The best loafers to shop this season, from Gucci to H&M

Driven by fashion's turn towards practical comfort and preppy style, loafers have undeniably reclaimed the spotlight, and for some replaced trainers as the default daily shoe. Once locked into corporate dress codes, they now anchor everything from off-duty denim to evening tailoring, and even date night outfits.

While Prada’s chunky Monolith sole dominated the start of the decade, current street style favours a leaner silhouette. Championed by the Princess of Wales, Katie Holmes, and Sienna Miller, sleek 1950s penny loafers and classic horsebit hardware are hugely popular and ideal if you’re looking for an elegant, wear-with-everything pair. From heritage classics to modern high street styles, here are nine of the best.

Royals & celebrities wearing loafers

© Getty Images

In recent years, Princess Kate has swapped her ballet flats and trainers for a sleek pair of loafers. She's stepped out in this brown leather pair from Boden on several occaisons - and they're still available to shop.

© Getty Images

Loafers have long been a favourite of Katie Holmes who has proven their versatility by styling them with wide-leg trousers, straight-leg jeans and midi skirts. She loves her Gucci pairs and also has styles from Franco Sarto and Acne Studios.

Loafers are synonymous with Sienna Miller who has been wearing them for years. She mostly styles them with off-duty denim and has the Gucci Brixon loafers in both black and red. I'd love to raid her shoe collection, which also includes a classic black pair by Khaite and a white slip-on style from Tory Burch.

© GC Images

Dakota Johnson was pictured in a pair of black loafers, straight-leg jeans and an oversized red shirt while out in New York. The actress has previously stepped out in a chunky pair, adding edge to a T-shirt and wide-leg trousers.

The best loafers to shop this season

Boden Nya Penny Loafers

£119 at Boden

Editor's Note:

Boden's Nya penny loafers are the exact pair worn by Princess Kate, and although her brown croc version is sold out, the suede (and arguably nicer) pair is still in stock and available to buy.

M&S Leather Loafers

£56 at M&S

Editor's Note:

These bestselling M&S loafers are lookalikes for The Row without the designer price tag. Made from real leather, the slip-on style features elegant ruching along the front and classic saddle detail.

Gucci Jordaan Horsebit-Detailed Loafers

£810 at Net-a-Porter

Editor's Note:

If you're investing in a forever pair, Katie's go-to Gucci Jordaan loafers have a sleek penny silhouette with a gold horsebit embellishment. They're made from real leather and will never go out of style. 

& Other Stories Ruched Loafers

£139 at & Other Stories

Editor's Note:

If, like me, you struggle to find slip on shoes that fit your ankles but want to wear loafers, a ruched back pair is the answer. This one from & Other Stories is made from real suede and comes in the perfect shade of brown.

Arket Soft Leather Loafers

£175 at Arket

Editor's Note:

For a timeless black leather pair, these Arket loafers have the classic strap with box stitch detailing, gentle gathering and a softly rounded toe.

H&M Loafer Mules

£27.99 at H&M

Editor's Note:

If you're looking statement pair, I love these leopard print loafer mules from H&M. They're just £27.99 and they'll add a playful edge to the most understated outfit.

COS Croc-Effect Leather Loafers

£119 at COS

Editor's Note:

COS has the chicest collection of loafers, but they don't stay in stock for long. This leather croc-effect pair just dropped and they'll go with everything in your autumn wardrobe.

Mango Leather Loafers

£59.99 at Mango

Editor's Note:

Mango's real leather loafers with horsebit detail are lookalikes for Gucci's with a small heel for added height.