Style Guide: How To Wear Different Types of Socks With Women’s Loafers
While the socks and loafers pairing may have a preppy, schoolgirl-esque aesthetic, it is a styling choice that are popular among grown women as well. In this case, socks not only serve a practical purpose — to keep feet warm when it’s cold and dry when it’s hot — but also let the wearer express her fashion personality. Versatile enough to be dressed up or down with ease, this combination is suitable for a wide range of settings.
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn how to match different types of socks with their ideal loafer styles and how to make this classic combination work for various occasions. You will also find out which socks-loafers pairings to avoid.
The Loafer and Socks Combination
There are many reasons why loafers and socks are a popular pairing. For practical reasons, wearing socks with loafers help keep the feet warm in colder climates and environments, but also keeps sweat and moisture at bay in humid weather. The latter prevents mould from growing in the loafers, which extends their life and wear time. Where aesthetics is concerned, the combination adds stylish flair to an outfit — experimenting with the colour and texture of the socks can enhance your look. Finding the right way to style it may be tricky at first, but it is a perfectly acceptable combination for a variety of occasions. Whether you are dressing casually or formally, it is versatile enough to accommodate most dress codes.
Types Of Socks To Wear With Loafers
In this section, we take you through the different types of socks that will pair perfectly with your favourite loafers.
No-Show/Invisible Socks
No-show, or invisible, socks are exactly as they sound — they are designed to be worn discreetly under low-cut shoes and don’t reveal themselves above the shoe line.
Pair no-show socks with loafers for a breezy, casual look, perfect for the warmer seasons. It is better to wear these tiny pieces of fabric than to go without, as socks add comfort, prevent odour and help keep your loafers in a pristine condition for a longer time.
However, no-show socks can sometimes be uncomfortable, as they are prone to slipping off your feet. You can easily avoid this by investing in pairs with silicone grips at the heels.
Crew Socks
Crew socks are longer than ankle socks but shorter than knee-highs. Their in-between, mid-calf length makes them versatile, though they are commonly paired with classic black loafers to create a preppy-chic aesthetic.
Crew socks are also a sensible choice during the colder months as they keep your feet warm and snug while adding flair. While white is a popular option, you can opt for crew socks in bright hues or bold prints to make a striking style statement.
Knee-High And Over-The-Knee Socks
As their name suggests, knee-high socks reach up to the knees — and sometimes a little over. Like crew socks, they exude a preppy aesthetic but can create different vibes with thoughtful styling.
Choose knee-high socks to go with your loafers when you want to add an eye-catching element to your outfit. Pair them with bottoms that don’t overlap with the socks to highlight them and ensure an elegant, well-balanced look.
Sheer Socks, Textured & Embellished Socks
Statement socks are a must-have in your wardrobe. Whether you are dressing up for special occasions or simply want to add a special touch to your look, they will come in handy.
Sheer socks are a popular choice during the warmer months, thanks to their lightweight and breathable design. Inject flair into your loafer-and-sock combination by opting for sheer socks with striped or dotted patterns.
Textured socks are not only stylish but also practical — they are often made with thicker materials, so they are well-suited for fall and winter. Whether fuzzy, ribbed or knitted, they will add dimension to your look.
Embellished socks are adorned with eye-catching details like bows, ruffles and sparkly gems. They will instantly elevate any look with a touch of glamour.
How To Style Socks With Loafers
If you are new to the sock-and-loafer pairing and not sure where to start, here are some effortless styling tips to help you get the combination right every time.
Recommended Sock Pairings By Loafer Type
Penny Loafers
Penny loafers are known for their distinctive straps with cut-out details. They gained popularity in the 1950s, becoming a staple among Ivy League students and cementing their status as a fashion essential. Pairing them with white crew socks for a classic, preppy look is a foolproof choice.
Lug Sole Loafers
With thick, rubber soles featuring deep indentations, lug-sole loafers exude a utilitarian-chic aesthetic. Pair them with thick cotton crew socks to enhance their practical, outdoorsy vibe while protecting your feet from the elements, as these shoes are built to conquer any terrain and weather any conditions.
Chunky Platform & Heeled Loafers
Whether they feature tall platforms or stable block heels, loafers with height are incredibly versatile. You can pair them with crew socks for a preppy look or no-show socks to maintain a clean, polished appearance. Avoid pairing them with thick-material socks, as they can create a bulky and unflattering look.
Beyond these three categories, there are many other modern iterations of loafers. To learn more, check out our comprehensive loafer guide here, which also offers tips on how to care for them.
How To Style Socks With Loafers For Different Occasions
Formal Workdays
If your workplace has a formal dress code, consider investing in dress socks made from fine, high-quality materials in neutral tones. They may cost more, but the long-term payoff is worth it. These socks play a key role in maintaining a polished, professional look — ensure they are long enough and don’t slip down or expose your ankle, as that can appear sloppy.
Casual Weekends
Any time outside work hours is yours, so feel free to dress however you like. Stick to neutral tones for an elegant, timeless look, or opt for bright hues and bold prints to make a striking style statement. Although they may seem like a small detail, the right socks can elevate your loafers and help you impress at any event — from brunch with the girls to a first date.
Tips For Coordinating Sock & Loafer Colours
When styling socks with loafers, you can choose to go for either a matching combination or a contrasting one. Wearing socks and loafers in the same colour will not only have a flattering elongating effect on your legs but also create a polished aesthetic that is especially suitable for more formal events. To add visual interest to your outfit, consider tonal matching, where the socks are in the same colour family as the loafers — for instance, wear grey socks with black loafers.
You can also choose to experiment with your socks-loafers combination if you are dressing for a fun or fashion-forward occasion. To simplify the styling process, stick to the rule of thumb of working with either complementary colours (i.e. colours that are on opposite sides of the colour wheel, like blue and brown) or analogous colours (i.e. colours that are next to each other on the colour wheel, like red and brown). Alternatively, make a more subtle statement by matching your socks to an accent colour in your outfit.
Common Socks-Loafers Pairings To Avoid
Styling socks with loafers may seem simple at first glance, but the wrong selection in your sock choices can potentially ruin your outfit, making you look unkempt and uncoordinated with a poor sense of style. Hence, it is important to take note of how not to style them. Here are some socks-loafers pairings to avoid:
- Mismatched formality: The dressy and refined silhouette of loafers does not go well with gym or athletic socks.
- Mismatched colours: Wearing socks in a colour that clashes with your loafers results in an uncoordinated look that could draw unwanted attention to your ankles and even make you look shorter than you actually are.
- Mismatched textures: A clash in the texture of your socks and loafers can make your outfit look uncoordinated and off-balance.
- Bunching or slouching socks: Socks that bunch or appear too loose around your ankles can ruin your overall outfit, making your outfit look untidy and messy.
- Socks that are too short: They could unintentionally ruin the overall proportion of your outfits. The trick here is to be unafraid of showing them off where appropriate, to achieve the aesthetic that you want.
Wearing socks with loafers is a classic combination that is popular for its youthful and preppy aesthetic. It will elevate any outfit effortlessly and is a failproof go-to styling choice when one wants to look neat and polished but not boring. The socks-loafers pairing is a great styling choice for a range of occasions — you just have to learn how to create the perfect match.
We hope this guide has helped you gain a better understanding of how to wear loafers with different types of socks. By picking socks with the right length, colour and texture, you can create socks-loafers combinations that bring your outfits from good to great. If you are looking to add a pair of loafers to your shoe collection, check out our extensive range here.
Read Next
Everything You Need To Know About Mules and How To Wear Them
When it comes to versatility and wearability, few shoe styles would rival the mule. Now considered a modern classic and style staple that is a must-have in every woman’s shoe collection, mules are loved for their comfort and convenience. Thanks to their popularity, it is likely that there would be a pair of mules for any occasion, personality and mood.
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn about what mules are, their history and the details that differentiate them from sister styles like clogs and slides. You will also be introduced to the various types of mules, from flat mules and heeled mules to loafer mules and sneaker mules. Lastly, you will find useful tips on how to style mules for different settings and seasons.
What Are Mule Shoes?
Mules are a type of shoe characterised by a backless design. Loved for their effortless wearability and enhanced breathability, this slip-on shoe style offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience and style. As mules come in a wide range of designs — from heels to flats and even sneaker hybrids — there is truly a pair of mules to complement any outfit and any occasion.
History & Evolution Of Mule Shoes
Dating back to Ancient Rome, mules were first referred to as mulleus calceus, or ‘purple shoes’. They were worn exclusively by the three highest elected officials and were fully covered by design. In the sixteenth century, French women wore mules within the privacy of their bedrooms. As mules gained favour with esteemed members of the court, they started to appear in public. The mules of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries typically featured pointed toes, low heels and embroidered patterns, amongst other adornments.
In the twentieth century, mules became popular in the United States — actresses Joan Fontaine and Marilyn Monroe wore mules in their movies. The material shortages of World War II meant that mules had to be made with less delicate materials, such as synthetic hemp and plastic, which made them more appealing to the masses. Their open-back design made it easy to slip them on and off, and the low heels gave wearers a height boost without the discomfort. As more designs became available in the latter part of the century, mules evolved into a versatile silhouette that could work for both casual daytime wear and elevated evening occasions.
Difference Between Mules, Slides & Clogs
It is fairly common to mix mules up with similar styles like slides and clogs. Paying attention to the key differences can help you tell them apart. Clogs and mules may both be backless in their construction, but clogs typically have thicker platform bases that follow the contours of the feet. Clogs are also usually made with sturdier materials like wood. Mules, on the other hand, feature a thinner base, and may come with flat soles or heels of varying heights.
Slides are another backless style, but their open-toe design differentiates them from mules. They typically feature vamp straps that hold the foot in place, while mules are designed to keep the toes completely covered.
Types of Mules
Flat mules
As the name suggests, flat mules are shoes with flat soles or very low, wide heels, often resembling a pair of bedroom slippers. Depending on the design and style you choose, flat mules can easily be dressed down for a super casual look or dressed up to suit a more polished and elevated ensemble.
Heeled mules
Heeled mules are the effortless alternative to regular pumps — offering polished elegance combined with ease of wear, all while providing a stature boost. With a plethora of heels to choose from, there is truly one to suit every height and style preference. For a sleek and streamlined option, kitten heels and stilettos are the way to go. For those who still want a modest lift that is easy to walk in, block heels are ideal.
Platform mules
Playing up the proportions with exaggerated, chunky soles — whether in the form of towering block heels or thick flatform soles — platform mules offer the best of both worlds in providing a flattering height boost without compromising comfort or stability. Exuding a more casual and laidback aesthetic, this makes them a great choice for off-duty days and relaxed office dress codes.
Loafer Mules
Loafer mules toe the line between casual and formal — it is the perfect in-between style that nails the smart-casual aesthetic. They feature a covered-toe, high-vamp silhouette with a distinctive open-back design which makes them less formal than a classic pair of fully covered loafers. Easy to slip on and off, they are made for the on-the-go woman.
Sneaker Mules
If you thought sneakers were the epitome of comfort, sneaker mules take things up a notch with their backless, slip-on design. Retaining a sporty-chic aesthetic, sneaker mules typically feature a lace-up design and covered-toe silhouette combined with the familiar support of cushioned footbeds and flatform soles that promise maximum comfort for the wearer.
How to style mules for any occasions
Easy to wear and style, yet undeniably chic, mules are the ultimate go-to footwear. Here’s how to make them work for every occasion.
Casual Everyday
When dressing for casual, everyday moments, it’s all about comfort and ease. Mules are perfect for activities like running errands, brunch outings and more. Pair them with jeans or flowy bottoms for a relaxed yet effortlessly put-together look.
Office & Workwear
In workplaces with a more relaxed dress code, mules can be an acceptable footwear choice. Opt for heeled styles to create a polished, sophisticated look, and stick to neutral colours to maintain a professional appearance. When in doubt, speak with your HR team or refer to your company’s dress code guidelines to ensure mules are appropriate for your workplace.
Evening Wear / Wedding
While mules may not be ideal for a black-tie dress code, they are perfectly suitable for casual evening parties. Choose a high-heeled pair with sparkly gem embellishments to dial up the glamour. From weddings to girls’ nights out, they will carry you through most dressy occasion in style.
How to wear mules for every season
While the backless design of mules may suggest that they are not suitable for the colder seasons, the truth is quite the opposite. With a few clever styling tricks, you can wear them all year round.
Spring
Mules are a great footwear choice for transitional seasons like spring — their versatility would serve you well when the weather is unpredictable. A covered pair will keep your feet warm on chilly days while remaining breathable enough for warmer weather. Style them with a midi floral skirt for a cute spring look.
Summer
The easy-to-wear design of mules makes them a perfect choice for summer. Opt for a pair that is made with a lightweight, breathable material, such as mesh, to stay comfortably cool on hot summer days. Pair them with a breezy sundress to create a relaxed, effortlessly stylish look.
Fall/Autumn
Like spring, fall is a transitional season with unpredictable weather — this means that mules are a great option during this time as well. To give them a more autumnal feel, go for shades that align with the season’s colour palette, such as neutral, earthy browns.
Winter
Wearing mules in winter may be tricky, but it’s not impossible. Firstly, steer clear of thin, lightweight materials that will do little to insulate your feet from the cold. Instead, go for mules that are made with warm, cosy materials like shearling — not only will they keep you feeling toasty on frosty days, but they will also complement cold-weather ensembles perfectly.
You can also pair them with woollen socks or tights for extra insulation but always use your discretion. On the harshest winter days, it’s often safer (and wiser) to reach for sensible heavy-duty boots.
How to wear mules with socks
These days, wearing socks with mules is not only common, but also considered cool. The key is choosing the right colour and length. Crew socks in classic, solid colours, like black or white, are a failproof choice. However, there are no hard and fast rules. If you are a maximalist dresser, feel free to pair your mules with bold, statement socks that show off your personality.
Just don’t forget to consider the season when choosing materials — go for breathable cotton during the warmer months, and switch to cosy woollen socks when the weather turns chilly.
Mules are the reliable workhorses of a modern woman’s wardrobe. Traditionally seen as casual shoes, mules are now acceptable footwear for a wide range of occasions. Whether you are going to the office or a wedding, there is a pair of mules that will serve you well — you just have to choose wisely.
We hope this guide has helped you gain a better understanding of how to wear mules of different types and designs. By picking the right materials and styling them appropriately, you can wear mules all year round, through all four seasons. If you are looking to add a pair of mules to your shoe collection, check out our extensive range here.