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What Socks to Wear with Loafers (Do’s and Don’ts)

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Wearing socks with loafers is one of those trends that’s easy to get wrong. The right socks (or lack thereof) can make your outfit look chic and fashionable, but the wrong socks can make an outfit look awkward or out of place. I’m a loafers girl through and through – I wear them at least weekly every single season. So today, I’m sharing some tips and tricks for styling loafers if you want to try wearing socks with them.

Can You Wear Socks With Loafers?

Yes, you can wear socks with loafers.

There are a few reasons: first, socks and loafers are a trend that we’re embracing in 2025. Pay attention to city style and you’ll notice tons of funky loafer + sock combinations. You can also search for socks and loafer outfit ideas on Pinterest to see how women have styled the two recently.

But more practically, socks add comfort, prevent odor, and protect your loafers from wear and tear. It’s actually kind of awesome that socks and loafers are considered fashionable when it’s genuinely a practical choice!

The key to styling socks and loafers together is choosing the right type of socks to match the occasion, your outfit, and the type of loafers you’re wearing. From sleek dress socks for a polished office look to casual crew socks for a preppy vibe, there are important factors to think through when picking out both pieces. And, of course, some outfits are best with a sockless look or no-show socks (also called loafer socks) for a clean look.

What Socks to Wear with Loafers (Do’s and Don’ts)

First, let’s talk about when you should try the socks + loafers look and when you should stick to a sockless option.

When to Wear Socks with Loafers

Formal or Professional Settings

Professional settings are a great time to pair socks with your loafers. Opt for dress socks when wearing trousers, suits, or blazers. Stick to neutrals like navy socks, black socks, or muted patterns. I recommend dark leather loafers like the Loraine Loafer from Sam Edelman for a setting like this.

Cooler Weather

Cold weather always calls for socks, including when you’re wearing loafers. In fall or winter, cotton or wool socks add warmth and prevent your feet from getting cold in leather loafers.

Casual Outfits

Casual outfits are my favorite way to style socks and loafers. Loafers with ankle socks or crew socks are great for a relaxed, preppy vibe. You can pair them with jeans, chinos, cotton pants, or even skirts.

When to Skip Socks with Loafers

Summer or Warm Weather

Wearing socks with loafers in the summer just feels wrong– and it looks strange, too. When the weather is warm, go for a sockless look for casual loafers (maybe these cute Italian Leather Horsebit Loafer in the Bone color). I also find that loafers made in natural materials – these penny loafers from Alexandre Birman are a good example – are ideal for summer outfits.

Ultra-Casual Settings

I also recommend going sockless when you’re wearing laid-back outfits like rolled-up jeans or shorts.

What Socks to Wear With Loafers

The sock you choose will make or break the loafer look. Here’s a breakdown of the best options for pairing with loafers:

Dress Socks

Dress socks are streamlined, thin, and breathable. They look best with professional outfits (think suit skirts, slacks, etc). Depending on what you’re wearing, you’ll want to choose a sock length that avoids showing skin in a professional setting – and opt for black socks, navy socks, or very subtle patterns.

No-Show Socks (Loafer Socks)

No-show loafer socks are great for casual or semi-casual outfits when the weather is warming up a bit. They give you a sockless look while protecting your feet and loafers from moisture and odor. I recommend Bombas Low-Cut No-Show Socks or Nordstrom’s Cotton Blend No-Show Socks, which come in a 3-pack.

Crew or Ankle Socks

Crew or ankle socks are great for casual preppy styles. This is the style I wear most often with jeans, trousers, and cotton pants. I love these Amazon ruffled ankle socks to add a feminine touch to my outfits. I usually stick to wearing my ruffle socks with brown loafers or even tassel loafers. These Madewell Grayson Penny Loafers are my top pick right now and are what I’m wearing below.

White Socks

White socks go without saying, but they’re perfect for almost all of these looks (except maybe for the professional setting when you want to stick to something darker and more subtle). I wear these Amazon white socks with my black loafers and brown loafers for a street style look.

How to Wear Dress Socks with Loafers

Here are some practical tips for styling your dress socks with loafers for a formal or business casual look:

1. Match Socks to Your Outfit: Choose neutral tones like navy, gray, or black to complement your trousers or suit.

2. Get the Right Length: Opt for tall socks to ensure no skin shows when you sit down.

3. Experiment with Subtle Patterns: If your outfit is understated, add a preppy twist with a subtle patterned sock. But be sure the pattern is truly subtle.

4. Choose the Right Fabric: Pair sleek leather loafers with high-quality wool dress socks in cooler months or lightweight cotton socks in the warmer months.

Sporting the “Sockless” Look

This style works best in summer or for ultra-casual occasions. Here are some tips for pulling off the sockless look with loafers:

1. Invest in No-Show Socks: No-show socks keep your feet (and shoes) fresh without showing. They’re great for preventing blisters or any hot spots on your feet while you wear loafers.

2. Stick to Casual Loafers: When I’m going sockless, I wear leather brown loafers, suede loafers, or tassel loafers. In the summer months, I opt for loafers made of natural materials.

3. Pair with Slim Pants: Roll up your jeans just slightly for a clean look.

Bonus Tip: Ditch the Athletic Socks

One of the biggest style faux pas when wearing loafers is pairing them with athletic socks. It looks accidental and unintentional, which can ruin the outfit. Here’s why to avoid wearing athletic socks with your loafers:

Too Thick: Athletic socks can bunch up and look too bulky with sleek loafers.

Casual Clashing: The sporty vibe of athletic socks rarely matches the refined aesthetic of loafers. However, there are some cases where a casual sock works well with a lug sole loafer.

Unflattering Look: Unless styled intentionally, white athletic socks with loafers can look out of place. Again, there’s a fine line!

For a better alternative, choose crew socks, no-show socks, or dress socks that enhance your outfit while keeping your loafers comfortable.

Final Thoughts

I hope these tips help you feel more confident if you try socks and loafers together for the first time!

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