Up your footwear game with a new pair of loafers

s the perfect middle ground between formal footwear and a casual pair of trainers or sandals, loafers are the smart-casual saviour - and won’t leave you in need of a new pair of feet by the time a night in heels is over.

With a history that dates back to the 1930s, and a fanbase that includes everyone from Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly to Kate Moss and Zoe Kravitz, loafers are a wardrobe staple that transcends space and time. Now, loved by fashion editors and street stylers alike, they’re a surefire way to elevate your style with minimal effort.

It’s Alessandro Michele’s appointment as creative director at Gucci in 2015 that brought them back into the spotlight, when he revived the brand’s eclectic 1970s heyday aesthetic - which included fluffy backless horse-bit loafers.

Seven years on, the iterations are endless, from a classic flat style a la G.H.Bass which, worn with wide leg jeans and a knit, will channel a preppy look even Lady Di would be proud of, to a chunky platform Prada design which, worn would even elevate a tracksuit worn with a trench - literally and figuratively.

Whether you prefer a style with metal hardware, a tassel design with origins is in the boat shoe, or a penny loafer that’s named for its leather strap with a slot that’s meant to store a penny - and was originally designed for paying a shoe shiner or storing money in case of a payphone emergency, we’ve curated a selection to suit a range of tastes and budgets.

Swedish brand Vagabond, which began life in the Seventies as a men’s footwear brand, is a pro at the chunky aesthetic. These penny loafers are no exception. In a black polished leather and an outsole measuring 45mm, these will give you some serious height as you stomp the streets in style.

First designed in the 1930s, G.H.Bass’ iconic Weejuns has stayed the same in the 100 years since - it doesn’t get more timeless than that. Coming in a rich wine high-shine leather with a handsewn construction and leather outsole, these would look best worn with indigo or cream denim - and you could amp-up the preppy vibe with an argyle sock. If the burgundy isn’t to your taste, there are endless colourways available too so you can find the shade to suit.

Any Bottega Veneta fans out there will know a colourful loafer is in, so why not get the look with Camper’s blue style? Worn with neutrals, black, and white, and a little white sports sock, these will add a layer of interest to your look. Not quite blue suede shoes - but at least they’re close.

Are you wearing the… Prada loafers? Yeah, I am. Well, the line in The Devil Wears Prada doesn’t go quite like that, but it would certainly be today’s update.

The holy grail of all loafers, Prada’s iconic design is sought after by fashion editors and street stylers alike. Adorned with the Italian fashion house’s signature triangle logo plaque and featuring a chunky sole, this shoe exudes luxury and will add a touch of class to any outfit.

For a more feminine style, go for Office’s backless design. In an off white leather, they would work well paired with a dress or cream denim, and, if you’re usually partial to a sandal, they’re the perfect transitional option. At £50, it’s a no brainer.

First shown in the brand’s Fall 2020 menswear show, JW Anderson’s chain loafer mules have become one of the most-wanted styles from the house.

If wearing your slippers in the real world is on your wishlist, then this shearling style is the one for you - or if the fluff is too much, there are countless options available with the iconic chain hardware, so we’re sure there’s a style you’ll be adding to your basket.

A reimagining of the British brand’s classic loafer, Russell & Bromley’s Cleoptra has been given a contemporary update with metal hardware, a low block heel, and a subtle plaited welt making for a smart feminine silhouette. Coming in six iterations, from tweed, to pearl adorned, to mock-croc, there’s an option for everyone.

With a small heel, distinctive square toe, and distressed design details, Bethnal Green-based Miista has given the classic loafer a 2022 makeover. Finished with ultra-cushioned memory foam insoles, calf leather lining, and leather outsoles with rubber details for added grip, you’ll be able to strut your stuff all day long.

Whilst heritage brand Grenson has a history that dates back to 1866, the brand designs some of the most contemporary formal shoes on the market, and these loafers are a case in point. Although they look like a hefty number, the bulky Commando sole is lighter-than-air, creating a featherweight shoe which still packs a preppy punch. Pair them with denim and a chunky knit for a cosy winter look.

With an archive that dates back before loafers were invented, Clarks is a brand that knows its way around a pair of the classic shoes. Combining timeless style with a modern cleated sole and chunky heel, the chesnut leather loafers are a happy hybrid for those who want to test a sturdy sole for the first time.