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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

Combining sporty and preppy 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.