Loafers: A Love Story. That was the alternate title for this blog post :) As much as I love my sneaks and have been known to throw on a heel or two for something fancy — I am hard-pressed to find an occasion for which I cannot wear loafers. Workday meetings: loafers, jeans, blazer. Church with my family: loafers, dress, earrings. Brunch with my sissies: loafers, sweater, ponytail. I wear ’em with socks and without. I dress them up and dress them down. I love them with tassels and without, with thick soles and without. I’m rounding up a few of my favorites below, with a styling gallery at the bottom. If you’re already a loafer lover, let this be the nudge you didn’t even need to add a new pair to your closet. And if you’re new to the single-most stylish piece of footwear, welcome to your well-shod future. Let’s be loafer twins!

Black Tassel Loafers | Blue Loafers | Black Socks | Jeans | Black Tee | Watchband | Bench | Mirror | Faux Tree | Sconce

Socks with loafers can give that preppy, schoolgirl vibe, but when you keep it monochromatic — black on black — your eyes will play tricks and convince you that you’re wearing a stylish boot. I love wearing loafers this way in the fall/winter.

Tassel Loafers | Penny Loafers | Velvet Bench (similar) | Bedding | Bedframe | Oura Ring

The only thing that adds more panache than a tassel is patent leather and a tassel. This combo is so chic and cool, and I can’t think of a single place where I wouldn’t wear this shoe (that isn’t the gym).

1. Tassel Loafers

Add a little prep to your step and a little frill to your thrill.

2. Penny Loafers

In the 1950s, American teenagers started putting pennies in the half-moon shape cutout across the saddle of this shoe, giving it its legendary name. With or without the coin, this shoe is a classic.

3. Lug-Sole Loafers

These chunky cuties have thick rubber soles. They took great with a tailored ankle jean and an oversized blazer. — But I’ve been known to rock these with a flowy dress, too. Plus the platform is so leg-slimming and flattering.

4. Heeled Loafers

I never met a loafer I didn’t like! The heeled variety are rather handsome, and I especially like the juxtaposition with a dress. This is the ultimate menswear meets womenswear.

Loafer Lookbook

A few ways I’ve styled loafers through the years if you’re looking for some inspiration!