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 add a little edge to the minimalist silhouette. Backless loafers were seen at Calvin Klein and Bottega Veneta, whilst The Row and H&M excel at gathered styles, and Saint Laurent's Le Loafer remains the designer go-to. We're also seeing a shift away from chunky soles to slimline, and I've been convinced to dig out my own Prada patent loafers and invest in a slimmer pair.
It’s hard to tell the difference between the best designer loafers and their high-street counterparts right now, because the quality across the board is impressive. But what's 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 stuck in a style rut. Read on to see and shop them.
7 Spring Outfits With Loafers to Copy
1. Loafers + Blazer + White Jeans
Style Notes: Don’t discount loafer colours other than admittedly fail-safe black, because they give this timelessly polished shoe an intriguing new spin. Hedvig Sagfjord Opshaug (pictured above) 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 and black shoulder bag—the result whispers wealth.
Shop the Look:
Penny loafers only get better with age, but Miu Miu has done the hard work for us with these.
A great shape that can be worn with nothing underneath.
An excellent pair of white jeans.
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 previously trending knee-high boots. This way, her footwear can’t be missed. The body really cements the undeniable day-to-night vibe, doesn’t it?
Shop the Look:
The cost-per-wear ratio of these loafers is off the charts.
Day and night, you can wear this body under trousers, skirts and shorts.
The length of these shorts is the sweet-spot for spring.
3. Loafers + Quarter-Zip Fleece + Wide-Leg Tailored Trousers
Style Notes: Marilyn Nwawulor-Kazemaks' quarter-zip fleece and shiny black loafers could read "finance bro" until you notice the sophisticated twists pushing this 'fit beyond a smart work look. Supremely walkable shoes, a roomy tote and relaxed, tailored trousers plus the warm top reveal that comfort and practicality are king here, but butter yellow is still fresh enough to liven up the black. Ditto the 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.
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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.
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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.
