Humaa Hussain
Loafers are one of those consistently praised fashion items that year after year are praised for their stylish and comfortable nature, but never before have they been quite so covetable as they are now.
This is due to the fact that designers are paying just as much attention to this shoe style as they do the rest of their footwear collections, with fashion people lapping up the results. With their classic design and elevated appeal, loafers hit the flat-shoe sweet spot that ballet flats and trainers simply miss. They’re timeless and versatile, so it’s little wonder that they’re fast becoming one of the soundest sartorial investments any of us can make.
Like so many others, I can track my obsession with designer loafers back to 2014, when Gucci’s now-iconic Jordaan and Brixton loafers amassed what can only be described as a dedicated cult following. From fashion week to work to even wedding days, style devotees wore Gucci loafers anywhere and everywhere, and they've remained high on the It-buy agenda for years. Now, as many of us have shifted our sartorial sensibilities towards comfort, other designers have been keen to cut themselves a slice of the loafer action.
We’ve seen loafers become increasingly prevalent on the runways, with everyone from Chanel to Prada and Saint Laurent to Miu Miu showcasing modern iterations of the classic shoe. From bold styles with gold metal hardware shaped into their respective logos to monogrammed leather, mock croc and patent finishes and tassel adornments; there's a designer loafer to suit every outfit and aesthetic. So, where do you start when contemplating such an important purchase? Well, right here.
Below, I, and my fellow Who What Wear editors, have bought together the best designer loafers, including the styles currently trending amongst those in the know—we're looking at you, Saint Laurent Le Loafer and Miu Miu Bleached Leather Loafers. Scroll on to find your perfect pair, and prepare to wear them forever.
1. SAINT LAURENT LE LOAFER
Style Notes: Saint Laurent's Le Loafer is the definition of understated luxury, featuring a sleek, minimal silhouette with a subtle yet iconic Cassandre emblem. Crafted from supple leather or rich suede, the loafers come in classic shades like black, chocolate brown and pearl, making them endlessly versatile. Whether you're pairing yours with tailored pieces for a polished look or denim for that effortless vibe, these timeless loafers are a solid choice.
Shop Saint Laurent Le Loafer:
A classic black loafer featuring a sleek design with the iconic Cassandre emblem, perfect for both formal and casual wear.
The warm cognac suede brings a touch of classic charm.
This delicate white shade will add subtle sophistication to any ensemble.
Crafted from rich dark-chocolate suede, this colourway offers a luxurious texture and a versatile hue for everyday elegance.
2. MIU MIU BLEACHED LOAFERS
Style Notes: Miu Miu's Bleached Leather Loafers blend a vintage feel with a collegiate vibe, featuring a boat shoe-style design and a deliberate bleached effect. Crafted from supple calfskin, these loafers are adorned with a bow-accented apron and an embossed logo on the tongue, offering a fresh twist on a classic silhouette.
Shop Miu Miu Bleached Loafers:
Slip on these sienna-hued loafers with your summer dresses.
The bleached-leather effect offers a modern twist on classic black.
I love the relaxed look of these.
Trust Miu Miu to do something different.
3. GUCCI JORDAAN LOAFER
Style Notes: With its sleek shape, glossy leather and elevated horsebit clasp, Gucci’s Jordaan might have been the OG designer loafer, but don’t assume it’s over and done with—the style remains incredibly sought-after today.
Shop Gucci Loafers:
Embrace classic Italian craftsmanship with these sleek leather loafers, adorned with the iconic horsebit detail.
If logomania is your thing then these ones are for you.
I can think of so many ways to style these dark brown loafers.
Suede loafers instantly make an outfit look more expensive.
4. PRADA LOGO-PLAQUE LOAFER
Style Notes: A defining designer buy of the last few years, Prada loafers continue to be the loafer of choice for so many industry experts, complete with a stacked sole, iconic Prada plaque logo and instantly recognisable shine.
Shop Prada Logo Loafers:
These polished leather loafers feature a distinctive chunky sole, merging contemporary style with Prada's renowned quality.
The white ones are on my wish-list.
Wear with some light wash denim and a whit tee.
MORE DESIGNER LOAFERS OUR EDITORS RATE
Ayede has a more affordable designer pair.
I'm so drawn to the gold logo buckle on these.
A loafer that will never age.
The webbing detail on these makes them feel a little retro.
So chic.
The two-tone is such a classic.
Such a spring shoe.
The split toe loafers that fashion people love to hate.
I recently just added these to my collection and can very much recommend.
Another item to add to my wish list.
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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