The New Way Fashion Girls Are Styling Their Loafers

For decades, loafers were considered a staple among corporate employees on casual Fridays and private school kids on, well, every other weekday. Gucci's Alessandro Michele was among the first and most successful designer to introduce rogue styles into the mix, but for the most part, the classic silhouette has gone unchanged — until now. Autumn 2019 marks the beginning of a new era for loafers, introducing an edgier take on the classic shoe. Designers are experimenting with stylish flourishes like lug soles and animal print textures that are worlds away from the loafers we wore in private school.

Surprisingly enough, while today's loafers are vastly different from those of the past, the styling isn't. As of late, fashion girls are more likely to pair their loafers with socks. And not just knee-highs and sparkly styles: For a true fashion moment, we're seeing loafers paired boldly with thick, cotton gym socks.

Click through the slideshow ahead for a fashion-forward guide to wearing autumn's top footwear trend.