Ballet flats and slingback might be the hottest new trends in footwear, but you just can’t beat a good loafer. There’s a reason all of fashion’s biggest designers keep coming up with new takes on loafers every fall season. From designer statement pieces to more inventive hybrid silhouettes, there’s a reason this preppy classic is as cool and chic as ever.
Stuart Weitzman’s Palmer loafer is somewhere in between a seriously splurge-y investment piece and an entry-level loafer, making it perfect for someone who wants to take their loafer game up a little bit. The cheetah suede version is great, too. Freda Salvador’s shoes look like jewelry with their sleek gold bar, and you can add height with a chunky lug sole like these LAST loafers.
You don’t have to spend serious money to get a legacy loafer. G.H. Bass makes one of the most classic loafers in fashion, and they rarely come in over $180. Their Penny Loafers come in a rich maroon color or basic black. If you’re looking for something beyond the basics, I love their black penny loafer with a red heart detail.
Are you ready for more of a maximalist moment? Maybe you already have your go-to black option and want something with a little more sartorial flair. Ganni’s loafers come with an exaggerated square heel and crystal embellishments, or what about their driving moccasins in leopard print calfskin? Aeyde’s sleek, two-tone shoes in black and white feels very of-the-moment in a classic way, like something the Row would do.
When it comes to designers, there’s no lack of options. A classic Gucci print loafer is a fun way of doing neutrals, or go for it with a flashy gold Valentino shoe. And of course, there is always a Prada loafer to splurge on because as one of my favorite fashion writers says, Prada is one of the great pleasures of being an adult woman.
Shop our fall loafers edit below:
All of our recommendations are curated by Susan & the In The Groove editorial team. In some, but not all cases, we receive a small commission for leading you to what, how and where to buy all this wonderful stuff.