How to Wear Loafers: Outfit Ideas for Dapper Man

 

Perhaps the most stylish shoes of our time, loafers are the ultimate in refined, classic footwear for a range of reasons. Easily able to be dressed up or down and flattering in an assortment of materials, loafers are the staple that is here to stay. You shouldn’t feel guilty about investing in this shoe style, given they’re minimalistic and easily adaptable for different looks and seasons. Be aware, however, that the way you style loafers is incredibly important. That’s why we have put together this expert guide on how to wear loafers for a dapper look.

 

What Are Loafers?

Loafers are a classic slip-on style of shoe that does not feature laces or other fastenings. They are typically made of leather or suede and shaped like a moccasin with a flat heel. Although they began as casual shoes, loafers are today worn with a variety of outfits for a range of occasions, including many that are formal.

 

 

Types of Loafers

Penny Loafer

One of the most traditional styles, the penny loafer is a stylish minimal shoe. It is also versatile, making it an excellent purchase. The penny loafer’s name was established in the 50’s when it enjoyed profound popularity with prep students. The shoe emerged as a classic Americana staple, featuring predominantly in collegiate outfits across the country. It was a preferred shoe option due to its simplistic style and easy adaptability. Today, the penny loafer is a nod to the past and is available in a range of different materials suiting every gentleman’s taste.

 

 

Tassel Loafer

Incredibly stylish, the tassel loafer is our favourite of the many styles this shoe comes in. Clean, simple with the playfulness of a single tassel on each shoe, this one is perfect for your wardrobe. It is a humble ode to the great European style, alluding to classic Italian menswear. While the tassel loafer is often made of leather, suede is another excellent choice. Suede will also allow you greater freedom when it comes to adapting your tassel loafer to different dress codes. Perfect alongside a well-fitted cotton suit or paired with a pair of slim chinos, tassel loafers work well in shades of beige, brown, navy and khaki.

 

 

Gucci Loafer

One of the most distinct versions of the loafer, the Gucci loafer is known for the metal clasp across its front. While this style of loafer has enjoyed popularity in the past, be cautious when choosing appropriate versions. Our tip when it comes to this loafer is to go for designs that are simplistic and done in the most classic of colours and materials. You’ll want to embrace a more traditional approach to this style and stick to browns and blacks.

 

 

Loafer Materials

For versatility, suede loafers are an excellent option. Suede is incredibly adaptable because it can be dressed up and dressed down. Suede loafers also have a bit of texture to them, which lends quite nicely to the overall dimension of your shoes. These shoes are also useful for semi-formal looks, as they are neither super casual nor super formal. Loafers in leather are also encouraged, but we cannot stress enough that it’s the style of your shoe that will make all the difference. Keep in mind that you can opt for patent leather styles for more formal occasions. The gloss of genuine patent leather adds an excellent shine to simplistic silhouettes and dresses up your clothing.

 

 

Loafer Colours

Black may be classic, but there are a variety of other loafer colours that can be more versatile. Dusty brown loafers, for example, are the perfect pair to have because they suit a broad range of palettes and can suit casual as well as more dressed up looks. Navy is also a good tone to consider and works well to complement colours like whites, beige and emerald greens. Additionally, it looks great in both leather and suede. Burgundy is another favourite. It is surprisingly versatile and can work well to brighten up your wardrobe. If you’re after a pair of loafers to suit neutrals, beige will work well and complements tanned skin.

 

 

Loafer Outfits

Loafers with Pants

Whether you’re wearing a full suit or trousers with a shirt and blazer, loafers can make an excellent footwear option. These luxurious yet laidback shoes are perfect for formal dressing with flair. They are especially ideal for cocktail events, where you want to appear dapper but not drab.

 

 

Loafers with Chinos

Loafers and chinos can also make a fantastic combination. As both chinos and loafers project a relaxed yet sophisticated aesthetic, wearing them together achieves an excellent smart casual appearance. As such, the pair is ideal for semi-formal daytime events, such as luncheons. To complete your look, just add a dress shirt, blazer, and, if you wish, a tie.

 

 

Loafers with Jeans

If you’re looking to upgrade your casual attire, consider swapping out your regular sneakers and jeans for loafers and jeans. By wear loafers with denim, you’ll instantly elevate these casual pants to a more polished appearance. However, be careful about what you wear on top. While a simple T-shirt will leave your footwear looking out of place, a cotton shirt or rollneck sweater will provide the perfect complement.

 

 

When to Wear Loafers

Smart Casual Attire

Adapt loafers into your smart casual look for a grown-up take on daywear. You’ll be surprised how the simple decision to swap your usual trainers for loafers can make your outfits look a lot more put together. The trick here is to ensure that they aren’t overly formal or dressed up. You’ll want them in more versatile fabrics to appropriately adapt them to your casual looks. Suedes and lightweight textured loafers will do just that. For another novel way to wear loafers for casual wear, try out more summery colours. Powder blues and greens are the perfect colours to do so.

 

 

Semi-Formal Attire

For the more ambiguous dress codes, loafers excel at leaving you looking dressed up but still relaxed and simplistic. For failsafe semi-formal looks, opt for classic colors to complement your staple trousers and dress shirts. Loafers also align well with preppy blazers. However, be sure to keep the tones of your outfits in the same color palette. In between seasons, team your loafers with cable-knit sweaters and shawl neck cardigans thrown over your shoulders for classic Americana vibes. Keep in mind that suede works phenomenally for more vague dress codes. Also, ensure your clothing is well-tailored. If you’re after a dash of color for semi-formal looks, opt for cherry reds, emerald greens, or cobalt blue loafers, but style with caution. Team brighter loafers with more subdued, classic tones like navies and whites so they annotate your looks more subtly.

 

 

Formal Attire

The key to pulling off loafers for formal looks is to choose the right material. Patent leather can add lots of dimension to formal looks. Make sure, however, that you opt for patent leather loafers in timeless colors like black to keep things relatively classic. For a different approach, go for more textured loafers that’ll allow your shoes to stand out. Our pick? A high-quality velvet loafer that can be dressed up and will add depth to your looks. They’ll read classic and luxurious.