Loafers: The perfect fall shoe

Loafers are the quintessential fall shoes; there’s no arguing about that. While transitioning from flip-flops straight to boots can feel a bit traumatic, a classic pair of leather loafers becomes a comforting middle ground. Timeless and practical, a good pair of loafers will last you a lifetime and come in clutch for several occasions. But what makes loafers such a perfect fall shoe? What are the best styles and brands? And what are the chicest ways to incorporate loafers into your daily looks? Read on to find out!

Loafers are for fall what sandals are for summer—a non-negotiable. Just like sandals are synonymous with hot summer days and trips to the beach, loafers immediately conjure the image of fallen leaves and pumpkin spice lattes. But why is that?

Their versatility is certainly a plus. Loafers are super versatile: they look good with nearly every outfit—as we’ll find out later!—from casual to dressy, girly to tomboyish. They’re also incredibly easy to dress up or down, adding a polished vibe to streetwear and looking perfectly appropriate at the office.

Not only are loafers versatile in terms of vibe, but they can also withstand almost anything weather-wise, which is a must for a good fall shoe. From balmy early-September days to colder November evenings, your loafers will see you through it all thanks to their light composition and thick soles.

In short, leather loafers are sturdy, durable, versatile, easy to style, adaptable to any climate, and timeless: the key characteristics any good fall shoe should have!

Loafers are classic, yes, but that doesn’t mean that they have to stick to one look. There are plenty of loafer styles to choose from, so you’re guaranteed to find one that suits your taste—and your wardrobe.

• Penny – These shoes get their name from the horizontal strap, or “saddle”, across the instep, which features a slit big enough to fit exactly one penny. The classic penny loafer is usually black or brown leather, slim with a small heel, but many variations in all shapes and sizes exist.
• Minimal – These slipper-like, pared-down loafers are as simple as it gets. Ultra-sleek and easy to style, they’re perfect if you are a minimalist-chic girl at heart or if you’re just now venturing into the world of loafers.
• Boat – When a new ugly-chic trend arises, we know we have no one to thank but Miuccia Prada herself. Boat shoe/loafers hybrid populated the Miu Miu Fall and Spring 2024 runways, elevating the boat shoe from frat boy attire (yuck) to it-girl must-have (slay).
• Heeled – Perfect for the office, heels and loafers are a match made in heaven. Whether you go for a practical two-inch micro-heel or a chunky four-inch heel, heeled loafers add polish and seriousness without sacrificing femininity.
• Platform – Platform loafers are another trend started by a high-fashion label, namely Gucci. Under new creative director Sabato de Sarno, the Italian brand has been showing sky-high platform versions of their classic horse-bit loafers for a few seasons.
• Horsebit – Speaking of Gucci, one can not mention the iconic horse-bit loafers introduced by Aldo Gucci in 1953. The horse-bit is an upgrade on the penny loafer with a metallic horse-bit across the vamp.
• Chunky – Chunky-soled loafers have been trending for a few years now, and they’re as perfect on rainy autumn days as they are with socks and a mini skirt when the weather is warmer.

Very few shoes make so much sense with any and every outfit as loafers do. No matter what your personal style looks like, it’s almost guaranteed that a pair of loafers will perfectly slot into your wardrobe. Some loafer outfit ideas include:

• Go full-preppy with an oversized blazer and tailored shorts.
• Heels aren’t for you? Add class and sophistication to a midi dress with a pair of loafers.
• Polish up wide-leg jeans with loafers and a button-up shirt.
• Combine multiple aesthetics by pairing cargos and loafers.
• Create the perfect ugly-chic look with boat loafers, baggy jeans, and a striped polo shirt.

What are the best brands for loafers? Gucci immediately comes to mind: a classic pair of Horsebit Jordaans are an investment to last you for decades.

In the same price bracket, Tod’s and Church’s are well-known for their classic appeal and premium craftsmanship.

Slightly cheaper and more modern brands like Ayede, Hereu, and Khaite offer sleek and fashion-forward options.

Lastly, on the more affordable side, G.H. Bass and Dr. Martens are among the most popular brands out there.