Loafers are to autumn what basket bags are to summer – that is to say they are, in all their forms, seasonally appropriate. It's certainly true that they have 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 shoe 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 But last year's chunky, maximalist styles have been replaced by their more elegant cousin: the penny loafer.
Just in time for fashion's new preoccupation with quiet luxury, this new streamlined style of loafers has been enjoying its moment in the sun – quite literally. Throughout the summer, the likes of Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid have been showing off their loafers with everything from mini skirts to baggy jeans.
On the autumn/winter catwalks, meanwhile, Gucci styled trench coats and slouchy denim with brown suede loafers and Stella McCartney paired hers with tracksuits. Tod's added patent loafers to structured tailoring for a slightly more polished approach.
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; The Row's Adam loafers, meanwhile, have – like so many of the label's designs – reached cult status (Jenner's a fan) and Gigi Hadid just wore heritage label G.H.Bass, which is really the loafer authority. Looking for loafers to replace your party heels? Malone Soulier's velvet pair is nothing short of perfect.
With a slightly more affordable price tag, Everlane has a number of chic styles, as does Boden, 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, beige and cream which suddenly look more appealing than ever.
SHOP: The Best Loafers
www.marksandspencer.com
Wear these the Hailey Bieber way, with white ankle socks, a pleated skirt and oversized shirt. That's your new season uniform sorted.
www.vagabond.com
Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner have worn Vagabond's loafers. This patent pair, with its braided detail, feels fresh for the new season.
www.very.co.uk
No wonder this pair of loafers is currently one of Very's best-sellers – they're only £25 but super-chic thanks to the knot detail.
www.freepeople.com
The last word in loafers, G.H. Bass has a pair for (literally) everyone. Recently spotted on Gigi Hadid, the label has a range of styles and colours to suit every style. This croc pair is particularly great and will add a cool twist to shorter hemlines and oversized shirts.
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
They don't come more classic than this. Aeyde's new Oscar loafer is a reimagining of a 1960s silhouette; the brand found a 60-year-old last of unknown origin in the archives of its Italian factory et voila: timeless loafers for a new generation.
www.mytheresa.com
Loved by supermodels, these loafers are the epitome of quiet luxury. They're certainly an investment but will last forever – especially if you have a good cobbler on speed dial.
www2.hm.com
You won't believe these loafers cost less than £20 – style with oversized knits and leather skirts.
An ideal everyday loafer, these are available in black or this camel shade.
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.farfetch.com
If you're looking for loafers that will serve as party shoes, this velvet pair is unrivalled. Team with everything from wide leg trousers to mini dresses and oversized blazers.
www.zara.com
Try these with cropped tailored trousers and a crisp white shirt. They may be under £30 but they certainly look more expensive.
www.tods.com
Tod's loafers are so buttery soft, you won't want to take them off. There are five colours available in this particular style but the beige feels very autumn 2023.
www.stories.com
If you want a slight twist on classic loafers, a square toe will give you just that. Try these with your favourite jeans.
If you want all the drama of a pointed flat with the ease of a loafer, Khaite's leather pair is the answer to your prayers. Wear with midi dresses, jeans or even pencil skirts – they'll make any outfit look even better.
www.cos.com
These are so good, they've already sold out once before. If your size isn't currently in stock, sign up for notifications so you can snap them up as soon as they're back.
www.prada.com
What's better than a classic black pair of loafers? A pair bearing Prada's logo, that's what. If you really want to be part of Miuccia's gang, wear yours with long socks.
www.toa.st
If you're still wedded to a chunkier style of loafer, Toast's pair is perfect. Comfy and hard-wearing, these are ideal for everyday use, especially if you're pounding the pavements.