If there’s anyone qualified enough to deliver a thesis on how to wear loafers, it’s me. Every fashion editor and writer has that one item—be it vintage jeans or statement jewelry—they compulsively hoard. For me, it’s shoes. When I moved to a new apartment, I did so with the nonnegotiable that it would have to have enough space for my overflowing collection, which has now reached triple digits. And within that collection, there’s one particular style I stockpile: the humble loafer.
Though I pride myself in my curation one-of-a-kind pieces and funky thrift-store finds, the most hardworking item in my closet is a simple pair of black loafers from Coach that I got at a Macy’s sale in 2015. When I first bought them, I never would have predicted the joy they’d bring to my wardrobe or the diversity they’d give my aesthetic.
A full decade after my purchase, I still wear my emotional support loafers at least once a week. They’ve inspired me to add no less than 10 more pairs to my arsenal, including: patent leather, burgundy, tan, leopard print, white, cream, two-tone, striped, and a chunky style embroidered with flowers. All this to say, I basically have a Master’s Degree in how to style loafers.
Throughout the years, I’ve tried and tested every possible loafer outfit combination—from cottagecore dresses to cargo pants and suits. And I can confirm: They literally go with everything.
Ahead, read up on trendy loafer outfit ideas for spring and summer 2025 that will help you make the most of fashion’s favorite shoe.
Loafers With a Blazer Dress
Loafers and suits are a match made in sartorial heaven—that’s a given—but if the business casual combo is starting to feel a bit stale, here’s a simple trick to try. If you don’t have an actual blazer-style dress, pop your favorite longline blazer over a button-down shirt or classic white T-shirt and instead of reaching for the matching pants just…don’t. A blazer dress (or a makeshift one) will play just as well with your loafers as a full suit, but feels modern and unexpected.
Babaton Autograph Mini Blazer Dress
Aritzia
Dream Pairs Loafers
Amazon
Chunky Loafers With Mixed Animal Print
As a reformed loafer hater, it gives me no greater pleasure than to announce that the minimalist shoe style can, indeed, feel edgy—especially if it’s a platform or chunky pair. Just pile on a few layers of animal print, and you’ll see what I mean.
Utcoco Faux-Suede Trench Coat
Amazon
Circus by Sam Edelman Payson Loafers
Amazon
Leather Loafers and Sweats
Remember when I said loafers “literally go with everything?” Well, I’d like to circle back to that now. When styled correctly, the menswear favorite can make even the most casual sweatpants or sweatsuit look street-style ready. Extra points for a lug-sole loafer here.
Abercrombie & Fitch Essential Sunday Sweatpants
Abercrombie & Fitch
Coach Leah Loafers
Amazon
Coach
Platform Loafers With a Mini
Even though I’m officially maxed out on closet space, Gucci’s towering Horsebit Platform Loafers have topped my shopping list for the last several years. Though ankle-breaking in design, these babies are the ultimate statement-maker for the lucky few who know how to wear them. My advice? Style similar—and perhaps more walkable—options with mini skirts or baggy trousers for an expert-level play on proportions.
Levi’s Premium Icon Skirt
Zappos
Steve Madden Anabeth Lug-Sole Loafers
Nordstrom
Loafers and the Wrong Shoe Theory
TikTok’s viral “wrong shoe theory” may have been fleeting in terms of internet attention, but it’s a styling trick that I still think about daily. And that’s most especially true when I’m wearing loafers. They’re the best shoe style for this hack, because they add a polished feeling to any ‘fit they’re styled with—even leather racing jackets and sporty socks.
Lioness Nueve Biker Jacket
Revolve
Maison Ruched Loafers
J.Crew
Tassel Loafers and Cargo Pants
Wearing cargo pants with tassel loafers is a hallmark of the ever-whimsical Scandi aesthetic. Often accompanied by a striped button-down or quilted jacket, the combo gives off an effortlessly cool, eclectic vibe that defines Copenhagen Fashion Week style.
Levi’s ’94 Baggy Cargo Jeans
Amazon
Dr. Martens Adrian Smooth Tassel Loafers
Zappos
Classic Loafers and an Equally Classic Trench
Khaki trench coats are basically the outerwear version of a loafer shoe: classic and timeless, with an innate ability to make even the most casual outfits feel put-together. Wear the duo with a T-shirt and straight-leg jeans or with a ruffled midi skirt—the styling opportunities are pretty much endless.
Madewell Single-Breasted Trench Coat
Madewell
Gucci Jordaan Loafers
Gucci
Net-a-Porter
Loafers With Socks and a Midi Dress
Pairing feminine dresses or skirts with my most masculine loafers is my favorite way to bring a little androgyny to my wardrobe. A good pair of loafers—with tube socks to match—can make even the most saccharine ensemble feel palatable.
Boden Cynthia Button Tea Dress
Boden
- Courtesy of brand
- Original image by Kelsey Hendershot for Glamour
ChevronChevron
Reformation Agathea Chunky Loafers
Reformation
Loafers and Track Pants
Like loafers, track pants are experiencing something of a renaissance. No longer reserved for workouts and couch rot days, the athleisure staple has seen its fair share of runways in recent years. Fashion girlies, particularly, love to combine the two for an unexpected sporty-preppy mash-up.
Adidas Essentials 3-Stripes Pants
Amazon
G.H. Bass Whitney Loafers
Nordstrom
Leopard Loafers With Anything in Your Closet
This isn’t so much outfit inspiration as it is a shopping rec, but I couldn’t write a whole story on loafers without mentioning my most recent purchase. Earlier this year, I invested in a pair of leopard print loafers from Roberto Cavalli and have since come to consider them one of the most versatile footwear styles in my closet. They pair magnificently with all of 2025’s biggest color trends: from corporate gray and wine red to vibrant cherry.
J.Crew Collection Sequin Paillette Midi-Skirt
J.Crew
Marc Fisher Cube Loafers
Amazon
Loafers and Knee-High Socks
If you’re still struggling with figuring out how to style loafers, you need only remember the slip-on shoe’s origin story. School uniforms helped bring them to fame and, even in adulthood, the prep school staple still looks undeniably chic when styled with pleated skirts, cardigans, and knee-high socks.
Silky Toes Sheer Knee-High Stockings (6-Pack)
Amazon
Madewell Grayson Penny Loafers
Madewell
The post How to Wear Loafers, According to a Shoe-Obsessed Fashion Editor appeared first on Glamour.
