Classic loafers (“mocassins” in French) are definitely the timeless mainstay in any French wardrobe. Not only these are the perfect shoes for transitional seasons —and one of the best shoes for autumn, but they are also the ultimate basic that can elevate any look.
From classic black leather loafers to contemporary platforms and slip-on designs, you can wear loafers with any ensemble. And that’s probably why French women consistently love wearing loafers: these classics are super versatile and will never go out of style.
French women also know exactly how to wear this very classic shoe style in a way that feels fresh and modern. Scroll on to see how French women are styling them, and shop some of my favorite pairs along the way.
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The Chicest Loafers To Shop Right Now
How French Women Style Loafers
The French definitively know how to take this essential shoe to the next level. To give you inspiration, here are five outfit formulas that will give you an idea of which elevated basics French women pair with loafers.
1. With High Socks
Yes, you can totally wear your favorite pair of loafers with high socks —whether white or black. For a chicer look, you can swap your ankle socks for knee-highs, depending on your outfit.
2. With Black Dress Pants
This look is timeless, elegant yet so easy to copy! Just pair a black sweater with black dress pants, a black coat, a belt, a cross-body bag, and loafers. It’s definitely a sharp look that is both professional and chic.
3. With a Blazer & Jeans
I just love this outfit formula: a cashmere sweater under a classic blazer, straight-leg jeans with black socks, and loafers. Whether for a dinner out or for the office, you can never go wrong with this look! To know which jeans to pair with loafers, read my article on the timeless styles of jeans French women wear on repeat.
4. With a Dress
Loafers pair great with a variety of outfits, including dresses and skirts. Just pair your favorite dress with high socks and loafers. Paired with a dress or skirt, loafers provide a more formal and polished look than classic ballet flats.
5. With Stirrup Leggings
If French women keep activewear —like leggings— as a gym-only look, there is a certain type of leggings that we’ve started to see in the streets of Paris: the black plain cotton legging that looks more like black skinny pants than gym lycra legging.
And stirrup leggings are perfect to wear with a pair of loafers. Just loop the stirrups underneath the heel, add an oversized shirt under a blazer or long coat and the result is a very stylish look perfect for the office or a dinner out.
Love this article. Maybe because being disabled loafers are the only shoes and ballet pumps that I can wear so thank you. So many times especially recently I have felt that I don’t exist because I am disabled. People don’t think you have an opinion about anything. So thank you…
Bonjour Denise, thank you very much for your comment and for following the blog <3 Loafers and ballet pumps are my favorite shoe options as well! I'm sorry about your disability! It's a safe space here, remember that you can always have your voice here 🙂