Styling 101: Five ways to wear a pair of loafers

A true staple of any autumnal wardrobe, loafers can be thrown on when you’re dashing to the office, or dressed up for a date night on the town with ease.

The new go-to of the off-duty model, the can provide the perfectly preppy finishing touch to an outfit, or verge on more edgy territory, depending on how you style them. Whether it’s a chunky platform or flat sole, matte or patent leather, a classic black or a pop of colour, your own personal style will dictate how these shoes work for you.

If you’ve got a pair of loafers in the back of your wardrobe, or have been tempted to invest in the shoe of the season, here are five ways you can style them…

Office attire

This will be a go-to look for those among us who have spent the last number of years building the perfect capsule wardrobe. Simple yet effective, a pleated suit trouser and blazer combo screams sophistication. Finish the look off with a pair of sunnies, a shoulder bag and minimal jewellery and you’ve got chic office attire down to a fine art.

Top heavy

You know what they say; business on the bottom, party on the top. Whether it’s an oversized winter coat, a chunky knit dress or your dad’s old suit jacket cinched in at the waist with a stylish belt, this look will take you from a casual trip around the shops to dinner and drinks with friends. Ideally paired with a high-neck top and some statement earrings, you can rock a bare leg (weather permitting), throw on some tights, or add some leather leggings.

Lean into the preppiness

When I think of a pair of loafers, this is the kind of outfit that instantly springs to mind. An inherently preppy item of clothing, we say why not embrace the schoolyard aesthetic and team your pair with a pleated tartan skirt? You may as well go all out and add in a crisp white shirt and waistcoat on top too — the plaits are entirely optional, but greatly encouraged.

Let the tights do the talking

Two words, fifteen letters, say it and I’m yours: patterned tights. I would go so far as to say that all loafers should be sold with an assortment of three pairs of funky tights. Here, we see Sophie Murray has gone for a stunning pair of checkered knee-high tights and it has elevated the look beautifully. Whether it’s polka dots or glitter, stockings or a high sock, they always look good.

Casual classic

As the chill sets in further, layering up is essential. Whether it’s a pair of classic Levi denims, a straight leg printed trouser or pencil pleats, they’re all accentuated by a pair of loafers. Paired with a long trench, oversized scarf and cross-body bag, it’s clear that you don’t need to compromise on style in the pursuit of warmth and comfort.