The Old Shoe Trend Everyone's Wearing Again This Season

It seems as if loafers have been around since the beginning of time. Shoppers across the gender spectrum consider this shoe style a classic piece in their wardrobes, and that doesn't seem to be changing anytime soon. As proven by the street style set and stylish influencers, the "old" loafer shoe trend is officially cool again, but not without the addition of this one accessory—ankle socks.
That's right: The most current way to style loafers is with some sort of socks accompanying them. If you ask us, this is the perfect opportunity to get your wheels turning and have a little fun with footwear. Need the rising shoe trend to be office appropriate? Tan shoes and white ankle socks will do. Want something a little more sartorial? How about printed Gucci loafers and striped socks? No matter which way you style the shoe trend, you'll be looking fresh and forward for the fall season.
Ahead, shop some of our favorite sock-and-loafer combinations to get your styling juices flowing and enjoy our festive names for each pairing.
Classic Schoolgirl
Back in Black
Gucci Gang
Office-Approps
Ballerina in Training
Punked Out
Easter Things
Perfectly Patent
Wild Thoughts
Sock Pop
Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over nine years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. Here, she leads and manages Who What Wear's editorial team and oversees all editorial content. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Sabrina Carpenter. She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle.
-
Simone Ashley Is in the Fast Lane
Since her breakout role in Bridgerton, our Spring Issue cover star has quickly risen to A-list status. Up next, she masters the rom-com leading lady.
By Liv Little
-
The Spring 2025 Shopping Guide: Where to Buy the Biggest Trends of the Season
Your short list of the season's key buys.
By Kristen Nichols
-
The Unexpected Shoe Trend Bella Hadid's Been Wearing Right and Left During Paris Fashion Week
Forget flats—buy these instead.
By Eliza Huber
-
The Pretty Flats Trend Katie Holmes Just Wore Makes Jeans Look High-End
Found my next purchase.
By Allyson Payer
-
These $20 Old Navy Flats Are Just as Chic as the $900 Pair I Have Been Coveting Since Last Spring
These are guaranteed to sell out.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
These Are the 7 Stylish Shoe Trends Fashion People Will Be Wearing With Jeans This Spring
I see chic denim outfits in your future.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
This French Style Muse Just Effortlessly Pulled Off 4 of the Season's Biggest Trends in One Look
Cool-girl vibes.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Every Time I Go to L.A., I See Fashion Girls Wearing This Flat-Shoe Outfit to Dinner
Call it casual elegance.
By Allyson Payer
-
These New $25 H&M Shoes Are as Chic as the $700 Designer Pair I Want
I bet they'll sell out before April 1.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
I Want to Build a New Wardrobe—30 Incredibly Elegant Pieces I'm Eyeing From the Nordstrom Winter Sale
Bring on the chic outfits.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes