How to Wear Loafers Professionally: The Dos and Don’ts of Wearing Loafers in the Office

Loafers are a well-established office-shoe essential. Comfortable and chic, they are a stylish and comfortable alternative to traditional dress shoes, such as Oxfords or Derbys or uncomfortable heels for women. However, with so many styles, colours, and leathers to choose from, selecting the right one for professional settings and knowing how to style loafers correctly can make the difference between commanding the boardroom with style and finesse and looking as if you’re headed to a yacht club.

Indeed, one of the greatest advantages of loafers is that they can transition effortlessly between formal, professional, and smart-casual wear. However, in this guide, we will specifically focus on how to style women’s and men’s loafers for work. With just a few small tweaks, you can go from a laid-back, weekend look to a sleek, sophisticated professional aesthetic.

Table of contents:

• What type of loafers are best for a professional setting?
• How to style loafers for the office: Dos & Don’ts
• How to wear loafers with a suit
• How do I style loafers for a business casual look?
• Can I wear loafers with a dress or skirt to work?
• Are loafers appropriate for a job interview?
• What are some alternatives to loafers for professional footwear?

What type of loafers are best for a professional setting?

Most loafers are acceptable for the office, but if you’re looking for the best option for a formal or professional setting, we have the ultimate recommendation to avoid a dress code faux pas.

Not all loafers are equal. Type and style matter! For a professional setting, you will want to stick to more formal styles with sleek silhouettes and minimal decoration. You can wear suede or leather loafers in professional settings; however, smooth calf leather will always look more formal. Similarly, black and brown leathers are both acceptable in office settings; however, black will look more professional in an office with a more formal dress code.

For the best loafers in a professional setting, we recommend the Hadley Penny Loafer in Black Calf Leather or the Hudson or Saxon for men and the Kenmore Penny Loafer in Black Deerskin leather for a women’s option. These options both feature the classic penny loafer style and a sleek sole, paired with smooth black leather uppers, for the ultimate professional look.

How to style loafers for the office: Dos & Don’ts

Stepping into the office with loafers? Master your professional style with these essential dos and don’ts.

How to wear loafers with a suit

For both men and women, one of the best ways to style loafers for the office is to pair them with a suit. Whether you prefer a classic two-piece or enjoy the swagger of a three-piece suit, or for women, pairing them with chic cigarette trousers and blazer or a tailored ankle-length trouser suit, loafers are a fantastic addition that brings chic sophistication to your office attire while remaining professional. Here are our tips for wearing loafers with a suit:

1. Think about colour: You might have a variety of suit colours in your rotation, but only some loafer colours go with certain suits. For example, keep your brown loafers for navy, beige, cream, or green suits, and save your black loafers for grey and black suits. For more tips on pairing shoe colours with suits, read our guide.
2. Match your belt to your loafers: On the subject of colouring, matching your belt colour to the leather colour of your loafers will present a much more refined and cohesive look.
3. Consider the sock question: Whether you wear socks or not with your loafers is a personal preference, or it might be part of your office dress code. If it’s not specified, socks will always create a more professional look, if that’s what you are aiming for. Matching your socks to your suit colour combination will also help create a more cohesive look. Alternatively, for a modern and sophisticated vibe, opt for a sockless loafer look, especially during warmer months. However, if you want this look with a degree more comfort, use no-show socks to protect your feet and shoes from sweat and odour. Always avoid wearing athletic socks at all costs; this is a major fashion faux pas. If you’re wearing socks, they should be dress socks that complement your trousers.
4. Experiment with different loafers: While penny loafers are a classic, timeless choice that works well in many professional settings, tassel loafers can also add a subtle intrigue and sophistication to your ensemble while remaining professional. Alternatively, horsebit loafers can add a touch of European glamour to your outfit. In contrast, a chain trim or twisted apron loafer can add subtle decorative interest to your outfit while remaining professional.
5. Wear trousers of the right length: Ensure your trousers have a clean break or are slightly cropped to showcase your footwear. Don’t let them bunch over your loafers.

And there you have it, the best loafers and the best way to style them in a professional environment. But what to do if you have a more business casual dress code?

How do I style loafers for a business casual look?

If your office doesn’t have as strict a dress code as other professions, loafers will also complement a business casual look and still look smart. Style them right, and you’ll get a slightly more laid-back, approachable, or individualistic edge. First, creating the perfect business casual look with loafers involves selecting the right loafer style and then pairing it with the appropriate outfit.

When it comes to styling loafers for a business casual setting, you have more freedom than with a suit. For regular office days when you’re not meeting with the board or clients, such as dress-down Fridays, loafers pair well with business casual attire, including chinos or wool trousers, and a shirt, without a jacket. Or, on chillier days, add a mismatched blazer, a woolly jumper, or a sweater.

What’s the difference between casual and professional loafers?

As already mentioned, not all loafers are equal, and there is sometimes overlap between styles. So here are the main things to look out for in loafers, depending on whether you want a more business casual or professional look.

Loafer feature	Professional	Business-casual
Materials	Professional loafers are crafted from high-quality leather, featuring a smooth, polished surface and often displaying a slight sheen. A fine, well-kept suede is also acceptable.	Business casual loafers may feature a softer, less structured leather or have a leather with an embossed surface, such as grain leather or natural imperfections, like kudu leather. Suede is also much more common for business casual loafers.
Colours	Professional colours include black, dark brown, burgundy, oxblood, and deep navy, which pair well with professional office attire.	Business casual loafers tend to come in lighter or brighter colours, such as tan, beige, light brown, white, pastel, or vibrant hues, or even with two-tone or multi-coloured designs.
Design & Embellishments	Professional loafers typically feature clean lines and a streamlined silhouette, often with understated embellishments. These include the classic penny loafer, featuring a diamond-cutout strap, the highly sophisticated horsebit loafer, and the tassel loafer, which boasts a refined appearance.	Business casual loafers often feature more exaggerated details, such as longer tassels, more ornamental or decorative horsebits, bold stitching, or unique cutouts. You might be able to get away with driving moccasins with your business casual attire. Still, it’s best to stick with plain apron loafers in more professional settings.
Sole & heel	Professional loafers typically feature a slim leather sole and a modest, defined heel, which contributes to a more formal and elegant appearance.	Business casual designs can include more chunky soles, such as a lug or platform sole, a popular casual trend that adds a slight edge to your business casual attire.
Stitching	The stitching is often neater and blends in, rather than being chunky or contrasting, for professional loafers.	Business casual loafers might feature “Beefroll” stitching, a more pronounced, rounded stitching on the sides of the vamp of some penny loafers, which can make them appear more casual. You might also come across moc-toe styling, where many loafers feature a moc-toe (stitching around the toe box). Overly relaxed or puffy versions, however, push them into more casual territory.
Construction	Professional loafers are often crafted using traditional shoe-making methods, such as Goodyear welting, and leather soles, which contribute to their durability, sleek profile, and often a higher price point.	Business casual can feature thicker, more cushioned rubber soles for added comfort or a more flexible, less structured construction.

Can I wear loafers with a dress or skirt to work?

Absolutely! Loafers are a fantastic shoe option for both women and men. They are extremely versatile, whether you choose to wear them with trousers, dresses, or skirts at work. They’re also a comfortable alternative to wearing heels in the office, yet still look smart and sophisticated. They can instantly elevate a skirt or dress outfit, giving it a modern, polished, and confident edge.

Use the tips above to find the right loafer style, material and colour for your outfit, whether dressing for a formal professional setting or a more business casual environment.

Once you’ve chosen your appropriate loafer, here are some tips on how to style them with skirts and dresses:

Midi/ Maxi dresses and skirts

Loafers pair beautifully with midi-length skirts and dresses, as well as elegant maxi styles. This length allows the loafers to be a focal point without cutting off the leg line awkwardly.

A-line, pleated and pencil skirts

Loafers look fantastic with these classic office skirt styles as they provide a balanced silhouette.

Shift dresses

A classic and effortless pairing with loafers for a smart-casual office look.

Tailored dresses

Loafers can perfectly complement more structured or tailored dresses, adding a modern, comfortable twist.

However, in an office environment, avoid very short mini skirts or overly casual maxi dresses that might clash with the sophisticated vibe of professional attire and loafers.

Pairing women’s loafers with socks

In warmer months, going bare-legged with a dress or skirt and loafers can look very chic and modern, provided it’s appropriate for your office culture. For added comfort, try invisible socks to achieve the bare-ankle look.

In colder weather or for a more traditional look, pairing skirts or dresses with loafers and sheer black or nude tights, or thin, patterned socks, can be a great choice.

You can wear very thin, ankle-length socks in a neutral colour or a subtle pattern, which can work especially well if they complement the outfit or if you’re going for a preppy look. Just avoid anything thick, sporty, or brightly colored or anything that detracts from the refined look of your loafers.

Are loafers appropriate for a job interview?

Yes, loafers can be an appropriate footwear choice for a job interview, whether for men or women, provided you choose the right style and they are well-maintained. We recommend leaning towards the more professional end of the loafer spectrum using the recommendations above.

Loafers are a fantastic choice for an interview, as they offer a polished look and comfort without the formality of Oxfords or the discomfort of high heels. Better comfort can help you focus and feel more confident in the interview. They also convey a sense of modern professionalism and align with contemporary business attire, helping you present your best self. 

How to style loafers for different job interviews

Loafers are an excellent choice for most modern offices with a business or smart-casual dress code, such as those in the tech industry, creative fields, marketing, non-profit organisations, and retail management.

Even in casual environments, an interview warrants a step up. Loafers are a good way to show you’re taking it seriously without being overdressed. Avoid wearing sneakers, sandals, or flip-flops, regardless of the workplace’s casual atmosphere.

What are some alternatives to loafers for professional footwear?

However, if you’re interviewing for a highly formal profession, such as a traditional finance company, law firm, or very conservative corporate role, classic lace-up Oxfords for men and closed-toe pumps or court shoes with a moderate heel for women are often still the safest and most expected choices. While a very sleek, high-quality bit loafer might just pass for men, it’s generally best to err on the side of traditional formality.

For more ideas on the best men’s work shoes, read our guide “The Best Men’s Work Shoes for All Day Style and Comfort in the Office.”

Shop professional loafers for the office at Cheaney Shoes

And there you have it! The best loafers for professional environments, including business-casual settings, and how to style them in the office.

Whether you’re looking for a new pair of stylish and comfortable work shoes or want to make a great impression in an interview, browse our range of loafers at Cheaney Shoes for high-quality options that will elevate your professional attire.

Related blogs:

• “For loafing around”: A Brief History of Loafers
• Styling women’s loafers: 10 chic items to pair with loafers
• A Guide to Different Types of Loafer