They say you can tell a lot about a man just from the shoes he wears. When those shoes are a good pair of loafers, you’ll convey a relaxed sense of style, sophistication, and timelessness.

There’s a reason why loafers have been a staple of high end mens shoes for more than a century. Not only are they comfortable and classy, they’re extraordinarily versatile. Paired correctly, you can just as easily wear them to a spring wedding as you can to a casual Sunday brunch.

But there’s no better place for these types of artisan shoes than the office. Here’s a complete guide to styling loafers for the workplace all year round.

Material
The two most common types of material for loafers are suede and leather shoes. Suede is somewhat more versatile for wearing outside the office, but you can never go wrong with leather dress shoes for a business meeting or interview.

Style
When people think of loafers, they often think of either American penny loafers or Italian loafers. But in fact, there are many different sub-categories of loafers, from tassel loafers to Gucci loafers and boat shoes. For a formal impression, stick to Italian loafers.

Socks or No Socks?
You can wear loafers either way. The no-socks look pairs better with well-fitted slacks that are slightly shorter on the ankle. To wear Italian loafers with socks, be sure to coordinate with the rest of your outfit in order to look put-together.

Color
Black or brown is a must for leather. Suede, on the other hand, works best in navy, beige, or brown. While we wouldn’t recommend it for the office, more designers are offering loafers in bright colors like yellows and greens to add spunk to your street style.

You don’t have to sacrifice comfort for style. The loafer is the perfect shoe for office wear precisely because it’s so easy on the eyes — and the feet. Every modern man’s wardrobe should have at least one pair of loafers that can be worn for work or leisure. A smart investment in a smart shoe could solve all your wardrobe worries for years to come.