January 24, 2025
How to Style Loafers: From Office Chic to Weekend Casual
Loafers are the heroes of professional chic — they’re timeless, versatile and effortlessly stylish. They’ve got that classic, European vibe that makes every outfit feel just a little more put together. Plus they’re easy to wear and strike the perfect balance between casual and polished.
The best part of owning a reliable pair of loafers? Whether you pair them with trousers, skirts or your favorite jeans, they’ll always add that touch of old-world elegance — perfect for everything from a day at the office to a casual lunch with friends.
Wondering how to wear loafers with your favorite pieces? Here are 10 loafer outfits and style ideas that show just how versatile and stylish these classic shoes can be.
1. Velvet Loafers with Shorts and a White Tee
Velvet loafers can be an intimidating place to start. They might feel a little too formal at first, but pairing them with a simpler combo like shorts — think dressier ones like Bermudas or high-waisted shorts — and a white tee gives them a relaxed, approachable feel while keeping things preppy and stylish. Wear them for an afternoon out or throw on a pair of tights for a casual dinner. We love this outfit because the texture of the velvet adds a subtle richness to the ensemble.
Styling Tip: Go for tailored shorts to keep the outfit clean and combine it with some gold or silver accessories for a little extra shine. If it’s cooler out, layer with an oversized blazer or cardigan for an effortless finish.
2. Black Leather Loafers with a Pleated Skirt
If you’re into mixing classic and modern vibes, you’ll never go wrong with a pleated skirt and black leather loafers. Pleated skirts pair beautifully with loafers because they bring a softer, timeless feel, while the loafers add structure and a touch of edge — especially if they’ve got some height to them. It’s a versatile outfit that works just as well for casual office days as it does for brunch plans or a dressier night out.
Styling Tip: Tuck in a fitted sweater or blouse to play with proportions and define your waist. Add ankle socks for a preppy twist or bare legs for a cleaner look. A crossbody bag or structured tote completes the outfit beautifully.
3. Suede Loafers with a Matching Set
For anyone wondering what to wear with loafers when it’s cold out, a matching set with suede loafers can be a super stylish and cozy choice. The soft texture of suede adds warmth to the look, while the coordinated outfit keeps things dressy and elegant. Depending on the vibe of the set, this look transitions effortlessly from office hours to dinner plans with friends, striking the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication.
Styling Tip: Choose loafers in a neutral tone, like burgundy or black, to keep the outfit cohesive. Layer the set with a long coat or an oversized scarf for extra warmth, and add subtle accessories like gold hoops or a nice watch to complete the look.
4. Brown Loafers with Straight Leg Jeans
If you want to keep things simple yet stylish, brown loafers and straight-leg jeans are a foolproof way to go. They’re easy to wear, comfortable, and look sharp without a ton of effort or having to invest in new pieces. This combo is perfect for a casual day out or low-key plans with loved ones.
Styling Tip: For light brown loafers, style them with lighter denim or cream-colored jeans. Add a tucked-in white tee or a neutral knit for a clean finish. For darker brown loafers, go with classic blue or black denim. You can also layer up with a leather jacket to add some edge.
5. Leather Loafers with a Slip Dress
Because these shoes tend to lean on the chunkier side, how do you wear loafers with a dress? Believe it or not, a chic, barely-there slip dress pairs beautifully with loafers, creating a contrast that feels fresh and modern. The loafers add character and boldness to the soft silhouette of the dress, making it a strong choice for everything from daytime plans to summer nights out.
Styling Tip: On cooler days, layer with an oversized blazer or a cropped knit. Bold earrings or a sleek clutch can add a little burst of personality.
6. Chunky Loafers with a Slim-Fit Dress and Cardigan
Figuring out how to dress loafers up is easy when you focus on balance. Take, for example, a chunky loafer, slim-fit dress and cardigan ensemble — the structure of the loafers contrasts perfectly with the fitted dress and the oversized look of a long cardigan, delivering a look that feels elegant and understated.
Styling Tip: Want the cardigan but not the dress? Keep the base streamlined with slim pants or leggings to balance out the cardigan. Add a fitted tee or lightweight knit underneath, and finish with simple accessories like a crossbody bag.
7. Tan Leather Loafers with a Midi Skirt and Sweater
You can never go wrong with a midi skirt and sweater combo during the fall. But add a pair of tan loafers, and you’ve got a look that’s equal parts comfy and chic. This combination pairs the defined feel of the loafers with the romantic flow of your skirt, creating the perfect look for everything from lunch dates to team meetings at the office.
Styling Tip: Opt for a slightly oversized sweater and tuck it loosely at the front to define your silhouette. For the skirt, go for one with flowy materials to breathe a little movement (and fun!) into your outfit. Add a small bag and minimal jewelry to tie everything together, and you’re ready for whatever the day brings.
8. Loafer Mule with Pleated Trousers
There’s a reason why mules and pleated trousers are the ultimate combination when you want to feel both polished and modern. The clean lines of the trousers balance perfectly with the relaxed feel of the mules, even more so when you wear them with a turtleneck or a tailored blazer. Talk about a perfect office-chic outfit!
Styling Tip: Add a belt that complements the loafers, and finish with a cropped blazer or a lightweight trench. Keep accessories minimal — just a nice bag or a simple necklace is enough to round it all out.
9. Navy Loafers with Jeans and a Blazer
When you’re trying to figure out what to wear loafers with (especially if you don’t want your outfit to feel too formal), pairing them with jeans and a blazer is always a smart move. You can keep it classic with straight or skinny jeans or go for baggier denim to give the outfit a contemporary twist. Adding a blazer brings just the right amount of structure to tie the look together.
Styling Tip: Keep the top simple, like a fitted tee or lightweight knit. Cuff the jeans slightly to show off the loafers, and choose a blazer with a relaxed fit for a modern touch.
10. Pointy Loafers with a Sweater Maxi Dress
Want to nail the loafer’s street-style aesthetic? Consider a pointy loafer with a sweater maxi dress. The dress can be oversized for an effortless look or fitted if you’re looking for a more professional vibe. Either way, the sleek shape of the loafers adds just enough structure to balance the cozy feel of the dress, making it perfect for day or night.
Styling Tip: If you opt for a fitted or cinched sweater dress, add a belt to create some extra definition and layer with an oversized coat or scarf for colder weather.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Styling Loafers
If you’ve ever wondered how to style women’s loafers, it all starts with a few basic rules. Here’s a quick guide to help you get it right every time:
Do’s
- Pair loafers with tailored pieces. They look great with trousers, blazers and structured coats.
- Experiment with textures like suede, leather and velvet to elevate your outfit and match them with complementary fabrics like denim, wool or silk.
- Show off the loafers by wearing cropped pants, cuffed jeans or midi skirts.
- Add layers for depth, like oversized blazers, long coats or knit cardigans.
- Choose socks thoughtfully. Bare ankles, sheer tights or quirky patterned socks can add a personalized touch.
Don’ts
- Pair loafers with overly casual pieces, like baggy sweatpants or slouchy clothing that can clash with their structured style.
- Forget about proportions. Chunky loafers need slim or structured pieces, while sleeker loafers pair best with flowy styles.
- Over-accessorize. Less is more when it comes to styling loafers.
- Neglect shoe care. Scuffed or dirty loafers can undermine an otherwise well-thought-out outfit.
- Wear loafers with overly formal attire.
Wear TOMS. Wear Good.
We hope these tips on how to style loafers will help you get ready with confidence using pieces you already own and love. These shoes pair beautifully with tailored trousers, relaxed jeans or dresses that need a touch of structure.
And while you’re at it, why not do it with a pair of TOMS loafers that support a greater cause? One-third of our profits are given for good, supporting partnerships with community organizations that drive real change. Learn more about our impact!
Explore our collection of women’s loafers and discover your perfect match today!