for a pair of patterned loafers. A ready-made outfit with minimal effort required!
Fashion editor's picks...
RRP: $62 / £50 | Crafted from 100% sustainably sourced cotton, this boilersuit is complete with handy pockets and a waist-fastening to help streamline the silhouette. Available in ecru and blue denim, style with your loafers for a brunch outfit idea.
RRP: $185 / £159 | Leopard print is forever on-trend and we are obsessed with this gorgeous pair of loafers from Kurt Geiger. They have a pony effect upper with quilted detailing, topped with the brand's iconic eagle head emblem for extra glamour.
RRP: $62 / £50 | Stylish and practical, this tan crossbody bag is made from vegan leather and can be personalized for that extra unique touch. It features a zip top fastening to keep your items secure and luxe gold detailing. A great everyday bag option.
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