15 Cool Ways to Wear Oxford Shoes No Matter Your Style

They go with just about anything.

Nicole Saldaña loafer

Byrdie / Nicole Saldaña 

There are a few wardrobe staples almost everyone owns, regardless of style. A great neutral blazer, a pair of black boots, and some lived-in denim usually top the list. Oxford shoes, however, aren’t so universal. In fact, they've long been attached to preppy, collegiate looks thanks to their menswear roots. But most oxfords, which are usually marked by a loafer silhouette and a closed lace-up feature, can be as versatile as they are classic. The key is to find the right outfit to wear with them. 

Brands like Nicole Saldana, LABUCQ, Ganni, and Proenza Schouler have designed oxford shoes for women that feel updated thanks to subtle touches, like a thick lug-sole or hiking-boot inspired lacing. Ironically enough, the most modern way to wear them these days is to revisit the '90s. Think: oversized non-stretch denim, ribbed flares, or snakeskin leather pants. If you’re going for a more traditional, classic vibe, lean into the menswear element with a pair of knee-high socks and a pleated mini skirt—and look for brogue-like elements, like wingtips or a cap toe.

No matter how you style them, remember this: Oxfords should be comfortable, lightweight, and a playful addition to your closet. Ahead, 15 pairs of oxford shoes, plus what to wear with them.

01 of 15

Oxfords with Full-Length Ribbed Pants

This round-toe oxford from NYC-based independent label Labucq has a traditional feel, even though the ivory hue feels distinctly modern. A pair of full-length ribbed pants are the perfect companion. 

Buddy Ivory Pebble
Labucq Buddy Ivory Pebble $294.00
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Cyrene Ribbed Pant Pant
Simon Miller Cyrene Ribbed Pant Pant $350.00
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02 of 15

Oxfords with Extra-Long Jeans


Proenza Schouler’s take on the footwear style is part oxford and part hiking-inspired low-top. The lug-sole shoe pairs well with Agolde’s extra-long denim, which will break right at the laces. 

Brown City Lug Sole Oxfords
Proenza Schouler Brown City Lug Sole Oxfords $540.00
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Criss-Cross Jean
Agolde Criss-Cross Jean $198.00
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03 of 15

Oxfords with a Pleated Mini Skirt

Nicole Saldana’s known for her modern, grunge-inspired takes on classic silhouettes, and this ballet-inspired oxford is no different. Bring it into 2021 with a pleated mini skirt. 

Sage Loafer
Nicole Saldaña Sage Loafer $390.00
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Sunday Best Olive Skirt
Aritzia Sunday Best Olive Skirt $78.00
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04 of 15

Oxfords with a Silk Maxi Dress

Sure, Tuk’s creeper-inspired oxfords look like they’d weigh ten pounds, but thanks to a lightweight sole and lace upper, they’re surprisingly comfortable. Offset the heavy sole with a silk maxi dress, like this one from Ganni. 

Viva II Low Creeper
Tuk Viva II Low Creeper $110.00
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Silk Stretch Satin Dress
Ganni Silk Stretch Satin Dress $595.00
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05 of 15

Oxfords with a Midi Skirt

A bulky oxblood oxford is as traditional as they get. Lean into it with a pair of classic sheer socks and a midi-skirt, like this one from Materiel Tbilisi.

Stomp Oxford
Chielei Stomp Oxford $288.00
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Scalloped Edge Pencil Skirt
Materiel Tbilisi Scalloped Edge Pencil Skirt $520.00
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06 of 15

Oxfords with Tapered Trousers

Marsell’s take on the oxford may not include any laces, but they’re not your typical loafers. Instead, a simple side buckle lends them a private-school vibe. Keep them from entering costume territory with a pair of wide-leg trousers. 

Strapped Platform Oxford Shoes
Marsèll Strapped Platform Oxford Shoes $494.00
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navalo Pants
Baserange Navalo Pants $167.00
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07 of 15

Oxfords with Contrast Panel Midi Skirt

Prada’s take on the Derby oxford is supremely menswear-inspired, with its chunky sole, abbreviated lacing, and an elegant round toe. A contrast-panel midi-skirt with cutouts offers the perfect juxtaposition. 

Chunky Leather Derby Shoes
Prada Chunky Leather Derby Shoes $950.00
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Nadia Cutout Denim Skirt
Andersson Bell Nadia Cutout Denim Skirt $360.00
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08 of 15

Oxfords with Knit Pants

If it were any other year, you’d probably have seen Ganni’s lug-sole oxfords all across the fashion week street style circuit. But while we’re tucked away at home, pair them with comfortable pants, like these knit flares from Mango. 

Chunky Sole Oxford Shoes
Ganni Chunky Sole Oxford Shoes $356.00
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Flared Knit Trousers
Mango Flared Knit Trousers $50.00
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09 of 15

Oxfords with Cropped Flare Pants

Dress up a pair of wingtip brogues with cropped flares. Together, they create an ultra-chic look. 

Mottle Leather Flat Brogues
Asos Design Mottle Leather Flat Brogues $56.00
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10 Crosby Carinna Cropped Flares
Derek Lam 10 Crosby Carinna Cropped Flares $395.00
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10 of 15

Oxfords with Wide Leg Trousers

Loewe’s sought-after leather pieces are usually among its buzziest releases, and these flat oxfords are no exception. The square toe, straight lacing, and flat heel give them a more comfortable feel. Round out the look with a pair of ‘70s-inspired wide-leg trousers from Acne. 

Soft Derby Oxfords
Loewe Soft Derby Oxfords $690.00
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Wide Leg Trousers
Acne Studios Wide Leg Trousers $480.00
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11 of 15

Oxfords with Pleated Plaid Pants

Voile Blanche’s chunky oxfords are basically begging for a similarly grunge-leaning pair of bottoms. Cos’s pleated plaid pants (say that three times fast) fit the bill. 

Tweed 01 Oxford Shoes
Voile Blanche Tweed 01 Oxford Shoes $235.00
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Relaxed Trousers
Cos Relaxed Trousers $135.00
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12 of 15

Oxfords with Floral Dress

Offering a less traditional take on the oxford, Rachel Comey’s white leather iteration can make any piece feel more casual, including this floral Paco Rabanne dress. 

Lovett Shoes
Rachel Comey Lovett Shoes $495.00
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Gathered Maxi Dress
Paco Rabanne Gathered Maxi Dress $740.00
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13 of 15

Oxfords with Leather Pants

Are you really surprised to see that Gucci replaced the laces on its oxfords with a crystal-embellished buckle? Pair these with leather pants for the ultimate statement look.

Hunter Crystal Loafer
Gucci Hunter Crystal Loafer $950.00
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Veda x Reformation Leather Pants
Veda x Reformation Leather Pant $298.00
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14 of 15

Oxfords with Printed Pants

Shop Peche’s loafer-inspired oxford has a raised heel and contrast stitching for a modern touch. We envision these being worn with bold printed pants, like these from Seidres.

Tacy Shoe
Shop-Pêche Tacy Shoe $89.00
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Mini Flower Pants
Seidres Mini Flower Pants $165.00
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15 of 15

Oxfords with Straight Leg Jeans

A pure-white lug-sole oxford may feel hard to style, but a pair of long, straight-leg jeans should do the trick. 

Leather Lace-Up Shoes
Ash Lab Leather Lace-Up Shoes $220.00
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Patchwork Jeans
BDG Patchwork Jeans $79.00
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