15 best loafers for women to buy now and wear forever
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If you think fashion editors run from photo shoot to business meeting in sky-high stilettos, you're sadly mistaken. A pair of the best loafers for women, however, is far more realistic. Blame The Devil Wears Prada, Ugly Betty and Sex and the City for perpetuating that myth. Carrie Bradshaw, we love your kitten heels but we've got to contend with the tube station escalators.
While we love a pair of heels for the right occasion (date night, for example), and fashion trainers and ballet flats or Mary Janes are a staple, the style set remain absolutely smitten for loafers. In fact, you'll struggle to find a style the industry wears more year-round.
Gucci’s loafers were a staple accessory during their 1970s heyday, and are synonymous with the House to this day. Worn sans socks or tights, they can be louche or preppy and their gender-free mood makes them a hit with men and women. It's not just Gucci who have us head over heels for the shoe. At both SS25 and AW25 Milan fashion weeks Miu Miu proved they're still a wardrobe essential that will take you through the seasons. Not only that but you can style them day to night, just add sequins.
When it comes to style we've seen slip-on versions, backless silhouettes and stack-heel iterations. Not forgetting chunky loafers which were first made cool in the mid-'90s, and with fashion's current retro obsession, they're all the rage now too. Designers like Prada have been leading the pack. As for how to wear them? Exactly as the influencers do: with white socks.
Not convinced? Just look to Hailey Bieber for some inspo. No one loves a loafer quite like Hailey - followed closely by our editors, of course. Hailey knows the preppy style needn't be a complement to tailoring. She was recently spotted wearing penny loafers with shorts and a leather bomber jacket for an elevated off-duty look. We can't deny that whatever her spring attire, be it a suede jacket or trench coat, she doesn't step a foot out of place.
Of course a black patent leather loafer will work particularly hard year-round, but we've seen several brown, red and, unsurprisingly, butter yellow pairs already this season, so if you're looking to stay on-top of the trends then that's where to set your sights. Look to Reformation, & Other Stories and TOD's for confirmation. These moccasin-influenced shapes they'll be as comfy as slippers, too, just don't tell Miranda Priestly.
For more from GLAMOUR UK's Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd and freelancer Hattie Cotmore on Instagram @hattiecotmore.
Now you know they go with everything, find the 15 best loafers for women below.
- Sizes: EU 36-42.
- Style: Penny loafers.
- Material: Nappa leather.
Butter yellow is everywhere right now. This timeless penny loafer style has had a new season update in everyone's current go-to hue.
Save when you shop for the best loafers with these H&M discount codes at checkout.
- Sizes: IT 35-42.
- Style: Leather penny loafer.
- Material: Leather.
If you're seeking to create the perfect spring outfits this year, then neutral tones like chocolate brown are spot on. This true to size pair of loafers are so rich in hue they're basically burgundy (another trending colour), and will undoubtedly be a purchase you're proud of making.
Save when you shop for the best loafers with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
Duke & Dexter Wilde Cherry Leather Loafers
- Sizes: EU 36-41.
- Style: Printed.
- Material: Leather.
The fashion set will tell you Duke & Dexter are the cool brand to know when it comes to loafers. Their handmade footwear features a variety of prints, horse bit detailing and embroidery. We have our eye on this cherry design for spring.
Save when you shop for the best loafers with these Selfridges discount codes at checkout.
- Sizes: UK 3-9.
- Style: Backless loafer.
- Material: Leather.
The Loafermule from Russell & Bromley is a classic snaffle trim design updated on a mule silhouette (which are great for those who want to avoid blisters during the break-in phase). Designed in soft leather and finished by a full leather sole and lining, this androgynous style sells out every year – race you to checkout.
M&S Collection Suede Flat Loafers
- Sizes: UK 3-8.
- Style: Penny loafer.
- Material: Suede.
Couldn't get your hands on (or feet into) those viral M&S suede loafers? Whilst we desperately await a restock this pair is our alternative pick to add to cart. We love the round toe, the only con we see, as they're flat, they don't feature any arch support but you can always consider insoles for extra footbed cushioning. Act fast, we suspect these will be bestsellers, too.
Save when you shop for the best loafers with these Marks & Spencer discount codes at checkout.
- Sizes: UK 3-9.
- Style: Suede loafer.
- Material: Calf suede leather.
Reformation loafers are popular – even Taylor Swift was spotted in a two-tone pair – so we already know this suede brown style will be a hit.
- Sizes: UK 2-9.
- Style: Penny loafers.
- Material: Leather, polyester.
Update your black loafers for spring/summer in London (or anywhere, for that matter); with a cream colourway. It's a shade that'll take you into from spring/summer right through to autumn.
- Sizes: EU 34-42.
- Style: Slip-on loafers.
- Material: Suede.
We never said you have to stick to neutrals. Inject a pop of colour into your wardrobe with this red suede. They're an easy-to-wear slip-on style, too.
& Other Stories Cow-Print Loafers
- Sizes: EU 36-42.
- Style: Penny loafers.
- Material: Leather and thermoplastic rubber.
If you're as big a fan as we are of the cow-print trend this season this pair is for you. They're a failsafe way to amp up any off-duty look this season.
- Sizes: IT 34-42.
- Style: Backless loafer.
- Material: Leather.
The Princetown slippers from Gucci are iconic, and we implore you to find a single influencer who hasn't lusted after them at least once. They run small given their backless nature, so consider sizing up by half a size when purchasing.
- Sizes: UK 3-8.
- Style: Block heel loafer.
- Material: Leather and rubber.
If you didn't see these logo loafers all over your Instagram feed last year, you must not have social media. This autumn we're anticipating the same reaction – though, fair warning, they tend to sell out fast thanks to their durability and designer status.
Charles & Keith Kori Suede Boat Shoes
- Sizes: UK 2-8.
- Style: Boat shoes.
- Material: Suede.
Traditional penny loafer not your thing? Enter: the boat shoe. We love this boat shoe twist on the loafer for spring/summer. Best paired with your favourite maxi dress.
Saint Laurent Le Loafer Leather Loafers
- Sizes: EU 34-42.
- Style: Penny loafers with gold hardware.
- Material: Leather.
These leather loafers have been on our wishlists for a long, long while. From the classic black colourway to the gold logo detailing, everything about them screams luxury.
Miu Miu Leather Distressed Penny Loafers
- Sizes: EU 35-39.
- Style: Embellished loafers.
- Material: Leather.
We couldn't forget the loafers seen all over the SS25 catwalks. Miu Miu made a case for dressing loafers up or down on the runway and we couldn't agree more. Versatile and stylish, we're in.
- Sizes: EU 35-42.
- Style: Horsebit loafers.
- Material: Leather with rubber sole.
Picture these rubber sole mocha loafers with a pair of light-wash barrel leg jeans, a white t-shirt and a brown leather jacket as we edge into spring. Chef's kiss. The brand suggest they're true to size but to consider shopping one size up if you usually fit a half size.
