From Instagram to the front rows of London Fashion Week, there's one shoe that is dominating the chat in 2025: loafers. They're something of a perennial - and it's certainly true they major in Back To School Energy, with their new leather smell and slightly stiff edges that need to be worn in - but this year, more than ever, they're set to be the footwear of the season.
Of course, it has to be said that this is a shoe which never dates, never looks out of fashion and is always a good idea for cooler climes. But last year's chunky, maximalist styles have been replaced by their more elegant cousin: the penny loafer.
In a return to fashion's new preoccupation with quiet luxury, this new streamlined style of loafers has been enjoying its moment in the sun (not literally, the weather has been terrible). Hailey Bieber has been rotating four pairs of loafers - her favourite brand is undoubtedly The Row - with everything from sand-coloured slacks to baggy jeans to leather sports jackets.
At LFW, meanwhile, fashion editors paired their loafers with white ankle socks or something chunkier in grey wool for a preppy take on the trend. Suede loafers with scrunched detailing on the upper have been flying off the shelves, but you can still bag delicious versions with a buttery-soft feel at Aeyde, M&S and Zara.
Such is the beauty of loafers, you really can wear them with anything. So, where to find the best?
Gucci's Horsebit loafers, of course, are for the classicists among us. Gigi Hadid is also a fan of G.H.Bass, which is really the authority on loafers. With a slightly more affordable price tag, Everlane has a number of chic styles, as does Zara, COS and & Other Stories.
In terms of colour, black is always a good idea. But there are some tonal shifts for the new season, ushering in shades of brown and beige, which suddenly look more appealing than ever with spring weather, hopefully, on the horizon.
Shop: The Best Loafers for Women 2025
www.marksandspencer.com
Wear these like Hailey Bieber, with white ankle socks, sand-coloured slacks and a trench. That's your new-season uniform sorted.
www.gucci.com
A classic for a reason, these loafers will always be in style. They also go with everything you own, so that's a bonus.
www.vagabond.com
Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner have all worn Vagabond's loafers. This classic black pair will put a spring in your step this season.
www.ghbass-eu.com
The last word in loafers, G.H. Bass has a pair for (literally) everyone. Spotted on Gigi Hadid, the label has a range of styles and colours to suit every style. You won't put a foot wrong, however, with its OG, the Weejuns Penny Loafer.
www.boden.co.uk
With their square toe and gold hardware, these loafers look far more expensive than they are. Available in four colours, the black will prove particularly versatile.
www.aeyde.com
Suede is having its moment this season. Aeyde's Alfie Suede Loafers are the perfect way to tap into the trend, with a timeless quality that means they'll be a favourite for years to come.
www.wolfandbadger.com
For a twist on classic loafers, look to Mafalda's chunky take on the shoe. Try with light denim washes and oversized knits for a modern update on the '90s.
8.
H&M Loafers
www2.hm.com
You won't believe these loafers cost less than £30; style with oversized knits and leather skirts.
www.everlane.com
An ideal everyday loafer, these are available in black, camel or rum.
www.net-a-porter.com
Tod's loafers are so buttery soft, you won't want to take them off (Princess Diana was a fan).
www.cos.com
COS's loafer has a chunkier heel than most, which is perfect if you like your footwear to give you a boost in the height department.
www.russellandbromley.co.uk
Russell & Bromley's patent loafer comes with fringe and a snaffle detail.
www.zara.com
Zara's chocolate brown suede loafers are just one of the many iterations on the high street this season but, with a slightly more masculine fit on the foot and a price tag that clocks in at just under £60, they're one of our favourites.
www.stories.com
Cow-print trainers have been trending this spring, but what about smartening up your act with cow-print loafers?
www.studionicholson.com
Studio Nicholson's loafer puts a twist on a classic with an elasticated heel for supreme comfort, plus they're made from velvet-soft nappa leather.
Hannah Banks-Walker is Grazia's head of fashion commerce. She has previously written for the likes of Harper's Bazaar, The Financial Times, Glamour, Stylist, The Telegraph, Red, i-D and The Pool on everything from fashion to curly hair (hi!) to the patriarchy. Not necessarily in that order. Find her on Instagram and Twitter. But please don't look for her MySpace profile, which until now was the last time she wrote about herself in the third person.