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Few shoes make as much sense with almost any outfit as a loafer. While the timeless, ivy-inspired look never goes out of style, it evolves season after season. Most recently, Gucci’s Horsebit Loafer, now over 70 years old, made a runway return in both a platform and classic form; Proenza Schouler paired classic black loafers with a handful of their runway looks, while Prada continues to iterate on the style in its runway collections. This season, we’re seeing chunky silhouettes and woven loafers stay in the mix. New arrivals include everything from modern classics like the Row’s tasseled loafer to nostalgic driving moccasins. Minimalist shapes crafted in luxurious leather also remain relevant. And pointy-toed, cream-colored, and heeled loafers are also making cameos.
The Best Loafers for Women, According to Vogue
- The Perfect Penny Loafer: The Row Cary leather loafers, $1,150
- The Under-$200 Score: Cos chunky leather loafers, $170
- The Chunky Cult Classic: Gucci Horsebit loafers, $1,150
- The Driving Loafer: Tod’s Gommino suede loafers, $695
- The Cool-Girl Loafer: Emme Parsons Danielle loafers, $525
- The Minimalist Loafer: Khaite Alessio loafer, $1,250
- The Super Shiny Loafer: Le Monde Beryl soft patent leather loafer, $609
- The Heeled Loafer: Toteme croco block heel loafer pumps, $680
- The Woven Loafer: Marni woven leather loafers, $875
- The Two-Toned Loafer: G.H. Bass Whitney Weejuns loafer, $175
Staples like Gucci’s iconic horse-bit loafers, Saint Laurent’s perfectly polished Penny loafers, or Tod’s sophisticated Italian-crafted flats are wardrobe essentials that stand the test of time. But more modern iterations won’t feel like a hasty indulgence—no matter your chosen loafer, virtually every design in our edit is sure to last for years in your shoe closet. So, whether you’re seeking a bold statement or a more classic approach, Vogue’s edit of the best loafers for women, from contemporary designs to enduring classics, has you covered.
Penny Loafers
Defined by the horizontal strap, or “saddle,” across the instep, Penny loafers are iconic in brown or black, leather or suede, heeled or flat. Options are truly endless, from Saint Laurent’s simple black silhouette to The Row’s sleek version and Church’s timeless iteration.
Minimal Loafers
If you’re drawn to pared-back styles, or you’re newly venturing into the world of loafers, a minimalist design is a perfect option. Choose Khaite’s ultra-sleek smoking slipper style with a glossy finish, or take the look a step further with Emme Parsons’ black croc-embossed style. High-street heroes include those from Zara to Dolce Vita.
Woven Loafers
Woven and raffia loafers are having a moment this summer, with forward-thinking brands like Marni, The Row, and Bottega all putting their spin on the seasonal style.
White Loafers
White is always a classic option for summer heat, and the loafer is no exception. Repetto and Toteme made contemporary versions of the style, while Tod’s and Gucci reworked their classics in fresh white.
Mary Jane Loafers
Reach for the Mary Jane loafer when you want classic with a twist. Fashion’s continued appetite for nostalgic silhouettes has emerged in this refreshing hybrid form. Bottega Veneta offers a timeless iteration with a rebellious undertone, while Hereu and G.H. Bass incorporate woven details for a lighter, transitional take.
Heeled Loafers
Polished workwear and a heeled loafer are a natural fit, whether your preferred silhouette is a walkable one to two-inch block heel or a soaring four-inch design. Chloe and Miu Miu always take the cake for their classic yet preppy iterations, while Bottega and Toteme are creating modern versions of this retro style.
Two Tone Loafers
For low-key polish, a two-toned loafer is a welcome hybrid between classic and trendy. Designer brands like Miu Miu, The Attico and Gucci are offering their take on the tried and true style, while G.H. Bass continues to offer a consistent classic.
Backless Loafers
It’s hard to beat the ease of a slip-on shoe. That’s where backless loafers come into play—they’re ultra-comfy, not to mention effortless looking with skirts, dresses, and cropped jeans. Go the timeless route with Gucci’s horse-bit style or bolder with Bottega Veneta’s glossy Monsieur slip-ons, or take a modern approach with Our Legacy’s iteration.
Pointy Loafers
For a more fashion-forward take on the loafer, go for a pointed look. Proenza Schouler, Jil Sander, Toteme, and Khaite all have (couldn’t resist!) on-point options this season with and without a cute kitten heel.
Chunky-Sole Loafers
From lug soles to platforms, weighty loafers are undoubtedly one of the season’s most coveted takes on the classic shoe, especially when styled with socks (and a mini or shorts) in the summer. Gucci’s lug-soles are cult-loved season after season, while Proenza Schouler’s is a current trending style.