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Every fashion editor and writer has that one item – be it vintage jeans or statement jewellery – they compulsively hoard. For me, it’s shoes. Loafers specifically. When I moved to a new apartment, I did so with the non-negotiable that it would have to have enough space for my overflowing collection, which has now reached triple digits. And within that collection, there’s one particular style I stockpile: the humble loafer.
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Though I pride myself on my curation of one-of-a-kind pieces and funky thrift-store finds, the most hardworking item in my closet is a pair of loafers from Coach that I got at a Macy’s sale in 2015. When I first bought them, I never would have predicted the joy they’d bring to my wardrobe or the diversity they’d give my aesthetic. They're the best loafers, in my mind.
A full decade after my purchase, I still wear my emotional support loafers at least once a week. They’ve inspired me to add no less than 10 more pairs to my arsenal, including: patent leather, burgundy, tan, leopard print, white, cream, two-tone, striped and a chunky style embroidered with flowers. All this to say, I basically have a master’s degree in how to style loafers.
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Throughout the years, I’ve tried and tested every possible loafer outfit combination – from cottagecore dresses to cargo pants and suits. And I can confirm: They literally go with everything.
Ahead, read up on trendy loafer outfit ideas for 2026 that will help you make the most of fashion’s favourite shoe.
Loafers with a blazer dress
Loafers and suits are a match made in sartorial heaven – that’s a given – but if the business casual combo is starting to feel a bit stale, here’s a simple trick to try. If you don’t have an actual blazer-style dress, pop your favourite longline blazer over a button-down shirt or classic white T-shirt and instead of reaching for the matching trousers, just… don’t. A blazer dress (or a makeshift one) will play just as well with your loafers as a full suit, but feels modern and unexpected.
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Leather loafers and sweats
Remember when I said loafers “literally go with everything”? Well, I’d like to circle back to that. When styled correctly, the menswear favourite can make even the most casual sweatpants or sweatsuit look street-style ready. Extra points for a lug-sole loafer here.
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Boat shoes really are happening.
Loafers with a tennis skirt
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Introducing spring/summer 2026's most adorable outfit formula! Instead of teaming a flippy tennis skirt with the more traditional trainers or plimsoll pumps, the addition of a loafer here stops this look reading too cliché. Add a pair of white ankle socks and you're good to go.
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Platform loafers with shorts
Even though I’m officially maxed out on closet space, Gucci’s towering Horsebit Platform Loafers have topped my shopping list for the last several years. Though ankle-breaking in design, these babies are the ultimate statement-maker for the lucky few who know how to wear them. Luckily, there are other slightly more walkable pairs available, too.
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Loafers and the wrong shoe theory
TikTok’s viral “wrong shoe theory” may have been fleeting in terms of internet attention, but it’s a styling trick that I still think about daily. And that’s most especially true when I’m wearing loafers. They’re the best shoe style for this hack, because they add a polished feeling to any ’fit they’re styled with – even leather racing jackets and sporty socks.
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Loafers and cargo pants
Wearing cargo pants with tassel loafers is a hallmark of the ever-whimsical Scandi aesthetic. Often accompanied by a striped button-down or quilted jacket, the combo gives off an effortlessly cool, eclectic vibe that defines Copenhagen Fashion Week style.
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Loafers with pattern clash
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If you're partial to wearing multiple patterns or prints, a classic pair of loafers is a great way to ground the look. I love how influencer Greivy has combined different checked pieces here, but I'd also argue that her red Dr Martens loafers are the cherry – literally – on top of her outfit.
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Classic loafers and an equally classic trench
Khaki trench coats are basically the outerwear version of a loafer shoe: classic and timeless, with an innate ability to make even the most casual outfits feel put-together. Wear the duo with a T-shirt and straight-leg jeans, or with a ruffled midi skirt – the styling opportunities are pretty much endless.
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The painfully 2010s heel is the unexpected boot trend everyone will be wearing this autumn.
Loafers with socks and a midi dress
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Like loafers, track pants are experiencing something of a renaissance. No longer reserved for workouts and couch rot days, the athleisure staple has seen its fair share of runways in recent years. Fashion girlies, particularly, love to combine the two for an unexpected sporty-preppy mash-up.
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Loafers and knee-high socks
If you’re still struggling with figuring out how to style loafers, you need only remember the slip-on shoe’s origin story. School uniforms helped bring them to fame and, even in adulthood, the prep-school staple still looks undeniably chic when styled with pleated skirts, cardigans and knee-high socks.
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A version of this article originally appeared on GLAMOUR US.
