Black Loafers Are Fine, But in L.A., Everyone Knows This Shoe Color Looks Better With Light Jeans

January 14, 2026 / Swedan Margen /

While most of her fellow A-listers were busy walking the red carpet at the Golden Globes, Gigi Hadid had other plans, spending the evening with her boyfriend, Bradley Cooper, and friends enjoying dinner at Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica. Who needs a gown and uncomfortable shoes when light-wash jeans and brown loafers are an option? I know which pairing I would prefer.

Specifically, the supermodel and founder of Guest in Residence chose a low-key but chic pairing for the night, styling an ivory double-breasted sweater coat from her knitwear brand with loose light-wash jeans and brown suede loafers from Miu Miu. Her bag, the Leather Patchwork Beau Bag, was also from Miu Miu. With its effortless appeal, her outfit was perfect for a Los Angeles winter, and its no-fuss jeans-and-shoe base is the key to re-creating it.

(Image credit: Backgrid)

On Gigi Hadid: Guest in Residence Cashmere Grizzly Le Jacket ($995); Miu Miu Leather Patchwork Beau Bag ($4900) and Suede Loafers ($1150)

The trick is really the color of the loafers you pick. Anyone could wear black leather loafers, but the coloring is just a bit too harsh against lighter denim. (Black loafers are better with mid- or dark-wash denim.) Brown is softer, especially brown suede, giving the combination a more relaxed feel that’s especially right for L.A. Fortunately for any interested copiers, there are plenty of brown suede loafers on the market right now—from luxury options like Hadid’s to affordable alternatives that cost as low as $80—and even more light-wash denim options to choose from. I, however, always say to just go for some classic Levi’s.