Loafers have always been a great staple in any fall wardrobe. You can dress loafers up or down, and they’re a great middle-of-the-road alternative to both sneakers and heels. Want something fancier than a sneaker? Grab loafers. Want to look polished but don’t want to wear heels? Grab loafers. Also, while the loafer itself is here to stay, today’s on-trend versions with chunky soles feel edgy and modern.
Here are some style tips and outfit ideas on how to style chunky loafers this season. To shop, scroll to the bottom of this post where I’ve rounded up over 25 of the cutest chunky loafers out there.
(My exact black chunky loafers in this post are under $100!)
Shop My Exact Loafers (Under $100!)
How to Wear Chunky Loafers
Invest in a Neutral
To get the best bang for your buck, purchase a pair of chunky loafers in a classic color such as black, brown, or another neutral. These will work with anything in your closet, regardless of formality, color, or item. I’m personally a fan of black patent loafers because the shine adds some extra personality. I’ve had my black patent loafers for a few years; you can find my exact chunky loafers under $100 here.
Try With Straight Leg Jeans or Pants
Look for slim, kick-flare, or straight-leg jeans or pants that hit at or just above the ankle. Since chunky loafers are bulkier, you want to even out proportions with something that has a straight silhouette. Personally, I’d stay clear of skinny jeans for these shoes, because your feet will look clunky with such tight fabric. (If you do want to wear skinny jeans, then offset the chunky loafers with an oversized, boxy coat or blazer.)
Here are few of great jeans to pair with chunky loafers:
- J.Crew High-Rise Slim Wide Jean
- Abercrombie & Fitch Ultra High Rise Ankle Straight Jean
- Madewell Kick Out Crop Jeans
- MM LaFleur Hockley Jeans
Pair with Something Short
Miniskirts, leather shorts, and short dresses are a major yes when it comes to chunky loafer outfits. Make these pieces seasonally appropriate and add hosiery like socks or tights (more on this below).
Add a Blazer
So, if you’re looking to dress up your chunky loafers, add a blazer. This third-piece fashion trick works well with jeans and a tee just as well as it does with a short skirt.
Chunky Loafers with Socks
One of my favorite ways to wear chunky loafers is with socks. Younger me would have cringed at this thought (“Too preppy!” I’d say), but there’s something I love about the pairing with today’s bulkier shoe silhouette. Something about it feels a little less precious and also a little more cool-girl. Also, you can wear white socks, black socks, or even socks in a bright color to add a fun pop to your look.
Add Tights
For cooler days, add tights to your high-hemline chunky loafers outfit. You’ll be able to achieve the same leggy look with an added layer of warmth.
Chunky Loafer Outfit Ideas
A Mini Dress and Socks
You don’t have to just stick with jeans when styling a chunky loafer outfit. Try a fun mini dress and some sheer black ankle socks.
Jeans and Brown Tones
If you’re looking to style brown loafers, play up the warm tones by pairing jeans with a rust, brown, or tan blazer.
Mini Dress and Loafers
Lean into the menswear and academia-inspired trend with a short shift dress layered with a turtleneck.
With a Matching Set
For a fail-proof outfit when you’re running late, you can’t go wrong with loafers and a matching set. Pair drapey trousers with a matching blazer for a chic, modern look that also works for the office or the weekend.
A Trench Coat
A khaki trench coat is a great closet staple. This tan trench coat over the black plaid pans and black top adds a pop to this look while remaining neutral.
White Button Down and Black Leather Shorts with Chunky Loafers
I am all for this black and white outfit. If you don’t have black a black mini-skirt, try a black pair of shorts instead. This white oversized button down shirt with the half tuck makes this feel effortless, but still put together. Sort of an undone tomboy meets schoolgirl vibe.
A Black Turtleneck and Blazer
A black turtleneck is a fall staple for me. This combo is a great work option or if you have an important business meeting. It’s chic meets sleek.
Chunky Loafers with a Midi Skirt
A midi skirt with a black turtleneck and some chunky loafers is a polished, feminine way to wear the shoe trend. This modest yet fashionable outfit also works for the office or classroom.
Chunky Loafers with an Oversized Blazer and Straight Leg Jeans
Blazers are an essential part of a fall jacket collection. Ditch your fitted workwear blazer and opt for a boxier cut that hits below the hip to look more current. Also, a white tee keeps this look casual.
This blazer from Sezane is a closet staple for me.
Chunky Loafers and a Long Coat
I love the ankle-grazing length of Selena Gomez’s coat, which matches that of her straight-leg jeans. Topped with a white tee, this casual look still feels thought out and polished.
Chunky Loafers with Black Socks and Jeans
The great thing about chunky loafers is that they look great with socks, so in the fall when it’s cold, you can cover your ankles and still be on trend.
A Pop of Colorful Socks with Chunky Loafers
All black outfits are always sleek, but black leather pants with a pop of color like red socks and a matching lip, takes this chunky loafers outfit to another level. I am obsessed with this and filling it in my brain for another day.
Try Warm Tones with Your Chunky Loafers
The most common chunky loafer out there is black, but that doesn’t mean you can’t lean into the warm tones of fall! I love how she offset her black loafers with a brown sweater and plaid skirt. Or, go all in and snag a pair of brown loafers.
Shop Chunky Loafers
