Loafers are the true, timeless classic.
Combining comfort and convenience, for the last century loafers have been footwear favourites for both men and women, proving that the classics will never go out of style. Easily recognised by their slip-on design, loafers are basically a shoe with no laces or buckles. Whether it’s the penny loafer, the snaffle loafer or the tassel loafer, there are styles to suit everyone.
How do you style women’s loafers?
To answer this age-old question, we’ve created a complete styling guide, filled with handy hints, fashion tips and outfit inspiration, just for you.
What are Penny Loafers?
Probably the most popular style in the loafer family, the penny loafer is a classic wardrobe staple. A legacy of the iconic ‘prep’ style, the penny loafer is a slip-on design, with an extra strap running horizontally across the vamp of the shoe.
It was loaf at first sight from the moment students travelling to Scandinavia in the early 1900’s first laid eyes on them. Affectionately named ‘weejuns’ after the Norwegian fisherman who first donned slip on moccasin-style loafers, they’ve remained a firm favourite for both men and women ever since their debut in North America.
Fun Fact:
The strap across the top of a penny loafer features a small cut, large enough to fit a penny (hence the name). Incidentally, this feature was added at a time when phone calls cost one penny. Cool, Comfortable and Convenient? What can’t they do?
How to Style Loafers
When it comes to styling loafers, the possibilities are endless. Loafers are just as at home with dresses as they are with jeans or shorts. They’re the obvious investment to dress up your everyday wardrobe, comfortable in any season, for any occasion.
With a range of colours, styles, heel heights, and materials, loafers are so versatile that we bet you’ll go back again and again. Pairing chic design with comfort, loafers are effortless to slip on (plus their shape cushions the soles of your feet for all-day comfort). We’ll take one in every colour.
Styling Penny Loafers
Short answer? Anything you like.
For a smart look, team your penny loafers with cropped, patterned trousers and a button-down shirt. Coordinate the colour of your penny loafers with a handbag and you’re ready for any occasion.
As for an easy everyday option, penny loafers will work too! Just throw them on with slim-fitting jeans, or cropped chinos and finish with a plain t-shirt. Feeling chilly? Pair a cable knit jumper with a trench coat for a classic finish.
Penny loafers inject personality into any outfit, perfect for those days where you’re not quite sure what to wear.
Feeling lost? Our edit of women’s loafers and moccasins are here to help.
Styling Loafers with Jeans
Feeling chic? Couple your loafers with cropped jeans and you could be strolling through the streets of Paris. Not only will this pairing give you the appearance of longer legs, loafers will be the cherry on top of any easy, on-the-go outfit. The elegant and dainty look of loafers work well with straight cut jeans, an easy (and comfortable) option when you want to keep things casual.
Wearing your loafers with jeans is a great start to any outfit, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Dress it up with a shirt and blazer for a smart and preppy finish. Are loafers casual? Of course! If you’re feeling cosy, loafers with a long cardigan will never steer you wrong.
Style Tip: Feeling bold? Opt for a pair of bright coloured loafers and step into your spotlight.
Styling Loafers with Dresses
No dress is complete without a complimentary statement shoe, and luckily, loafers are always up to the task.
Wearing loafers with a dress makes smartening up your style a breeze, from block heeled loafers to flat styles they make perfect outfits that will last season after season. For an easy and elegant option that’s still work appropriate, team black snaffle loafers with a mid-length dress. So easy to slip on they’ll offer an effortless look and all-day comfort, without sacrificing style.
If you want to showcase your perfect platform loafers (because, well, why wouldn’t you?), maxi dresses and mid-length pencil dresses will be right up your street. Teaming elegant and glamorous dresses with chunky soles are a great way to add playful personality to your look.
Styling Loafers with Shorts
Loafers with shorts create an outfit which begs to bask in the sunshine. We’re thinking nautical style, accented with chino shorts and boat shoe loafers. You’re ready to set sail.
The trick with styling nautical outfits lies with colour coordination, so match up tan leather loafers with navy shorts and a Breton striped t-shirt. Casual Summer style that looks crisp and classic? Count us in.
Rumour has it the first loafers were derived from a traditional moccasin shoe, so why not pay homage to another classic design with a deck-shoe inspired loafer?
Top Tip:
Don’t forget to pick casual loafers made with quality leather uppers, that mould to your foot, ensuring a comfortable fit.
Socks and Loafers?
Obviously, we want you to wear whatever makes you feel the most at home in your own skin. However, traditionally? Wearing loafers with socks is discouraged. Loafers are designed to slip on easily and sit closely (and comfortably) to your foot.
When it comes to keeping your loafers feeling (and smelling) fresh, bare feet is an obvious no. So, what socks should you wear with loafers? Our secret weapon are invisible socks! Great for giving fresh foot comfort, they’re made with a lower cut to remain hidden, while offering all the practicalities of a regular cotton sock.
If you need a little more coverage, we’d recommend teaming pop socks with your loafers and trousers, it’ll give you a subtle look and keep you comfortable.
In the colder months you may still want to wear your loafers with dresses and skirts, but don’t want to brave the chilly weather with bare legs. Tights are a great option here, so why not match thick denier tights with black leather loafers?
