Zoë Kravitz, Lily-Rose Depp, and French Women Make This Loafer "Mistake," and It Works

a collage of imagery featuring Lily-Rose Depp, Zoë Kravitz, and French influencer @emmanuellek_ wearing socks with loafers
(Image credit: Mega; The Image Direct; @emmanuellek_)

It's true: The most antiquated fashion "rules" are meant to be broken. Avoid wearing white after Labor Day. Never mix black and brown. Always tailor your trousers to perfection. If we followed these guidelines to a T, we'd miss out on some of the most forward styling ideas of the moment (looking at you, puddle pants). Another so-called rule is to never wear socks that show outside your shoes. For many, this was considered a "mistake" because the no-show look was deemed more appropriate. But as the fashion crowd continues to prove right now, it's actually quite forward and cool to wear crew socks with one of the most noteworthy yet classic flat-shoe trends: loafers.

Slightly ironic in nature, this is one of those looks that feel wrong but are actually so right as an unexpected and simple way to bring a forward twist to any look. Just ask Lily-Rose Depp, Zoë Kravitz, or any number of cool French and British women. Their recent outfits are all the proof you need that rules are made to be broken. To dive into this trend a bit further, I'm highlighting some of my favorite street style looks of the moment featuring crew socks with black loafers and shopping out stylish loafers (with socks to match) to perhaps inspire you to try this offbeat but cool look this season. I know I'm going to.

a paparazzi image of Lily-Rose Depp in Los Angeles wearing a polo sweater, white mini skirt, tote bag, black loafers, and white ankle socks

(Image credit: Mega)

Black loafers and white socks are particularly cool with polo-neck sweaters. They lend an academic feel to the look that offsets Depp's miniskirt.

a street style image of Zoë Kravitz wearing a white mini dress, black baseball hat, black loafers, and white crew socks, and listening to music with over-the-head headphones

(Image credit: The Image Direct)

The pop of white with the socks brings additional contrast to this all-white look featuring a white slip dress.

French influencer @annelauremais wearing a camel crewneck sweater, striped mini skirt, mini Dior Lady Bag, red crew socks, and black loafers

(Image credit: @annelauremais)

Play into darker tones for fall when you opt for a pair of red or burgundy socks with your classic loafers. The subtle swap makes an easy but impactful difference.

French influencer @emmanuellek_ wearing a black mini dress with black loafers and white socks

(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

Dress up the white-socks-and-loafers vibe with a pretty dress.

Elsa Hosk wearing a navy NYC sweatshirt, plaid pleated mini skirt, white socks, Chanel quilted loafers, and a mini Miu Miu Arcadie bag

(Image credit: @hoskelsa)

Go retro with a pleated miniskirt and graphic sweatshirt like Elsa Hosk did to play up the nerdy-cool vibe of the socks and loafers.

fashion influencer @symphonyofsilk wearing a brown sweater, blue jeans, red socks, and black loafers

(Image credit: @symphonyofsilk)

This jeans-and-sweater outfit could easily become your new go-to elevated casual ensemble.

influencer @emilie_tla wearing a black blazer, striped shirt, white boxer shorts, white socks, and black loafers

(Image credit: @emilie_tla)

Keep it casual yet sophisticated with your loafers, socks, boxer shorts, blazer, and button-down shirt.

British influencer @nlmarilyn wearing a brown coat, denim Bermuda shorts, white socks, and brown loafers

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Here, the white socks add an offbeat touch to an otherwise polished and put-together blazer outfit to ensure it still leans on-trend.

British influencer @georgia_3.0 wearing a white button-down shirt, Adidas track shorts, white socks with black loafers, and a black The Row Margaux Bag

(Image credit: @georgia_3.0)

Combining sporty and preppy influencers is always an outfit win. Take note of how British influencer Georgia styled her white socks and loafers with track shorts and a button-down for a nontraditional take on wardrobe classics.

This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

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Senior Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.