Not Trainers, Not Ballet Flats—7 Chic Outfit Ideas That Prove Loafers Are the Hardest Working Shoe in Your Wardrobe
Loafers are dominating the spring 2026 shoe rotations of my favourite style insiders in London, Paris, Milan and even Melbourne. Below, discover seven looks with loafers I can’t wait to shop out and re-create.
Everywhere I look, it seems like fashion people are switching out their stylish footwear regulars for one shoe in particular: loafers. Hold the ballet flats and sorry, sneaker-heads! As far as elegant and practical flats go, loafers always come out on top as the most versatile and timeless style, and for the most part, you can't ever be underdressed when you're wearing them.
Based on the winning looks I've spotted on my scrolls (see below), I’ve concluded that spring is when loafers truly come into their own, not autumn—even though the familiar preppy, back-to-school energy is unshakable for those of us who had to wear variations and similarly dressy shoes during term time. Autumn is, objectively, the worst time of year for shoes, because only the cold, rain and snow-proof survive, and the easier they are to clean, the more they get worn to death.
But come spring, loafers shine. Styled with structured tailoring for work, a trending pair of jeans, a kilt or even a chic pair of track pants, loafers add polish and poise that elevates but never overpowers whatever you wear them with.
Allowing us to put our best foot forward at all times, loafers signal that we mean business even when off-duty, but form isn’t sacrificed for function. In fact, the laceless slip-on shoe has been reinvented in recent seasons with noteworthy details that animate the alluring minimalism. Backless loafers were seen at Calvin Klein and Bottega Veneta, The Row and H&M excel at gathered styles, and Saint Laurent's Le Loafer remains the designer go-to where modern classic styles are concerned. Another update gathering steam is the shift from chunky soles to slimline ones that has convinced me to dig out my own Prada patent loafers that I’d usually wear with a midi dress and invest in a slimmer pair.
It’s hard to tell the difference between the designer and high street loafers helping us transition from maxi to mini hemlines in spring because of the high quality across the board. But what is clear is that there’s a spring outfit with loafers for every taste, and I made it my mission to collate seven that will stop you getting into a style rut. After all, loafers are the definitive “smart” in a smart-casual look so read on and be inspired.
7 Spring Outfits With Loafers To Copy
1. Loafers + Blazer + White Jeans
Style Notes: Don’t sleep on loafer colours other than admittedly failsafe black, because they give this timelessly polished shoe intriguing new flavours. Hedvig Sagfjord Opshaug has opted for a well-worn coffee brown to throw in another contrasting yet versatile neutral tone that crowns this tasteful outfit. Built from the minimalist basics found in every successful capsule wardrobe — a navy blazer, white jeans, black shoulder bag — the head-turning results whisper wealth.
Shop The Look:
See, penny loafers only get better with age.
A great shape that can be worn with nothing underneath.
The most effortless white jeans I've seen yet.
2. Loafers + Body + Bermuda Shorts
Style Notes: What a curveball from Caroline Daur, using sleek loafers to add unexpected gravitas to an all-black outfit that makes such sense in Melbourne. Open-toe sandals or espadrilles just wouldn’t have had the same double-take effect with these structured Bermuda shorts, and neither would the knee-high boots that were previously trending, ensuring that the footwear can’t be missed. The body really cements the undeniable day-to-night vibe, doesn’t it?
Shop The Look:
The cost-per-ratio for these loafers is off the charts.
Day and night, you can wear this body under trousers and skirts.
The length of these shorts is the sweet-spot for spring.
3. Loafers + Quarter Zip Fleece + Wide Tailored Trousers
Style Notes: So far, so “finance bro” when taking in Marilyn Nwawulor-Kazemaks’ quarter zip fleece and shiny black loafers, until you notice the sophisticated twists pushing this look beyond mere “corporate attire” territory. Supremely walkable shoes, a roomy tote, relaxed tailored trousers, plus the warm top reveal that comfort and practicality are king here, and butter yellow is still fresh enough to liven up the black. Ditto that peekaboo sliver of décolletage.
Shop The Look:
Grab these loafers fast before they sell out again.
The zip placement can completely change the mood of this warm knit.
You won't regret adding these to your weekday uniform.
4. Loafers + V-neck Knit + Cropped Flares
Style Notes: Think of the “neutral” shades in your wardrobe as the universally complementary colours that also stand out in their own right. That way, the term stretches much further than beige, as Belle demonstrates by successfully offsetting her minimalist look with orange lens aviators. The taupe of her loafers certainly fit the bill, along with the navy and white of her tops, black cropped flares, and suede brown tote.
Shop The Look:
A taupe loafer is a fresher and lighter alternative to black.
Chunky knits just feel like a hug, don't they?
Instead of a dress, you can wear these out-out with heels.
5. Loafers + Embroidered Co-ord + Tights
Style Notes: Loafers were originally a men’s shoe style, before evolving into the unisex staple we wear on repeat today, and effortlessly subverting and dressing up so-called “feminine” looks is one of their superpowers. Anne Johannsen makes a strong case for styling chocolate loafers with dangly tassels, a tan embroidered jacket and mini skirt co-ord, and a red bucket bag together. Note how the white tights echo the surface pattern.
Shop The Look:
A modern take on an old-school classic.
This jacket taps into boho and witchy trends.
More dressy than fancy dress, white tights actually work with everything.
6. Loafers + Short-Sleeve Turtleneck + Pleated Trousers
Style Notes: Is it me or does this French-girl look scream “if it ain’t broke, why fix it”? Different variations of this winning turtleneck + pleated trousers formula (skinny belt optional) are probably worn to offices worldwide every workday. But what makes Emmanuelle Koffi’s outfit elite is the way that she’s shortened her sleeves for warmer weather and matched her black loafers to her bag. Two polarising moves that pay off.
Shop The Look:
So chic.
Essentially a knitted t-shirt.
These black trousers will never date.
7. Loafers + T-shirt + Woven Leather Trousers
Style Notes: Sometimes leather trousers and leather loafers give the ick together, but not here, as Anna Borisovna has cleverly contrasted the colours and textures. The smooth loafers are a classic black, whereas the patterned trousers command attention in chocolate brown and bring Bottega Veneta’s signature Intrecciato weave to mind. A colour that’s popular this spring is red and it’s easily inserted via a logo t-shirt, knit or statement outerwear.
Shop The Look:
Perfect with jeans and mini skirts alike.
Pick a logo or slogan that speaks to you the most.
This is touch-me texture.
