Everything you Need to Know About Wearing Loafers

Not to toot my own horn here but I consider myself a loafer connoisseur. Why? Well, I’ve basically loved them and worn them since I was a small child. My mom loves to tell the story that my passion for shoes started young and always mentions a pair on penny loafers I had that I wore until they were too small for my feet and had to be smuggled out of the house. #shoeloverforlife

I thought to make a guide to loafers for women as there don’t seem to be that many out there. So just keep reading to learn everything you need to know about loafers (or just about 😉 )

How to wear loafers (for women)

Basically, loafers are just more comfortable and secure flats so you can wear them the same. They were considered to have a more preppy vibe than your standard flats but with the popularity of the Gucci loafers, you see them all over now. There are three basic styles of loafers to choose from Horsebit loafers, or loafers with metal hardware on them also called bit loafers, smoking slippers or tassel loafers, and the classic Penny loafer.

All of these styles look good with jeans or trousers (I recently got these and can’t say enough good things). Penny loafers with dresses and skirts have a preppy look to it. For a more modern take on that look, try bit loafers with skirts and dresses. You could ever add tights in the colder months. I love wearing my black bit loafers with tights and dresses in the winter and fall.

Again, it’s just clothes and you can experiment with different looks until you find ones that you like. A good place to start is simply swapping in loafers for any time you’d normally wear slip-on flats.

Socks and Loafers

While men sometimes wear socks with their loafers, I tend to avoid that look for myself. However, since I don’t like going barefooted in my shoes, I always opt for a pair of sock liners. I’ve tried various pairs and most are just fine. This pair has a crazy high number of good reviews is you are in the market for a new set.

My favorite loafers (plus some honorable mentions)

• I own several different pairs of loafers and by far my favorite pair are these from Louise et Cie. I own them in red and am looking to invest in the black pair as well.
• I’ve also tried the ultra-popular Sam Edelman bit loafers. I was honestly a little disappointed mostly because of all the hype surrounding them. Otherwise, these are a nice pair of loafers that come in every color and pattern/print under the sun. (they do run a little narrow)
• I also love these leopard print smoking slippers. Mine are quite old but they were recently re-released and you can find them here.
• I haven’t tried these ones from Madewell but I’ve heard fantastic reviews and am also putting them on my birthday list.
• Sperry also has a classic pair of penny loafers that won’t lead you wrong. Especially with the memory foam lining
• Finally, if you want the big tuna, these Gucci loafers are all the rage. I haven’t tried them myself but I can only imagine that they are very comfortable. (I also have a post with all the “dupes” or designer alternatives to these exact shoes)

And there you have it! A giant brain dump with everything you need to know about loafers, from types, styling, and shopping. I hope this helps if you’ve been on the fence about trying loafers. I’m obviously a huge fan and hope that you like them as much as I do.

What are your favorite style of loafers? Penny loafers? Bit loafers? Let me know in the comments!

Until next time,
Ana Luiza