Vogue’s Definitive Guide To The Best Loafers To Invest In Now
Whether worn with jeans or skirts, tailored trousers or dresses, the best loafers are those that refuse to clock off; a wardrobe fixture that looks as good in January as it does in July.
Plenty of houses gave the silhouette a sun-kissed spin this summer – Loewe went primary-coloured and tasseled while Dior turned regal with a chisel-toe front, two-tone body and gold hardware – but September is when it really comes into its own. It’s that preppy, back-to-school sensibility built into the loafer’s DNA that just feels right when the air turns crisp and your knitwear drawer suddenly seems much more inviting – it’s no wonder they were a staple in the autumn/winter collections, too.
Vogue’s pick of the best loafers
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Michael Rider’s third outing for Celine continued his loafer love affair: this time, a collapsible-heel version, paired with tailored trousers, knitwear and tailoring – the kind of look you’d spot strolling the Left Bank come autumn. Miuccia Prada also kept things fairly classic with a borrowed-from-the-boys mood at Miu Miu that can handle commutes and cocktail hours alike.
Other brands took a dressier approach. At Bottega Veneta, bright tasselled loafers walked the runway, while Chanel’s came heeled and embellished with a gold double C monogram. Givenchy, meanwhile, balanced a tough, no-nonsense silhouette with sophisticated metal hardware. So, though the classic, minimal loafer will always have the edge, it seems statement designs could become an elevated alternative to heels this party season, too.
Gucci is the case study for how impactful loafers can be for the success of luxury houses. The horsebit loafer was introduced in 1953 after the son of the brand’s founder, Guccio Gucci, was inspired by the moccasin silhouettes that he noticed in New York. Although creative directors have taken the loafer in many directions, with towering platforms, prints and furry linings, Gucci’s Jordaan (£810) shows that sometimes you can’t beat a classic.
Probably the best feature about loafers, however, is the fact you can wear them with anything. Shows aside, a scroll of your FYP will show you countless ways to style them. You could follow Kendall Jenner’s lead with straight-leg jeans and a big overcoat or try a mini slip dress and oversized bomber à la Hailey Bieber. That’s before you get to shorts, tailored trousers, miniskirts, maxi skirts – to put it simply, they’re almost always a safe choice.
So, if you only have capacity for one pair of shoes for a long weekend away, regardless of the time of year, loafers are a no-brainer. Our top choice? A scrunched-leather loafer that’s comfortable enough to withstand 20,000 steps yet adequately sophisticated to handle everything from cocktail hour to a reservation in a restaurant with a dress code. That means you can forget the extra shoe bag and lean into a simpler way of life for 48 hours, instead.
Best loafers for 2026:
Below, we bring you the best loafers to buy for 2026, from classic penny loafers to suede finishes to slipper-like driving shoes. While loafers are big business for the likes of Saint Laurent, Tod’s and Gucci, you can also find beautifully conceived versions on the high street, too. Our edit includes styles from the likes of M&S, Cos and Dune, perfect for those who want to spend under £150.
Penny loafers
Nothing beats the polish of a penny loafer. G.H. Bass’s Weejuns, the world’s first penny loafer, remain a street-style staple, but nowadays you can get excellent alternatives on the high street, too – Duke + Dexter’s Wilde is a current fashion insider favourite. Whether you prefer glossy patent leather or a more classic, pared-back finish, this is the one loafer that will truly last a lifetime.
Designer loafers
From Gucci’s iconic horsebit to classic leather styles from Saint Laurent or Celine, look to the heritage houses for the most timeless takes. Expect premium materials, impeccable craftsmanship and silhouettes that will never date.
A trend for the past few years, suede has moved from seasonal novelty to staple wardrobe texture. “Colour-wise, toffee, chestnut and neutral tones have been particularly popular, given the depth and richness that these shades can bring to a suede texture,” mused Vogue’s Alice Cary. Spread across a loafer silhouette, its warm, velvety finish will bring depth to your outfits all year round.
Best high-street loafers
The perfect pair need not cost a small fortune. High-street brands like Vagabond, Cos and Massimo Dutti all feature sleek silhouettes in quality finishes and trend-led designs at accessible prices. Think of them as the ideal entry-point into your loafer wardrobe.
The seafaring classic went from practical staple to high-fashion must-have when Miuccia Prada put boat shoes on Miu Miu’s spring/summer 2024 runway, recasting them for the dishevelled, modern-day prepster – and the momentum’s still going this season. When it comes to styling, dial down the nautical energy and style them as you would a classic pair of loafers.
Tassel loafers
From the sleek iterations courtesy of Church’s, the heritage shoemaker now owned by Prada, to a minimalist version from Vagabond, this season’s tassel loafers will help you put a subtly-dressed foot forward. And if you do want to up the statement factor, adding an embellished sock into the equation makes the perfect finishing touch.
The past few years have marked a shift toward a softer, more fluid approach to loafers. As Alice Cary wrote previously: “Rid of the sharp-edged hallmarks of a traditional style, soft loafers – as their name suggests – take on a supple silhouette. With no ‘breaking-in’ period (and no emergency Compeed required), they’re the definition of slip-on-and-go ease, with some even incorporating a fold-down heel that allows for two-way wear”.
Embellished loafers
In the late 2010s, during Alessandro Michele’s Gucci era, embellished loafers were worn by every street styler. The classic horsebit was reimagined with pearls, metallic studs, eyelets, embroidery, and the renowned furry lining. For 2026, decorative loafers are back in force, with standout iterations from AllSaints and Roger Vivier topping our wishlists.
Prada’s Monolith loafer, instantly recognisable by its lug sole, brushed leather, and enamelled triangle logo, set off a chunky-footwear frenzy in 2020. Today, platform loafers remain a favourite for those who prefer a little extra height, while still keeping things comfortably classic.
Ruched loafers
Continuing the soft-shoe renaissance, ruched loafers feature gathered detailing around the toe for a relaxed, tactile refresh. The trend spans both supple, slipper-inspired silhouettes and more structured, hard-soled styles, too.
A throwback to Tinseltown dressing, two-tone loafers are a playful way to elevate the everyday shoe. Their resurgence on the spring/summer 2026 runways, including at Jonathan Anderson’s debut for Dior, ensures the trend will carry well into next season.
