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Comfortable and practical, the best loafers for women are undoubtedly the quintessential fall shoe. The closed-toe silhouette, often crafted from buttery-soft leathers and soft suedes, has stood the test of time, making an elegant pairing with cuffed denim and bohemian dresses alike.
When it comes to honing in on the right pair to invest in, material matters. As an editor, I put a lot of mileage on my footwear, for testing it and just for the sake of getting around the city as quickly as possible, and I’ve found loafers crafted from leather and suede last the longest. (Not to mention the lovely patina and delicate creasing that develop over time.) As for sizing, loafers should feel snug out of the box, as leather and suede will stretch with consistent wear, molding to the shape of your foot for a custom fit. Heel height comes down to preference—a flat pairs well with trousers or an evening slip, whereas a low, stacked heel or even a lug sole will be better suited for long commutes in unpredictable weather.
Unlike the in-then-out trends that have permeated womenswear, the loafer is a classic style you can enjoy this season and the next. Below, our edit of the15 best loafers for women to shop right now.
I’ve had my pair of Nono moccasins for nearly two years, and they still look just as sharp as they did when I first unboxed them. The square toe and mini stacked heel give them a timeless quality, while the golden emblem instantly makes even the most basic jean and T-shirt combo look extremely elegant.
Sizes: 4-11.5
Materials: Leather, metal hardware
Gucci’s iconic horsebit loafer is still a cut above the rest. Crafted from supple calfskin leather, it features an almond toe and slight heel to subtly elongate the calf. These versatile shoes look just as good with a pair of pleated trousers as they do with cut-off denim.
Sizes: 6-11
Materials: Leather, metal hardware
White shoes can be intimidating to wear, especially if you live in a city, but these ruched loafers from J.Crew make a strong case for getting out of your comfort zone. Pair them with a monochromatic black for a contrast that pops.
Sizes: 5-12
Material: Leather
If you’re looking for a no-frills, classic penny loafer, look no further than G.H.Bass. The brand’s best-selling Whitney loafer, featuring moc stitching along an almond toe, is primed for smart looks.
Sizes: 5-11
Material: Leather
Hereu’s Nombela warm brown loafers feature a woven texture that feels unique yet versatile, perfect to wear with a rotation of fall-ready looks.
Sizes: 5-11
Material: Leather
Everlane’s minimalist spin on the classic style is the palate cleanse your wardrobe has been missing.
Sizes: 5-11
Material: Leather
When the rain turns to city slush, you’ll be happy you have a pair of sharp lug-sole loafers to trek across the city in style.
Sizes: 5-11
Material: Leather
Not ready to give up sheer footwear now that it’s fall? You don’t have to. Khaite’s Alessio loafers feature an extended tongue and reinforced heel to make sure your feet are comfortably covered when you decide to show some skin.
Sizes: 6-11
Materials: Mesh, leather
Leave it to the Row to create an extremely chic slipper we’d never want to slip out of.
Sizes: 6-9.5
Material: Suede
Roger Vivier Viv' Rangers Loafers
With shiny patent leather uppers and the brand’s trademark engraved buckle, these loafers hit the sweet spot between timeless and edgy.
Sizes: 4-12
Materials: Leather, metal hardware
Bally’s Pathy loafers have the detailing of a boat shoe but the elegance of a ballet flat. In other words, they’re perfect.
Sizes: 5-12
Materials: Leather, metal hardware
Looking for a little more height? Proenza’s loafer/pump hybrid features a round toe and two-inch heel for when you need to step up your game.
Sizes: 5-12
Materials: Leather, metal hardware
Chocolate suede? Check. Gold hardware and a chic, boxy silhouette? Check and check. These loafers have it all.
Sizes: 6-11
Materials: Suede, metal hardware
Prada’s chunky loafer looks sleek, not bulky, thanks to a chic almond toe and stacked heel.
Sizes: 5-11
Materials: Leather, metal hardware
Tory Burch Perry Loafer Flats
Pair these Tory Burch two-tone loafers with a trench coat, jeans, and slouchy leather bag and consider your fall uniform unlocked.
Sizes: 5-12
Materials: Leather, metal hardware
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