Once reserved for the Sloane Rangers to pair with their exposed ankles and chinos come summer, the loafer was often left to the upper echelons on the fashion elite. But not anymore.
Undoubtedly the most talked about shoe this season, (well, let’s be honest, this entire year) celebrities, models and the fashion elite have snapped up the covetable style.
First introduced into our lives by Gucci back in 1953, the shoe temporarily disappeared from our sartorial radar only to resurface for AW'15. Furry insole and all.
And the shoe has been reinventing itself ever since. With metallic shades, brocade print and backless shapes thrown into the sartorial mix.
With the Gucci-effect still very much in full swing, the high street is awash with loafers this season. And whether you’re a minimal devotee or print coveter, there’s a loafer out there for everyone and it’s set to be your autumn perennial. Trust us.
So to celebrate the return of the 'it' shoe, we round up the very best of loafers below:
Metallic Loafers
Opt for black if in need of a sartorial safe choice and pair with fishnet or pastel socks to finish the look. If feeling adventurous, bag yourself a metallic pair à la Gucci. Topshop and Uterque are nailing the look. Bear in mind that pink is undoubtedly the shade that keeps on giving so pair with frayed jeans or a two-piece suit for a splash of colour.
Backless loafers
No need to invest in Gucci as high-street giants Topshop, River Island and Zara have got the backless style very much covered.
From smart snakeskin to smooth leather loafers, the ‘it’ shoe can even be channelled at work. Simply pair with tailored trousers and a blazer for an alternative to heels.
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The Haute Slipper
A simpler take on the loafer but no doubt just as effective. Slip into the trend when the trans-seasonal period hits. River Island have just released a cracking limited edition pair in a printed pattern that will even work come A/W. In black, haute slippers are the perfect answer to workwear in the heat. Simply pair with a smart blazer and bell bottom trousers.
And if you can't wait to bag yourself a pair, shop the gallery below (before they sell out):
Loafers - Grazia
1 of 11backless-loafers
If your budget won't stretch to Gucci no worries as Topshop has backless loafers aplenty.
Karter Loafers, £62, Topshop
2 of 11backless-loafers
If you're looking to mix up your outfit why not try metallic gold? They'll look great come winter too.
Gold Karter Loafers, £65, Topshop
3 of 11backless-loafers
You can't go wrong when investing in a black pair of Gucci loafers. Undoubtedly the 'it' shoe of the year, pair with frayed jeans and a cashmere jumper. The best investment you'll ever make.
Princetown Black Slippers, £380, Gucci
4 of 11backless-loafers
You can't go wrong when investing in a black pair of Gucci loafers. Undoubtedly the 'it' shoe of the year, pair with frayed jeans and a cashmere jumper. The best investment you'll ever make.
Princetown Black Slippers, £380, Gucci
5 of 11backless-loafers
The dreamiest shoe going this season. Bag yourself a pair of backless Gucci shoes in the equally coolest shade this summer.
Princetown Leather Slippers, £650, Gucci
6 of 11backless-loafers
To achieve the look even at work, style your tailored trousers with these snakeskin style brogues.
Backless Brogues, £160, Whistles
7 of 11backless-loafers
If metallic is your thing opt for a pair of backless numbers. They'll look great come evening.
'Kylie' Backless Loafers, £49, Topshop
8 of 11backless-loafers
Opt for navy slip-on loafers from Zara as opposed to your usual monochrome. Perfect for workwear throughout the summer months.
Navy Slippers, £39.99, Zara
9 of 11backless-loafers
This season is all about casual fashion so forget what your mother taught you and step on the back of your loafers. Trust us, it's a trend thing.
Silver Slip On Shoes, £39.99, Zara
10 of 11backless-loafers
Channel Gucci with these limited edition printed backless loafers. Pair with frayed jeans and a bell-sleeve dress.
Printed Loafers, £55, River Island
11 of 11backless-loafers
These furry loafers have just dropped in Zara and we cannot wait to bag ourselves a pair.
Leather Lined Loafers, £45.99, Zara