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Every Autumnal Wardrobe Needs A Good Pair Of Loafers
Whether you style yours with boyish tailoring or frilled-edge socks, the classic slip-on deserves a place in your wardrobe this season
There’s a lot of stuff out there, and not all fashion pieces are created equal. Luckily, the ELLE editors know their way around a shopping rail, and when it comes to helping you find those niche brands worth knowing to high-street hits of quality, and a few vintage treasures too, our ELLE Edits showcase the very best of the season
Once marred by bookish and, dare we say, boring connotations, the loafer has had somewhat of a rebrand in recent years. Now, this sturdy slip-on has become a truly trending shoe, assimilating itself into wardrobes across the sartorial spectrum, from those stuffed with librarian-chic classics to others frothing with tulle and taffeta.
Whatever your personal style may lean towards, it’s safe to say a loafer will slot straight into your regular rotation. Of course, you can wear a pair with a cashmere jumper and jeans, but this season, don’t stop at the staples: a glossy black slip-on works just as well with a neat pencil skirt, or even a knitted midi dress. Slip on a white sock and team with bare legs to emulate Jenna Ortega’s masterful modern-goth aesthetic, or do as Hailey Bieber so often does and team yours with washed-out jeans and an equally faded leather jacket (yes, those are big this season too).
Traditionalists will know that, when it comes to the most time-honoured loafers, G.H. Bass & Co.'s signature Weejuns remain unmatched. For something more youthful and fashion-forward, Prada of course owns the floor – but look beyond the blockbuster brands this season and you’ll find other worthy contenders. Cos is brilliant for clunky, chunky designs that’ll speak to the minimalist dresser, while Reformation has created a pair so good, everyone from Katie Holmes to Gigi Hadid has a pair.
Ready to invest? Here are the styles that impress not only in aesthetic, but in quality too: after all, a great pair of shoes should last you more than one season.
The Best Loafers Of AW24
Spotted on the feet of countless editors and influencers in the know, Aeyde's loafers are this season's investment buy. The glossy, patent finish adds instant polish to denim, and complements tailoring just as well.
A classic for a reason, G.H. Bass' penny loafers lend a vintage feel to any look. The craftsmanship here is unmatched: with hand-stitched seams and leather designed to mould to the shape of your foot, you're sure to be calling on them for years to come.
The shoe of the year in the shade of the season: Mango has nailed it with this slimline penny loafer in rich burgundy leather. Best worn with grey cashmere socks, scrunched softly around your ankles.
For a classic shoe with a rebellious edge, look no further than Maison Margiela's iconic Tabi loafers. Inspired by the 15th century tabi sock, designed to be worn with thong shoes, the split-toe design has been an integral part of the Margiela brand since 1989, when the designer first sent them down the runway.
Anyone hoping to emulate Saint Laurent's 1970s banker look needs a good pair of black loafers. These ones are glossed for a supple, shiny finish, and finished with that iconic Cassandre logo plaque.
For something soft and supremely comfortable, turn to Cos this season. These almond-shaped loafers are made fully from leather, with gentle crimping around the toe that nods lightly to traditional craft.
Gucci has been crafting note-perfect loafers since the 1950s, so its safe to call this pair a true classic. With pared-back stitching and a signature Horsebit across the front, they're a quiet-luxury mainstay that'll work with everything from trousers to tiny skirts.
Worn by Jenna Ortega throughout her headline role as Wednesday Addams, Prada's Monolith loafers have become somewhat of a cornerstone of the modern goth wardrobe. They're perfect for adding instant edge to everything from sleek tailoring, languid black dresses and, Addam's signature piece, the sharp white shirt.
Singaporean brand Charles & Keith might be best known for its mastery of the microtrends, but these black loafers are as classic as they come. A true wear-with-everything pair.
For something that looks slightly chunkier around the toe, turn to Arket. This all-leather pair is simply finished with a penny-slot strap, and looks especially good when paired with an optic-white sock.
Roberta Schroeder is the Senior Ecommerce Editor at Harper's Bazaar, ELLE and Esquire, overseeing shopping strategy and content across fashion, beauty, and travel. Roberta has reported on everything from market-leading skincare brands to the world’s most iconic fashion pieces, while also regularly updating a range of shopping guides, including LED masks, heritage cashmere brands and niche new dress brands to know.
Roberta has more than 15 years' experience in the luxury sector, spanning editorial consultancy, trend forecasting and journalism. Over the years, she has worked for global brands including Farfetch, Chanel, and Vogue.
When not testing beauty products, trialling trends and curating content that spotlights the very best in fashion and beauty, Roberta can usually be found trawling resale sites and vintage stores for a long-coveted designer find. Follow Roberta on Instagram at @roberta__schroeder
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