Loafers With a Lift

A heeled loafer has the sensible feel of a loafer with a little extra height. It looks polished with trousers, makes jeans feel dressed up and is far easier to walk in than a pump.

Most of these have a block heel, which spreads your weight and keeps you steady on a long day.

I split the edit into two groups: black heeled loafers first, then brown and tan heeled loafers.

Black is the easiest place to start. The glossy patent styles with a kiltie fringe or a chunky block heel look sharp with grey trousers, and the black leather penny styles are made for the office.

The black suede loafer pump with a pointed toe feels softer and dressier, the tassel loafer looks a little preppy, and the dark patent loafer with a gold bit is the one to wear with a skirt and tights.

My fitting room test: walk on a hard floor. Your heel should stay inside the shoe without slipping out. What I would skip: very stiff leather that rubs the back of your ankle.

Brown loafers look warm and a little vintage. The brown suede penny styles and the suede bit loafer are perfect with denim, and the tan suede loafer with stitched details feels relaxed.

The smooth brown pairs look polished with cream knits, the tan leather style with a gold bar is the dressiest, and the dark brown kiltie loafer with a high heel is the boldest pick.

What I check: the heel height. A low or mid block heel is the sweet spot for all day wear. What I would skip: very thin high heels on a loafer, which can look unbalanced.

Wear black patent heeled loafers with grey wide leg trousers, a white shirt and a navy sweater. For the weekend, try brown suede loafers with straight jeans and a cream cable knit.

Show a little ankle or wear thin socks. Both look intentional.