Looking for a style of slip-on shoes that will look good no matter where you are, whether it’s the morning coffee shop, the bar after work, or on a weekend lunch date? Enter: loafers.
Loafers lay dormant in our collective style consciousness for a little while, but now they’re back and reimagined in exciting contemporary ways. Although you can still bag yourself a beautiful pair of classic penny loafers, as a style, loafers have evolved from their early ivy league days. While you could pay a premium for a pair of new loafers – there’s simply no need when you can find high quality loafers for discounted prices.
When hunting for cheap reliable loafers, there’s nothing quite so satisfying as finding branded loafers for a pretty sale price. Why not pick up some women’s loafers on sale, in suede or mock-croc materials, to add new dimension to your office outfits? Or grab a pair of heeled or slip-on mule loafers to elevate your style on a budget? With added details such as golden snaffles, chains, tassels, and fringes, many of us would be happy to have more than one pair of loafers cycling through our weekly rotations - but you might be wondering how to style loafers without falling into the same old style rut.
There are plenty of loafer-based outfits out there to take notes from. From socks and loafers for the traditional ivy league appeal, to loafers and wide leg jeans or dresses, we’ve gathered some of our favourite ensembles that demonstrate how to get the premium loafers look for less.
How to Wear Socks and Loafers
Taking loafers back to their days of strolling ivy league college greens, it’s now considered chic to wear your loafers with white socks. For a too-cool-for-school attitude, try teaming your white socks and loafers with a plaid or pleated skirt. To make it a little more office appropriate, opt for a midi length pleated or slip skirt (tights optional). Style note: dainty mesh socks can offset chunky loafers if you’re looking for a well-balanced socks and loafers look.
(Credit: @alli.e.zim & @annacascarina)
How to Style Black Loafers
Looking forward to the warmer weather? We are too and while we’re dreaming of blue skies, we’re also thinking about Yasmin’s (@snazzyyazi) weekend loafer look that sees classic leather loafers teamed with a tiered mini dress. Yasmin plays off the school-girl style of her loafers by adding a headband and white socks. Signed off with tinted shades and a gold chain necklace, this simple but sophisticated outfit is perfect for brunch dates and weekend outings.
If the weather has not quite caught up with your summer daydreams yet, switch out the socks for tights, and throw on a camel coat or blazer and you’ve got a perfect trans-seasonal look.
How to Style Chunky Loafers
Natalie (@natalie.s.t.howard.x) nails the smart casual style by pairing her chunky black loafers with stirrup leggings (set to be a go-to piece for 2022) and an oversized white shirt for an on-trend look. To achieve the same effect, keep your clothing monochrome; note Natalie’s gorgeous black and white dogtooth coat, with matching black bucket bag and sunglasses to complete this considered look.
How to Style Chunky White Loafers
While we’re on the chunky sole trend, let’s talk about chunky white loafers: the perfect option if you’re looking for something a little bit different than traditional black leather loafers. We love how Marie (@heartfelthunt) has styled her white leather loafers with a matching jumper and contrasting floral skirt. Simply by switching out your skirt and bag, this outfit formula can be tweaked for endless styling opportunities that still feel fresh on the eyes. Just be sure to keep your white loafers squeaky clean!
How to Wear Loafer Mules
Backless loafers equal effortless style. Hannah (@hannahstemme) is a picture of enviable effortlessness in her backless white loafers and bold white blazer. With her linen trousers and brown clutch bag, Hannah shows us that a sophisticated outfit doesn’t have to be all-black.
Backless loafers are ideal for summer, going well with a summer dress and crossbody bag for casual weekends. If white is just a bit too bold, you can always opt for a more forgiving colour like forever-classic black.
How to Wear Colourful Loafers
A look tailor made for the office, Amira (@happilyamira) opts for a pale blue power suit to go along with her unique silver loafers. An easy-breezy look for spring, the cool-toned blues and silvers in this outfit harmonise for a perfectly polished edge, offset by Amira’s statement handbag.
Looking to dress down this look for more casual settings? Switch out the tailored trousers for tapered blue jeans and leave the blazer unbuttoned.
How to Style Brown Loafers
Brown loafers are a must-have for anyone who’s living the neutral trend. Alina (alinagavrilov_) provides a masterclass in neutral dressing, matching her belt, bag, and even the tint of her sunglasses to her brown loafers to achieve a sense of continuity that brings the whole ensemble together. Perfect for weekend shopping trips and for grabbing a quick coffee on your weekday commute.
Neutrals not your thing? Swap out the cream jeans for black or blue wash, and the camel overcoat for black and this outfit will look just as refined.
Ready to find your lust-have loafers for a discounted price?