Styling women’s loafers: 10 chic items to pair with loafers

Loafers are a classic shoe style that offers a smart-casual aesthetic no matter the time of year. The humble loafer has been in and out of fashion over the last century but has gained recent favour among fashion influencers as the perfect shoe for a sleek and sophisticated look.

From preppy school chic to California cool, you can style loafers in several ways due to their diversity. With so many types and designs, styling women’s loafers has never been easier. Whether you prefer a trim loafer or more modern chunky loafers with a lug sole, there is a way for everyone to style this shoe to suit their individual tastes.

Discover 10 super chic items to pair with your loafers below for a flawless look when heading to work or socialising on your off-duty days. 

Table of contents

• Are women’s loafers in style?
• How to style loafers for women’s outfits

Are women’s loafers in style?

From gracing the biggest and most recent fashion shows to dominating street styles and fashion influencer’s Instagrams, women’s loafers are having a renaissance. However, the classic loafer is the kind of timeless shoe that never goes out of style or, at least, will come back into fashion again and again. 

So, every woman should have a pair of loafers in her capsule wardrobe. Easily worn with jeans, trousers, skirts, and dresses, loafers are the ultimate bridge between smart and casual dressing, effortlessly smartening up even the most casual outfit.

How to style loafers for women’s outfits

One key thing to remember when styling loafers is that you want your trousers to just caress your ankles so you can see the loafers. Wearing baggy or wide-legged trousers will overpower the style and give an unbalanced look.

For the best, balanced look, pair slimmer trousers or skirts with baggier or flowing tops, jackets, and jumpers so your loafers can take centre stage. 

Straight legged jeans

At number one is the super on-trend straight-legged jeans and loafer combo. Of course, the straight-leg jean look gives a slouchy, laid-back style, but pairing them with loafers slightly elevates the look, making them perfect for a girl’s brunch, shopping, or grabbing a coffee. 

High-waisted jeans

Similarly, pairing loafers with high-waisted jeans will give you an effortlessly chic, laid-back look. The high waist will elongate your legs and cinch in your waist for an hourglass figure. Loafers perfectly finish this outfit with their easy slip-on style for a relaxed yet stylish look.

If you want to lower the formality of your outfit because you’re wearing jeans, opt for brown or coloured loafers rather than black and suede rather than leather. Pair your jeans and loafers with long trench coats, oversized shirts and blazers for a more polished look. Or, reach for your loafers with a chunky sole and a plain white T-shirt for a more relaxed style.

Cigarette trousers

Straight out of the 1950s, loafers and cigarette trousers are a classic pairing. Stylishly hugging your figure, cigarette trousers are almost skinny trousers that stop at the ankle and can be high-waisted. When paired with loafers, this style has a classic vintage feel, perfect for swanning between social appointments with effortless style or as a comfortable option for your work wardrobe.

Pair your cigarette trousers with a cropped short-sleeve turtle neck jumper to embrace the vintage style. 

Tailored trousers

Pair your loafers with tailored trousers for the ultimate mark of sophistication and business chic. If you’re tired of wearing heels to work, loafers are an excellent flat alternative that looks professional and stylish. Whether you pair them with tailored trousers and a floaty silk shirt tucked into a belt or a matching two-piece suit, loafers work for business, formal and social settings. 

Black leather or patent leather penny loafers are the best option for a more formal look at work or a formal occasion.

Skirts: Mini, midi or maxi

Loafers with skirts, especially mini skirts, are a popular trend that offers much choice and versatility for your wardrobe. The preppy schoolgirl look is a stylish way to add a feminine twist to your loafers. Pair your loafers and skirt with a blazer, oversized shirt, and white socks. Play with pleated, leather, and denim skirts to alter this look to suit different seasons and occasions. You can also lose the socks for a less preppy look. 

If you’re looking for a more “old-money” style, we recommend a midi or a midaxi skirt. Pleated midi skirts work well with penny loafers for a more formal style, or a long denim skirt can put a casual twist on your outfit. Pair your longer skirts with floaty shirts or turtleneck pullovers for a timeless, rich aesthetic. 

Trench coat

Trench coats are having a moment. We recommend reaching for your trusty trench coat when adding layers to your loafer outfit. The neutral trench coat style will help your loafers stand out and be the centre of attention in your outfit. Trench coats also work with any of the jeans, trousers, and skirts listed above. 

Blazer

A blazer is a fantastic item to pair with your penny or tassel loafers. If you’re wearing trousers and loafers, it can give you a professional, business-like aesthetic; it can also add a little class when you pair them with your favourite jeans, and when you pair it with a skirt, it can give you a cute and preppy look. 

Chunky knit

Layer your loafer look with a chunky knit. Whether you’re wearing jeans and need a cosy yet stylish look, or there is a chill in the air on your way to the office, chunky knits will pair perfectly with your loafers. 

Alternatively, you can layer a chunky knit vest over an oversized white shirt with trousers or jeans and loafers for another fashionable look to take to the office or your latest social event for a chic put-together look.

Tights

Now, we’ll discuss styling loafers with women’s hosiery. There are a few options you can choose that will look fantastic with your loafers. If you’re wearing a mini skirt, black tights are a fantastic option to create a smart and formal look. Why not layer your tights with white tube socks to give your outfit a schoolgirl look? 

Alternatively, pair your mini skirt and loafers with black calf-high stockings for a bold yet chic style. 

Women’s loafers at Cheaney Shoes

Now that you’ve styled your women’s loafers, you’re ready to flaunt the latest looks at work and off-duty events.

Shop modern and classic women’s loafer styles at Cheaney to complete your chic, smart-casual wardrobe. Then, shop sumptuous socks to pair with your luxury loafers. 

Related blogs

• Loafers: A Brief History
• Men’s Loafer outfit ideas for the fashion-forward gentleman
• The best shoes to wear with skirts