Classy Dressers in London and Paris Rely on This Classic Flat Shoe Whenever They're Bored of Their Trainers
If the last few years have been good for anything, it's the prolific rise of the flat shoe. Although we have plenty of excuses to enjoy impractical shoes, heels just don't seem to have the same hold on our wardrobes as they once did.
From Mary Janes to ballet flats, Birkenstocks to trainers, it seems like every month a new flat shoe is rising to the top of the trend charts. But there's one timeless style that constantly sits at the top of all our editors' wish lists, and that's loafers.
With their classic charm and minimalist versatility, loafers, from the original Gucci Horsebit Loafer to the more modern, chunky-sole versions from Prada, are still an undeniably appealing addition to our wardrobe. If you choose (wisely) to invest in a luxury pair, you can be sure the cost-per-wear will tick down steadily over the many years you own them. But there are also some excellent, more affordable, iterations on the high street now too. Just be sure to opt for real leather and they'll age gracefully alongside you.
Keep scrolling, and you'll not only find a thorough (trust us, we've scrolled through them all) list of the best loafers out there for 2025, but also some chic loafer outfits to inspire you for the season as well. You're welcome!
Classic Loafer Outfit Ideas:
Okay, I'm adding this look to my outfit inspo pile ASAP.
Loafers with socks softens up the tailored look.
Bare ankles with loafers and jeans is such a chic, French-girl approved way to wear them.
Every fashion girl owns a pair of loafers. They look especially stylish paired with a trench coat in winter.
This is a masterclass in using loafers for a modern tailored look.
Shop The Best Loafers:
These loafers are peak quiet luxury. The slim-fit, horsebit-detailed loafers are recognisable worldwide as a cult shoe.
These also come in brown suede so you're guaranteed to find the right style for you.
Prada loafers are notoriously difficult to get hold of, so grab them while you can.
I can't get this on-trend pair out of my mind.
Penny loafers are so charming. Crafted from good-quality leather, these will last seasons beyond.
Gucci's preppy iteration has been a popular choice since the '50s.
Russell and Bromley should be your go-to if you're looking for good-quality loafers that don't boast a high-end price tag.
Emily Dawes is an editor, stylist and writer with over 12 years in the industry. Known for impeccable taste, our readers trust her advice, especially in her top-selling column, expensive-looking high street buys. Working for Who What Wear UK since 2020, Emily has been a contributing editor, branded content editor and affiliate editor. Now, as senior shopping editor, she leads the e-commerce content strategy. After obtaining a BA in English and American Studies from Nottingham University, Emily interned at The Mail on Sunday’s YOU. As the magazine’s fashion editor, she managed the fashion team and travelled the globe to style and direct fashion editorials and celebrity cover shoots. As a freelancer, she styled Grazia cover shoots, developed brand marketing and content plans and worked with VIP clients including Elizabeth Day.
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