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11 Women's Loafers For The Perfect Balance of Polish and Comfort
They're Hailey Bieber's go-to summer shoes for a reason.
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Originally known as moccasins, loafers once felt reserved for a collegiate aesthetic, but Alessandro Michele's casual take on the design transformed the shoe's stuffy image into a fashion editor hit. Debuted as a shearling-lined, slip-on style at Gucci's Autumn/Winter 2015 show, the label's iconic 'Princetown' loafers continue to be a staple shoe in many fashionable women's wardrobes.
Most recently, Hailey Bieber has become a leading loafer fan, constantly donning them for off-duty moments, usually with a pair of white socks and a mini skirt. If you're more of a traditionalist, then G.H. Bass & Co.'s penny loafers should do the trick. The brand's signature style – the Weejuns – elevated the once casual shoe to a sophisticated foundation piece. Meanwhile, chunkier pairs like those from Prada are great for balancing out the proportions of an outfit, or adding a rebellious feel to more playful looks.
'While a great pair of jeans might be the obvious match for a loafer, I like using them to contrast the femininity of a voluminous dress,' says ELLE's senior luxury e-commerce editor Roberta Schroeder. 'A silk sock and chunky tread sole feels brilliantly jarring against frothy pieces by the likes of Simone Rocha and Molly Goddard.'
Loafers come in all shapes and sizes, with a style, colour and shape to suit any event or sensibility. From Saint Laurent to Maison Margiela, we've seen different forms of loafers all over the SS24 catwalks, plus, plenty of mid-range and high-street retailers have come up with their own offerings.
Whether you're looking for a classic or embellished loafer, a patent, backless or patterned style, we have rounded up the best ones out there to give your feet the boost they need when trekking to all this summers' social gatherings and events. Find below the ELLE UK team's favourite women's loafers from the likes of Sézane, Aeyde, and Bobbies.
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 exceptionally well.
A classic for a reason, G.H. Bass' penny loafers lend a vintage feel to any look. The rich, burgundy-hued leather taps into one of the colours of the season – cherry red – and enlivens grey tailoring without overpowering the look.
For a classic shoe with a rebellious edge, look no further than Maison Margiela's iconic Tabi loafers. Meticulously handmade in Italy, the signature split-toe design holds a special place in fashion history.
If penny loafers read too traditional for you, try Bobbies' on-trend leopard-print pair. A go-to brand for Parisians in the know, the French label has fully embraced animal print in its SS24 collection.
If you're looking for glossy loafers with a subtle nod to their designer heritage, look no further than Saint Laurent's pair that's embellished with the brand's Cassandre plaque.
You can't go wrong with OG loafer makers Gucci. The Brixton style features a smooth, rounded toe and the brand's signature gold-tone horsebit embellishment. Wear yours with denim, tailoring, and skirts alike.
Metallic shoes are very on-trend for SS24, and Maje's champagne-hued loafers are the perfect in-between silver and gold. Style yours with cream-coloured layers for a gilded detail.
Gant puts an unexpected twist on classic loafers with a raw, scalloped edge along the tongue and a gathered toe for added texture. Lean into the rebellious feel with loose-fit jeans and a white tank top.
Sézane's two-tone pair is a must-have for fans of French-girl style. It combines the classic, penny loafer style with a playful, cream-coloured vamp and navy-blue upper. Pair with a tonal look.
These patent Prada loafers were viral for a reason – the chunky soles and visible logo set them apart from the rest. The perfect pairing for a statement sole? Frothy, feminine layers.
These COS leather loafers are sure to be a wardrobe staple. Departing from ubiquitous black, the off-white hue is a fresh take on the classic style that goes with almost anything.
Charles & Keith delivers a casual take on the penny loafer with a slip-on, open-back design. Wear yours with a contrasting white outfit, or allow longline jeans to gently graze the heel for a laid-back look.
Kara Kia is Hearst UK’s Fashion and Beauty Ecommerce Editor, working across ELLE, Red, Harper’s Bazaar, Good Housekeeping, and Esquire to create shopping content, style advice, and beauty reviews on skincare, makeup, and curly hair. Kara’s most popular guides include ‘Affordable Jewellery Brands to Know’, ‘The Best Lingerie Brands’, and ‘How to Build a Holiday Capsule Wardrobe’, while she also covers deals events such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. Since starting her career as a journalist in 2018, she has held the role of Fashion Content Editor at NET-A-PORTER’s Porter Magazine, Associate Editor at PopSugar, and written for Refinery29 and LOVE Magazine, where she reported on fashion and beauty news, trends, and features. An experienced interviewer, Kara has spoken to Zendaya, Alicia Keys, Simone Biles, and Tyla about life, work, and style. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Kara lived in Toronto, Canada before moving to London.
Follow Kara on Instagram at @kara.kia
Daisy Murray is the Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, spotlighting emerging designers, sustainable shopping, and celebrity style. Since joining in 2016 as an editorial intern, Daisy has run the gamut of fashion journalism - interviewing Molly Goddard backstage at London Fashion Week, investigating the power of androgynous dressing and celebrating the joys of vintage shopping.
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