With the rising popularity of comfortable shoes post-pandemic and 2023’s penchant for preppy style, it should come as no surprise the loafer is undoubtedly the shoe of the moment.
Practical and super cool, the style once reserved mostly for workwear is now a mainstay on the fashion circuit and suitable for everything from the office to date night.
Prada cemented the chunky loafer's place among the street style set with the launch of the Monolith, but for those who don’t favour a lug sole, you might find a classic pair of penny loafers more wearable, particularly for every day. First made popular in the 1950s, they’re categorised by their moccasin, slip-on style and horizontal strap (or saddle) across the instep.
Celebrities wearing loafers
Loafers have long been a favourite of Hailey Bieber who has proven their versatility by styling them with wide-leg trousers, mini skirts and blazer dresses. She loves her Eytys and Prada loafers and even has a pair from high street brand Vagabond.
Loafers are also synonymous with Sienna Miller who has been wearing them for years. She most often styles them with off-duty denim and has the Gucci Brixon loafers in both black and red. We'd love to raid her shoe collection, which includes a classic black pair by Khaite and a white slip-on style from Tory Burch.
Most recently we spotted Elsa Hosk in a pair of black quilted Chanel loafers and a tailored linen two-piece from her own fashion line. The supermodel has previously stepped out in a chunky pair, adding edge to an all-white trouser suit.
How we chose the best loafers
Variety: Both chunky loafers and sleeker styles are very much on trend so our edit includes a mix of the two.
Price: From designer to high street, we've found the most coveted loafers worn by celebrities as well as affordable pairs that cost less than £25.
Appropriate for the office: Keeping comfort and versatility in mind, many of these loafers are practical enough to wear to work.
The best women's loafers to shop now
Whether you’re looking for a sleek pair Gucci-style or a Prada-esque chunky pair, scroll on for the best loafers to shop now.
Prada Monolith Loafers
Hitting the sweet spot of both cool and comfortable, it’s no wonder Prada’s now Monolith loafers are so popular. Made from real leather with a chunky rubber sole, they're also decorated with the brand's enamelled metal triangle logo. Style them with a mini skirt, ankle socks and an oversized blazer for the classic It-girl look.
Gucci Brixton Loafers
Investing in a forever pair? Sienna Miller's favourite Gucci Brixton loafers are a sleek penny style that would be perfect for your workwear wardrobe. Made from the softest leather they feature gold-tone hardware and seam detail.
Josefinas Confidence Loafers
Josefinas beautiful leather loafers are handmade to order in Portugal - and they're so luxe. Featuring a sleek design with subtle gold hardwear and a small heel, the chic style will upgrade all of your outfits as we move into autumn/winter.
Vagabond Eyra Loafers
Hailey Bieber's exact pair from Vagabond is still available to shop and now on sale. Made from smooth black leather, they feature a boxy square toe and detailed stitching along the upper. Hailey styled hers with wide-leg cargo trousers and a tee.
& Other Stories Square Toe Loafers
& Other Stories has one of the best collections of loafers on the high street. We love this square-toe pair which is made from real leather and features a polished gold-tone chain.
Grenson Hattie Loafers
Known for the iconic chunky boots, we're not surprised Grenson is a front runner for the high street's comfiest Prada-style loafers. Cut from smooth leather, the lug sole is surprisingly lightweight and trimmed at a slight angle to give a flared silhouette.
H&M Loafers
H&M's Gucci lookalikes are so affordable at less than £25. They're made from polyurethane with a satin lining and reviews say they're amazing quality for the price, with multiple customers stating how expensive they look. They're also said to have a narrow fit, so if you have wider feet you might want to avoid.
AllSaints Emily Loafers
We love the statement gold roller buckle on these patent leather loafers from AllSaints. Effortlessly stylish, they feature a chunky, slightly cleated sole to add some height.
M&S Leather Loafers
Made from responsibly-sourced leather, Marks & Spencer's slip-on loafers also feature the brand's Insolia Flex technology that supports your feet and improves rotation, making them ideal to wear to work.
Charles & Keith Metallic Accent Loafers
Sienna Miller favourite Charles & Keith has these loafers that mix a classic penny silhouette with a chunkier heel and feature a shiny gold metallic accent. We wouldn't be surprised to see her wearing them.
Arket Leather Slip-On Loafers
For an alternative style, Arket has these slip-on leather loafers with a chunky rubber sole and a moccasin seam around the upper. We'd wear them with a pair of tailored trousers this summer.
