Sorry, Heels—Celebrities Now Wear These Classic Flat Shoes All the Time

It may be too early to call it, but I feel confident that 2023 will be the year of the flat shoe. Already we have witnessed a phenomenal comeback for the oft-maligned ballet flats, Birkenstock's Boston Clogs continue to be a top-seller, and we're spotting more celebrities wearing loafers than ever before. Yes, there are plenty of occasions that call for a stacked platform or spindly stiletto, but on a day-to-day basis, our favourite high-profile people are reaching for the smart, comfortable, reliable slip-on shoe.
Some, like Dakota Johnson, are rarely seen in anything else, to the point where we'd like to imagine she has a separate wardrobe for all of the Gucci Horsebit Loafers to rest side-by-side in harmony. Others like to lean on the loafer's preppy vibe to compliment a shorter hemline, some use them as the perfect accompaniment to classic tailored looks, and there's no denying they are a solid choice in combination with many a different denim silhouette.
Keep scrolling to see more celebrities in loafers, and shop the best pairs for your own forever wardrobe.
Style Notes: Dakota Johnson's Gucci trousers, cropped tee and loafers look is nothing short of weekend outfit perfection.
Style Notes: Hailey Bieber's jeans, leather jacket and loafers combination is about at 2023 as it gets.
Style Notes: Madison Beer ups the prep-factor of her skirt suit with popsocks and shiny loafers.
Style Notes: Square-toe loafers are the microtrend to know about within this major footwear movement—Sophie Turner looks so great in hers with white jeans and matching brown knit.
Style Notes: A trouser suit with baggy proportions looks oh-so-cool with chunky loafers. Nicely played, Dua.
Style Notes: We love how the splits in Little Simz's printed trousers really accentuate her black socks and monochrome loafers—this is a look from 2021 that feels just as current today.
Style Notes: Dakota Johnson is usually wearing a pair of Gucci loafers, and we love how this dark-green style looks with her camel suit.
Style Notes: Amalie Gassmann gives her red skirt suit an edge with a pair of chunky black loafers.
Style Notes: Here we have another pair of loafers and socks on the red carpet—Leah Harvey wears her patent pair with a puff-sleeve black leather dress.
Style Notes: Haniq Best wears a classic autumn look, but it's her chain-detail loafers that we're really into.
Style Notes: There is a lot going on in Amelia Hamlin's outfit with all that volume, texture and colour. However, her black sturdy loafers really do ground the look.
Style Notes: Elsa Hosk swaps heels for a chunky pair of loafers to add an edge to her elegant white suit.
Style Notes: You can barely see the loafers under Bella Hadid's oversized trousers, but trust us they are there.
Style Notes: These classic brown Gucci loafers look amazing with the yellow and the feathers.
Shop Our Favourite Loafers
We all know Gucci is the epicentre of the loafer world.
For the loafer collectors out there, you need a square-toe style in your lives.
Although chunky soles are still popular, there's definitely a slight shift towards slimmer styles right now.
We're not only about black loafers—tan versions are great for spring/summer months.
Russell & Bromley have been creating their regular line-up of loafers for decades now, so you know they have been crafted to perfection.
Next up, the top trends of AW23.
Hannah Almassi is the Editor in Chief of Who What Wear UK. She joined in 2015 when she launched the UK sister site following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine as fashion news and features editor. With experience in print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 18 years of experience as a journalist, editor and content strategist. Her opinion has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com and she is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits.
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