A fresh crop of this fall’s best loafers
Ah loafers, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways… They’re timeless, comfortable, and add structure and polish to casual outfits. This fall’s loafer trends range from classic to funky, and there’s a great selection to suit just about any style.
Fall loafer trends
Loafers are my favorite footwear for that in-between season when sandals feel too summery, but it’s still too warm for boots. While you can’t go wrong with a straight-up classic like the Gucci Jordaan, why not opt for interesting finishes or details? I’ve spotted lots of cool options this season; here are a few of my picks:
Horsebit & link details
This style has been popular for years, and continues to get rave reviews for comfort and looks. The texture and finish takes this a notch above “basic,” but it won’t look dated in a year or three. (Several colors and finishes are available in this style.)
If you prefer something a little chunkier, here’s a croc textured pair. I have a prior season’s version of this style and can attest to the comfort. Runs true-to-size.
Animal prints
A little leopard print can go a long way. This style gets good reviews for comfort, and is also offered in three solid colors in pebbled leather.
Snakeprint is another fall trend that will have some staying power. These loafers will elevate just about any outfit! They’re also very well reviewed for comfort and looks.
Tassels & kiltie details
Here’s a classic tassel loafer with wingtip stitch details. They’re also available in cognac and green!
I was gifted a pair of these tassel patent loafers from Franco Sarto and was blown away by how comfortable they are! They run true-to-size and are available in four colors.
Square toe
I love the sleek, modern look of this square toe loafer, with an extended heel and subtle croc texture. Also available in black and ivory.
This style has a brass ring and enamel plaque detail, and is available in three colors.
Lug sole
If you are looking for comfort and traction, you might want to try something with a lug sole. This style is well-reviewed and available in 3 colors. (Reviewers say it runs 1/2 size large.)
The white lug soles give this style a sporty look, and they’re well-rated for comfort & support!
More fall loafers for women…
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Nice selections! Do you keep different pants lengths for flatter loafer outfits, or do you keep all your heels about the same size? I have longer pants for heeled boots and shoes but wonder if I would just wear loafers with skirts or shorter pants. I feel like I should look up outfits with loafers to get some inspiration.
Hi Karen, thanks! I don’t usually wear much of a heel these days, and for the most part, keep my pants about ankle length.
Very nice but you forgot the beautiful absolutely classic Bass Weejun loafers.
Love those too!
Beautiful collection of loafers, my absolute favorite shoes. I used to buy a pair of J Crew penny loafers every fall — and I’d wear the heck out of them all winter. Thanks for the inspiration — I’m esp keen on the square-toed versions. Very cool.
Tods!
Love the Sam Edelman loafers because they look very feminine and the footwear is very comfortable. I just have to decide between green, navy.
Wanted to share with you I had purchased a navy Pearl crossbody bag from Lo & Sons and matching wallet based on you recommendation. I am over the moon pleased with my purchase! The quality is wonderful, the compartments in both are perfect and the weight/comfort is excellent and really surprised me. I love the convertible strap which allows me to adjust to the exact length. And the addition of the bracelet handle which will allow me to transition from crossbody to clutch is so smart. I’m thinking I may have a 2nd bag in my future. It was so hard to choose between navy and camel…
That is a very difficult kind of shoe for me. They usually make me look like a man. And with flat feet…as I said…difficult.
Greetje
I love loafers!!! They are comfortable, versatile, and stylish. When I realized I could not wear heels any more in 2017, I focused on finding fun flats. Loafers became a staple in my wardrobe. I have six pairs of the Sam Edelman Lorraine loafers and a pair of the Gucci Jordaan loafers. I have a couple of pairs of the Sperry classic loafers I found at Nordstrom Rack. I have a pair of lug sole loafers from Vionic that are so comfortable and stylish. This weekend, I purchased a gorgeous pair of Frame Le Hammond loafers in a chestnut suede at Nordstrom. These are great for work and travel and I know I will get use well into my retirement years. I have purchased several shoes on your recommendations, and you advice has nevr been wrong. Great post!
Sadly, nothing in a slim or narrow width.
Hi Kate, here are several styles available in Narrow widths: https://bit.ly/3S0SdAf
Your loafers prompted a happy memory lane moment! My first trip overseas, at 15, to family in London and Paris, I had a navy & white theme going on, including navy patent loafers. (Size 10AA I’d decided was chic once I read that was Jackie O’s size.)
I’ll be 70 next birthday, and still fondly remember tromping around the Louvre in those shoes.
Plus ça change…
Love the Sam Edelman Horsebit and Vionic Sporty loafers.
Back in the day I wore penny loafers with thin socks, is that how loafers are to be worn during cold fall days and into winter now? I can’t imagine going sock-less in loafers. I really loved my penny loafers when I was young and later my leopard print loafers, I wish I still had them. My feet have changed sizes many times over my 65 years, am I the only one? I’ve gone from a 6 in high school to now an 8, I have sadness and loss for shoes of my past, lol. I am so silly I have a pair of red velvet heals I wore to a Christmas party about 20 years ago, I can’t bring myself to get rid of and I will never be able to wear them again. I hope due to getting older and foot surgery my feet are DONE getting bigger so that I can keep shoes I have now for the rest of my life. With all the problems in the world it’s silly but I love shoes.
The beauty of loafers is that you can wear them with socks or without. I tend to go without as our climate is mild, but would definitely add them on colder days.