How To Wear Loafers Through The Seasons
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How To Wear Loafers Through The Seasons

No more loafing around

Tired of trainers? Bored of brogues? Find a cosy in-between by slipping your feet into a pair of stylish loafers, the perfect shoe for the spring-summer season. Give the trend a whirl with our guide to the best pairs for men and women below.

The Country & Town House Responsible Buyers’ Guide

What Are Loafers?

Loafers are a type of slip-on shoe with a low heel and no laces or fasteners. While the exact origin of the shoe is unclear – some argue that they were first introduced in 1930s Norway and worn by farmers and fishermen (and came to be known as ‘Aurland shoes’), while others say they came about in the early 1900s courtesy of London-based shoe company Wildsmith Shoes (which created the popular ‘Wildsmith loafer’) – the design usually comes in leather or suede and can be dressed up or down.

Where Can You Wear Them?

Loafers can be worn for both casual and dressy occasions. Some of the most common settings and dress codes include:

  1. Casual outings: Loafers can be worn with a variety of casual outfits, such as jeans, shorts and chinos. They are comfortable and easy to slip on and off, making them a great choice for running errands, hanging out with friends or going to a casual event.
  2. Business casual: Many workplaces have a business casual dress code, which make loafers a great choice for this type of setting. They pair well with dress trousers, chinos, button-down shirts and jumpers.
  3. Formal events: Depending on the style of the loafers, they can also be worn to more formal events, such as weddings, galas and other dressy occasions. Loafers in black or brown leather, for example, can be paired with a tuxedo or suit for a sophisticated look.
  4. Travel: Loafers are also a great choice for travel, as they are comfortable and easy to slip on and off at airport security checkpoints.

How To Wear Loafers

Should You Wear Socks With Loafers?

It depends on the occasion, really – although note that, generally, in business and professional environments you’re not really supposed to show your bare ankles (very Victorian, we know). In these instances, you can wear dress socks or, if the loafer allows for more wiggle room, a thicker sock.

A popular style trend that we’ve seen resurface a lot during the past year is pairing up black loafers with white ankle socks, typically worn with jeans, dresses or skirts.

1. The Jumper, Jeans & Coat Combo

 

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On days when the weather sits more on the chilly side, you might be tempted to pull on your boots – but hold fire. Loafers can work just as well; simply don a pair of thick socks and then layer up with your favourite jeans (you can also switch these out for a skirt), jumper and coat combo. This looks sits in the thick of the quiet luxury movement, meaning you’ll look (and feel) casually expensive.

2. The Maxi Dress

 

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If you fancy giving TikTok’s Wrong Shoe Theory a try, then team up your loafers with a pair of socks and a long maxi dress. We’re a big fan of this black slip dress, which makes the outfit feel a little more chic – but this can easily be switched out for other colours, prints and fits. This outfit is a little more hot weather-friendly too, although it can be layered up with tops, jumpers and jackets if need be.

3. Suited, Not Booted

 

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This classic men’s look is about as classy as it gets; a nicely tailored suit teamed up with a matching coat, a turtleneck (which can be switched for a shirt depending on the weather) and loafers. Here, the models are layering up against the cold with thick ribbed socks in a neutral tone that complements the colour palette of the outfit.

The C&TH Loafer Edit

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Close up of feet in brown loafers

TOMS

Women’s Cara Loafer, £100

toms.com

Close up of feet in black loafers

CHYLAK

Bow Loafers, £385

chylak.com

Brown croc shoe

Calla

Nadia Brown Croc Patent Leather Shoes, £139

callashoes.co.uk

Silver and sage loafers

Edward Green

Men’s Polperro 389 Last In Sage, £495

edwardgreen.com

Red suede shoes

Joseph Cheaney & Sons

Women’s Tilly Collapsible Tassel Shoe in Rum Punch Suede, £185

cheaney.co.uk

Black leather shoes

Crockett & Jones

Women’s Lily Black Calf Loafers, £535

crockettandjones.com

Navy and pink velvet shoes

Fairfax & Favor

Men’s Bedingfeld, £123

fairfaxandfavor.com

Green loafers

House of Bruar

Women’s Patent & Suede Tassel Shoe, £125

houseofbruar.com

Reddish brown pair of leather shoes

New & Lingwood

Men’s Chestnut Calf Leather Tassel Shoes, £495

newandlingwood.com

Featured image: David Karp, Unsplash