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Few shoes make as much sense with almost any outfit as a loafer. While the timeless, ivy-inspired look never goes out of style, it evolves season after season. Most recently Gucci’s Horsebit Loafer, now over 70 years old, made a runway return in both a platform and classic form; Ferragamo paired polished black loafers with a handful of their runway looks, while Prada continues to iterate on the style in its runway collections. This season, we’re seeing minimal silhouettes and backless styles stay in the mix. New arrivals include everything from modern classics like Khaite’s sleek leather loafer to Bally’s take on a boater-loafer. Chunky shapes with heels and lug soles also remain relevant, while pointy-toed and two tone loafers continue making cameos.
The Best Loafers for Women, According to Vogue
- The Perfect Penny Loafer: Church’s Polished Fumè Loafer, $1,100
- The Under $200 Score: Cos Chunky Leather Loafers, $170
- The Chunky Cult Classic: Gucci Horsebit loafers, $1,150
- The Loafer-Moccasin: Bally Pathy Leather Loafer, $719
- The Cool-Girl Loafer: Emme Parsons Danielle loafers, $525
- The Minimalist Loafer: Khaite Alessio Loafers, $1,234
- The Heeled Loafer: Manolo Blahnik Rufo Loafer, $895
- The Easy Slide: Bottega Veneta Monsieur Leather Loafers, $1,200
- The Two-Toned Loafer: G.H. Bass Whitney Weejuns Loafer, $175
Staples like Gucci’s iconic horse-bit loafers, Saint Laurent’s perfectly polished Penny loafers, or Tod’s sophisticated Italian-crafted flats are wardrobe essentials that stand the test of time. But more modern iterations won’t feel like a hasty indulgence—no matter your chosen loafer, virtually every design in our edit is sure to last for years in your shoe closet. So, whether you’re seeking a bold statement or a more classic approach, Vogue’s edit of the best loafers for women, from contemporary designs to enduring classics, has you covered.
Penny Loafers
Defined by the horizontal strap, or “saddle,” across the instep, Penny loafers are iconic in brown or black, leather or suede, heeled or flat, and the options are truly endless. Try Saint Laurent’s simple black silhouette or Church’s timeless iteration.
Minimal Loafers
If you’re drawn to pared-back styles, or you’re newly venturing into the world of loafers, a minimalist design is a perfect option. Choose Khaite’s ultra-sleek smoking slipper style with a glossy finish, or take the look a step further with Emme Parsons’s black croc-embossed style.
Driving and Boat Loafers
Boater-loafer hybrids are having a moment this season after walking the fall runways at brands like Miu Miu, Bally, and Loewe.
White Loafers
White footwear shouldn’t be just reserved for high summer. As a loafer, it’s a palette cleanser for autumnal wardrobes. Repetto and Toteme make contemporary versions of the style, while Tod’s and Gucci reworked their classics in fresh white.
Mary Jane Loafers
Reach for the Mary Jane loafer when you want classic with a twist. Fashion’s continued appetite for nostalgic silhouettes has emerged in this refreshing hybrid form. Bottega Veneta offers a timeless iteration with a rebellious undertone, while Hereu and G.H. Bass incorporate woven details for a lighter, transitional take.
Heeled Loafers
Polished workwear and a heeled loafer are a natural fit, whether your preferred silhouette is a walkable one to two-inch block heel or a soaring four-inch design. The iterations at Prada and Ferragamo are classic, while Proenza Schouler and Loewe create modern versions of this retro style.
Two Tone Loafers
For low-key polish, a two-toned loafer toes the line between classic and trendy. Designer brands like Miu Miu, The Attico and Tod’s are offering their take on the tried-and-true style, while G.H. Bass continues to offer a contemporary classic.
Backless Loafers
It’s hard to beat the ease of a slip-on shoe. That’s where backless loafers come into play—they’re ultra-comfy, not to mention effortless looking with skirts, dresses, and cropped jeans. Try Bottega Veneta’s glossy, bold Monsieur slip-ons, or take a modern approach with Hereu’s sleek iteration.
Pointy Loafers
For a more fashion-forward take on the loafer, go for a pointed look. Proenza Schouler, Victoria Beckham, Toteme, and Ferragamo all have (couldn’t resist!) on-point options this season with and without a cute kitten heel.
Chunky-Sole Loafers
From lug soles to platforms, weighty loafers are undoubtedly one of the season’s most coveted takes on the classic shoe, especially when styled with socks (and a mini or shorts) in the summer. Gucci’s lug-soles are cult-loved season after season, while Marni’s is a current trending style.
