The Versatile Flat Shoe Style That's Probably Missing From Your Wardrobe
If there’s one shoe style that will see you through from Monday through to Sunday, it’s backless loafers. When humble loafers were spliced at the hands of Gucci Creative Director Alessandro Michele circa 2015, among the agenda-setting collection were reworked slip-ons, lashed at the back and lined with a furry interior, thus creating the ultimate easy shoes known as backless loafers. Like the more uptight mannish originals but combining slipper-like comfort, they’re still smart enough to pair with your 9-to-5 uniform, from suits to midi skirts, but better yet, they’re the perfect pairings to those tricky in-between ankle lengths such as calf-length dresses and culottes—double win.
The best way to wear them on weekends is with ankle-grazing denim or simple dresses. Our only style rule is don't wear with tights—too likely to fly off your feet and also look a bit strange on your heels. Scroll down to see our edit; these styles are worth a touch of frostbite.
Style Notes: This season's knitted dress trend can be a tricky one to style, however Natasha Ndlovu makes it look easy with her favourite Gucci loafers and a smart backpack.
Style Notes: Backless loafers are the perfect way to smarten-up stonewash jeans and a statement knit.
Style Notes: We love this show-goer's twist on classic pieces: a shirt under a lacy slip and loafers with a fur trim. Genuis.
Shop Our Edit of The Best Backless Loafers
These will look amazing with a colour-contrast suit.
These have so many '60s vibes.
This green velvet pair will look so luxe with black trousers.
Up Next: Bye, Heels—I Went and Found the Best High-Street Flats for You
-
These 30 Incredibly Chic Picks From the Nordstrom Winter Sale Scream Cool Girl
Time to up your fashion game.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
I'm High-Key Obsessed—Nordstrom Has the Best Basics, and They're on Sale
Top-tier basics ahead.
By Chichi Offor
-
Brace Yourself: 2025's Most Divisive Shoe Trend Has Arrived
You'll either love it or hate it.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
In 2026, Fashion People in Paris and NYC Will Still Be Wearing This High-Net-Worth Shoe Trend
Timeless.
By Eliza Huber
-
I Don't Do Maximalism—6 Quiet Luxury Trends That Are Still Cool in 2025
On-trend, not trendy.
By Natalie Cantell
-
The Arrival of These 6 New Flat-Shoe Trends Could Be the Death of Heels
RIP.
By Natalie Cantell
-
Found: The It-Girl Commuter Shoes You'll See Everywhere in 2025
From the office to Pilates, they're the new must-have.
By Michelle Scanga
-
Kylie Jenner Knows That Wearing This Rich Denim Trend With This Pretty Loafer Trend Is the Move
Follow suit.
By Allyson Payer