If you grew up in the nineties, sightings of chunky loafers on the style pages and shop floors this season may have you harking back to your school uniform days. Yet like all things in fashion, they’ve come back around and are having a moment this autumn – and not just at the school gates. A great alternative to sneakers or boots for autumn, the loafer is back in many guises, with a flatform track sole, chunky hardware and in a range of leathers and colours.

Pair with sharp tailoring for an androgynous look or smarten up your denim with a pair of classic leather loafers and a white sock for a preppy feel. Track sole styles are being teamed with pretty maxi dresses for an unexpected twist or paired with stirrup leggings and sharp blazers for an 1980s nod.

However you style yours, the versatile loafer is a great wardrobe addition for this season. We round up a dozen of our favourites.

Alohas


Mask Gingerbread Loafers, £84
Mask Gingerbread Loafers, £84

Two-tone in warm autumnal hues – perfect for this season’s neutral luxe knits. Buy them.


Office


Suede Loafers, £45
Suede Loafers, £45

A classic buckled loafer at a high-street price – great with light denim for a feminine take. Buy them.


Penelope Chilvers


Tortoiseshell Loafers, £199
Tortoiseshell Loafers, £199

Beautifully crafted, these chunky tortoiseshell loafers would elevate any autumn outfit. Buy them.


Boden


Silver Loafers, £110
Silver Loafers, £110

Stay comfortable this party season with these fun, metallic loafers. Great for adding a little sparkle to a classic black trouser suit. Buy them.


M&S


Leather Croc Loafer, £55
Leather Croc Loafer, £55

The chunky black-on-black chain detail and croc leather make this pair from M&S look more luxe than their price tag. A fashion-forward style on a budget. Buy them.


Zara


Embellished Loafers, £49
Embellished Loafers, £49

A twist on the traditional snaffle hardware, this chainlink pair from Zara feel like an instant wardrobe classic that you will wear on repeat all season long. Buy them.


Massimo Dutti


Cream Loafers, £100
Cream Loafers, £100

This cappuccino-hue pair are just the thing to team with winter whites for a tonal look. Buy them.


Mango


Leather Loafer, £60
Leather Loafer, £60

A classic black loafer with gold snaffle detailing and chunky track sole; pair with this season’s check blazers and ribbed socks for a collegiate feel. Buy them.


& Other Stories


Tassel Loafer, £100
Tassel Loafer, £100

Fringing and tassels: this preppy pair from & Other Stories are just the right side of librarian chic to add a fashion twist to your new-season wardrobe. Buy them.


Russell & Bromley


Ringo Loafers, £275
Ringo Loafers, £275

A statement loafer from Russell & Bromley, with heavy link hardware and ribbed track sole – a fashion buy that will instantly update your print dresses with a punk edge. Buy them.


Bibilou


Zagreb Pink Loafers, £130
Zagreb Pink Loafers, £130

If you’re looking for a splash of colour, this bubble-gum pink pair from Spanish atelier Bibi Lou have an elegant almond toe and luxe gold hardware. Pretty, with a fashion twist. Buy them.


Dune London


White Loafer, £75
White Loafer, £75

Looking for something a bit different? This white pair from Dune are a great alternative to classic black and will pair perfectly now with light-wash denims, chinos and pleat skirts. Buy them.

By Lydia Mansi
October 2022