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.

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 favorite 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.
LOAFERS MATERIALS
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.
STYLING LOAFERS
Smart Casual
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
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 colours 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 colour 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 colour 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
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 colours 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.
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.
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