{"id":11035,"date":"2023-06-05T10:49:38","date_gmt":"2023-06-05T17:49:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/?p=11035"},"modified":"2024-09-15T12:07:02","modified_gmt":"2024-09-15T19:07:02","slug":"how-to-style-loafers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/how-to-style-loafers\/","title":{"rendered":"From Casual to Classy: How to Style Loafers for Every Look"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/how-to-style-loafers.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11039\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/how-to-style-loafers.jpg\" alt=\"how to style loafers\" width=\"349\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/how-to-style-loafers.jpg 349w, https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/how-to-style-loafers-204x300.jpg 204w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 349px) 100vw, 349px\" \/><\/a><b><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With their timeless shape and plethora of styles, loafers know how to stand out\u2014and fit in\u2014for nearly any occasion. You might already know the answer to the question \u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/what-are-loafers\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are loafers?<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u201d, yet given<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> the many <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">different types of loafers<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> available today<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, how can you know which ones work best in any given situation?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re wondering how to style<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/women\/flats\/loafers-and-moccasins.html\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">loafers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> , you\u2019re not alone. Some styles pair perfectly with roomy jeans and simple tees while others look more natural next to a cocktail dress. Others will make you look promotion-ready in the office yet won\u2019t complement a ball gown.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Knowing how to mix and match is the hardest thing to learn about loafers. And while there are plenty of resources out there for how to style loafers for men, ladies may have a harder time given the vast array of dress codes and attire options to heed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">penny loafer<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bit loafer<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, this guide is going to cover the best loafers to add to your wardrobe. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Below is our guide to the loafer styles that are best for both casual and formal occasions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>LOAFER-FORWARD LOOKS FOR CASUAL TO FORMAL OCCASIONS<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to loafers, you may have heard the common fashion advice: No matter the place or festivity, any loafer goes. With sharp-looking penny loafers on your feet, you\u2019ll never find yourself out of place\u2014hence the reason behind the loafers\u2019 infamous versatility.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Below, we\u2019ll take a look at which <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">style loafer<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> works <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">well in situations ranging from casual to formal. Then, we\u2019ll offer suggestions on outfit directions that will help you take your look to the next level.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>#1 Casual Events Call for Classic Penny Loafers<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Legend has it that the penny loafer style has a little slot in that saddle upfront because they came of age in the same era as the payphone.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wearers slipped a couple pennies into their shoes in case they needed to give someone a ring, and with that, a fashion fad was born.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, if you\u2019re wondering what type of loafers can complete your sophisticated, yet effortlessly chic outfit, penny loafers are the answer. With their academic aesthetic and timeless shape, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">this <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">casual <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">loafer<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> really has earned <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">its <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">place in almost any social gathering or occasion. That said, many agree they shine their brightest in casual settings like:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Backyard BBQs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bar crawls<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Outdoor festivals<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Open mic night<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to how to style penny loafers such as the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/hayes-loafer.html?color=853\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hayes Loafer<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, pairs in shades of sand, ivory, or black always play nice with jeans and can be worn with socks or without. For a throwback outfit that\u2019s both comfortable and classic, try <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a pair of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">black loafer<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">s with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">white socks, rolled or cropped jeans of any wash, a leather belt and a slouchy sweater. Or dress down a feminine vibe by pairing<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">loafer shoe<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with a knee-length print dress and cardigan.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>#2 Make Dressy Casual Moments Magical with Mules<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/women\/flats\/mules.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mules<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are a substyle of loafers that don\u2019t include the heel. They\u2019re easy to slip in and out of, but just because they\u2019re convenient doesn\u2019t mean they\u2019re exclusively for laid-back events. Despite their eclectic look, mules can actually lean on the dressy side, thanks to the open back and accents like links, bars, or saddles in the front.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The right moment for your mules is dressy casual occasions, like:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dinner parties<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Concerts or recitals<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bridal or baby showers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Church or religious events<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But wait\u2014what does \u201cdressy casual\u201d even mean? All dress-code jargon aside, it\u2019s simply code for \u201cwear something other than jeans.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here, you\u2019ll want to wear something a step up from casual; longer dresses and jumpsuits, for example, are a great bet. Put on a pair of brown suede mules when wearing a brightly-colored maxi dress. Styles, like the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/willa-flat-mule.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Willa Flat Mule<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, also look great peeping out from beneath a wide-legged jumpsuit, and can really turn an eye-catching pair of trousers into a statement piece.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>#3 When You Mean Business, Try Wearing Loafers with Metal Accents<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nothing says \u201clet\u2019s make a deal\u201d like two links of a metal chain conjoined at the clasp on your shoe. How symbolic, right? In all seriousness, loafers with metal accents add a touch of elegance to a typically nonchalant style. This is what makes them a great fit for business casual settings. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">horsebit loafer<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is another popular <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">loafer style<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that&#8217;s perfect for the office.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to looking professional, sneakers and sandals are generally out, while structured slip-ons make<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for great <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/women\/wear-to-work.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">shoes to wear to work<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Starting from the ground up, find a pair of leather loafers in black, brown, or a neutral tone that has a sophisticated metal chain, link, or clasp up top.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Then add a pair of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tailored <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">trousers<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014extra points for pleats\u2014a short-sleeved white or ivory top and throw on a blazer or cardigan. A necklace and earrings can provide a dash of personality, as well as class things up a bit. And voila! Getting ready for the office really is that easy.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>#4 Rock the Cocktail Party with a Fun Print<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cocktail parties are the perfect mix of formal dress and let-your-hair-down fun, and your outfit should convey that vibe as well. Move to the groove with lightweight shoes, such as the<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/willa-slip-on-flat.html?color=860\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Willa Slip On Flat in Ivory Leather Snake Print<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, that will allow you to strut your stuff and support your arches all night long.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here, we recommend stepping off the beaten fashion path and mixing things up with an eye-catching pattern or print. We\u2019re talking:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Herringbone<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leopard<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Snakeskin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plaid<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Polka dots<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While cocktail attire can mean many things, the spirit is elevated pieces that make a statement. Now\u2019s the time to pair your zebra print loafers with a black and white midi or mini skirt. Or try a muted button-down paired with tailored dress pants and loafers in polka dot or plaid. And don\u2019t forget to bring out your best blouse.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>#5 Get Semi-Formal with a Lug Sole Loafer<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019ve received instruction or an invitation to stick to \u201csemi-formal wear,\u201d you know the head-scratching feeling of being unsure of what exactly that means. Here\u2019s a hint: According to The Spruce, semi-formal attire is typically worn to<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Holiday parties<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weddings<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nice restaurants<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For women, the attire is a step up from semi-casual, which means dresses, dress shoes, and nice suits. Explore the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/fillmore-lug-loafer.html?color=1694\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fillmore Lug Loafer<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, perfect for these occasions. Depending on how fancy your event is, you may be able to get more creative, but the key is to stay on the more conservative side\u2014so save the mini skirt for another day.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While heels are certainly the go-to choice for semi-formal events, they\u2019re also considered \u201csafe.\u201d When you want to spice things up, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lug sole <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">loafers<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have you covered. The chunky sole will add the height you were looking for, while saving your arches. Additionally, accents like a penny pouch, chain, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bit, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">or special material will elevate your look when styling <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">chunky <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">heeled loafer<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>#6 Try a Slipper Loafer for Effortless Formal Flair<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generally speaking, formal occasions call for special footwear. There\u2019s just no point dressing to the nines if you can\u2019t finish the look with the right shoes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Formal occasions include events such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weddings<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Funerals<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Galas<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Award presentations<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For women, formal events often mean full-length gowns and posh suits. And when it comes to dressing formally, there is one shoe that may fit the mold.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enter the slipper loafer. This is one style shoe that can look totally luxe, if it\u2019s slim-fitting and made of a high-quality material like velvet or silk. With an almond-shaped toe and streamlined heel, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">slipper loafer<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> looks <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">chic peeking out from beneath a long dress.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR LOAFERS WITH PROPER CARE<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to long-lasting shoes that pack a presentation punch, loafers are your secret footwear weapon. Just as your toes appreciate a little pedicure love once in a while, so too do your shoes. Here our are top tips for keeping your footwear in tip top shape:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep your shoes looking sharp by cleaning the leather uppers regularly. We recommend using a dry cotton cloth to wipe away dirt or dust. Suede can be cleaned with a stiff bristled brush.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Extend the life of your leather shoes by keeping them away from direct heat. When it comes down to<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/how-to-store-shoes\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how to store shoes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> , make sure they are kept in a cool, indoor area to help prevent the material from warping or drying out. And if your shoes do get wet, please don\u2019t dry them with a hair dryer.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Waterproofing your shoes is always a good bet, but test all chemicals or solutions first by placing a dollop on a discreet area of the upper and allowing it to dry before coating the entire shoe. Similarly\u2014do not use cleaners that contain acid or detergent as they may age or even damage the leather.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><b>FIND THE PERFECT PAIR WITH VIONIC<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding how to style loafers can be difficult. Especially when choosing the perfect pair means considering the endless styles and pairings possible with such versatile trending shoes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our tip for making things easy? Prioritize support and comfort.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s face it: When you\u2019re going to be on your feet, you want your feet to be on cloud nine. Our shoes are designed with your arches in mind and keep your foot stable while providing flexibility, cushioning, and pronation-correcting technology for that perfect ride.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">View our lineup of fashionable loafers today at<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vionic<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><br style=\"font-weight: 400;\" \/><br style=\"font-weight: 400;\" \/><br \/>\n<b>Sources:<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Gatollari, Mustafa. &#8220;Did Penny Loafers Really Have Coin Slots so Folks Could Make Two-Cent Phone Calls?&#8221; Distractify. 3 August, 2021. <a style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.distractify.com\/p\/why-do-penny-loafers-have-slots-for-a-coin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><u>https:\/\/www.distractify.com\/p\/why-do-penny-loafers-have-slots-for-a-coin<\/u><\/a><\/li>\n<li>Mayne, Debby. &#8220;Semiformal Attire Guidelines.&#8221; The Spruce. Updated 11 April, 2023. <a style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thespruce.com\/semi-formal-attire-guidelines-1216504\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><u>https:\/\/www.thespruce.com\/semi-formal-attire-guidelines-1216504<\/u><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><a class=\"more-link\" id=\"excerpt\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/how-to-style-loafers\/\">Read More &gt;<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":11039,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2621,284],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11035","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fashion","category-style","dwtl normal"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/how-to-style-loafers.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11035","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11035"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11035\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12066,"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11035\/revisions\/12066"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11039"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11035"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11035"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11035"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}