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How to Wear Loafers in Winter (Socks, Tights and Trouser Length)

“The loafer is the most useful shoe in a winter wardrobe that nobody thinks of as a winter shoe. It needs two things to survive December: a sole with some weight to it and a sock you chose on purpose.”Her take

Can you wear loafers in winter?

Yes, on cold days that are dry or lightly damp. Loafers sit low and leave the ankle open, so they're a city-and-office shoe in winter, not a snow shoe. When the sidewalks are slushy or icy, switch to boots and carry the loafers if you want them at your desk.

Think of them as the shoe for the days between: too cold for bare ankles, not wet enough for boots. A sock or tight makes the difference.

Which loafers work best in cold weather

Smooth or polished leather handles damp air better than suede, which marks easily in wet weather. A thicker rubber or lug sole lifts your foot off cold, wet pavement and gives more grip than a thin leather sole. It also has enough visual weight to balance heavier winter fabrics like wool trousers and long coats.

Dark colors forgive salt and puddle marks. Black, deep brown and oxblood-type browns look right with winter's darker palette; save pale or patent loafers for indoor events.

Which socks to wear with loafers

Fine wool or a wool blend is the best choice: warm, thin enough to fit inside a loafer, and smooth so it doesn't bunch at the heel. Chunky ribbed socks look good with a lug-sole loafer and cropped trousers, but try them on with the loafers before you head out, as they can make a snug pair tight.

Pick one of three color strategies and commit to it.

• Match the trousers: navy socks with navy trousers lengthens the leg and makes the loafer the only break.
• Match the loafers: black socks with black loafers gives a clean, seamless finish.
• Contrast on purpose: cream, gray or camel socks with dark loafers works when the color repeats elsewhere, like a cream sweater or camel coat.

What trouser length works with loafers?

Straight or slim trousers look best ending at the ankle bone, so a little sock shows between hem and shoe. Longer than that and the fabric bunches on the loafer; much shorter and it looks like the trousers shrank.

Wide-leg trousers can go longer, nearly grazing the floor, as long as the sole has some height. Jeans follow the same rule as trousers: straight, cropped or cuffed styles that clear the top of the shoe.

Loafers with skirts, dresses and tights

Opaque tights in the same color as the loafers are the easiest winter pairing: a knee-length or midi skirt, black tights, black loafers. It reads polished and keeps your legs warm.

For a younger, more playful look, a mini or knee-length skirt with knee-high socks and lug-sole loafers works well. Keep the socks plain and the rest of the outfit simple.

How to protect loafers from salt and wet

Wipe fresh salt off as soon as you get in, with a cloth dampened in plain water. For white salt lines that have already dried, mix equal parts white vinegar and cool water, dab it on with a damp (not dripping) cloth, then wipe again with plain water. Skip vinegar on patent leather; a little mild soap and water is gentler there.

Let wet loafers dry naturally away from radiators and heaters, which can crack leather, and stuff them with paper so they hold their shape. Once dry, condition the leather, since salt and vinegar both dry it out, and put shoe trees in at night. A protective spray helps suede, but suede loafers are still best kept for dry days.

Questions people ask

The takeaway

Leather and a sole with weight, fine wool socks in a color chosen on purpose, hems at the ankle bone, and boots on slushy days.

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