What to wear with loafers
The loafer is a hybrid shoe, halfway between town and comfort, that instantly adds a preppy, polished note. Unlike a sneaker or a court shoe, it sets a smart-casual register: neither too sporty nor too formal. It is this in-between positioning that drives the pairings. The central question is trouser length and the ankle: the loafer reads mostly at the junction between the hem and the shoe. A bare ankle with a rolled trouser or a cropped chino gives it a summery, elongated look, while a visible sock, plain or patterned, adds a deliberate preppy touch. On colour, loafers come mostly in brown, cognac, black or burgundy: cognac warms things up and suits earthy tones and denim, black dresses up and pairs with grey and navy. On silhouette, the loafer calls for clean hems, chino, straight trouser, raw denim, midi skirt, rather than overly wide cuts that crush its slimness. By dosing the ankle and the neatness of the hem, the loafer moves from a summer office to a chic weekend without ever looking sloppy.
Pairing ideas
Loafers and a rolled chino
The pieces
- Cognac loafers
- Rolled beige chino
- White shirt
- Bare ankle
The preppy pairing par excellence. The rolled chino frees the ankle and showcases the slimness of the loafer, for a summery, elongated look. Cognac warms the beige and echoes earthy tones, while the white shirt brings freshness. A polished, bright outfit, perfect for a summer office or a sunny brunch.
Loafers and raw denim
The pieces
- Brown loafers
- Straight-leg raw denim
- Fine navy jumper
- Discreet socks
The loafer dresses up denim without making it formal. Over straight-leg raw denim, it lifts the look a notch toward smart casual, where a sneaker would stay casual. Brown dialogues with the indigo and the navy of the jumper in an understated, masculine harmony. Discreet socks keep the line clean. A timeless classic that works at the office and in town.
Loafers and a midi skirt
The pieces
- Black loafers
- Pleated midi skirt
- Fine socks
- Fitted grey jumper
For a feminine, preppy result, the black loafer is worn with a midi skirt and fine socks that reveal a little ankle. Black dresses up and pairs with the grey of the jumper in an understated, structured base. The flat loafer balances the length of the skirt and gives a look that is both comfortable and considered, ideal for mid-season.
Do and don't
Do
- Free the ankle with a rolled or cropped trouser to elongate the silhouette.
- Match the colour: cognac for earthy tones and denim, black for grey and navy.
- Own a fine sock, plain or patterned, for the preppy touch.
- Favour clean hems (chino, straight trouser, midi skirt) that respect the loafer's slimness.
Don't
- Avoid trousers that are too wide or too long, which crush and hide the loafer.
- Do not wear chunky visible sports socks that break the chic register.
- Steer clear of pairing with an overly sporty look (joggers, loose sweatshirt) that clashes with the shoe.
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Should you wear socks with loafers?+
Both options work. A bare ankle gives a summery, elongated look, ideal with a rolled trouser. A fine sock, plain or patterned, adds a preppy touch and keeps you warm in mid-season. Just avoid chunky visible sports socks that break the chic register of the loafer.
What colour of loafers should you choose?+
Cognac is the most versatile: it warms things up and suits earthy tones, beige and denim. Dark brown and black dress up more and pair with grey and navy. Burgundy adds a touch of character. Choose the colour according to the dominant tones of your wardrobe.
Can you wear loafers to the office?+
Yes, the loafer is an excellent office shoe. Its smart-casual register suits business casual, paired with a chino, a straight trouser or a midi skirt and a shirt. A well-polished cognac or black reinforces the polished result. It dresses up the outfit without the stiffness of a too-formal shoe.
Which trousers go with loafers?+
Clean cuts are ideal: chino, straight trouser, raw denim or a cropped trouser that frees the ankle. These hems respect the slimness of the loafer and elongate it. Avoid trousers that are too wide or too long, which crush it, as well as overly sporty cuts that clash with its chic spirit.
Other pairings
Outfit ideas by occasion
Take these pairings further with our outfit guides for every big occasion.
