Sometimes a high-street brand hits the jackpot by creating a piece that captures the attention of both high-fashion and affordable shoppers alike. Cos had one such moment with its grey cashmere sweater earlier this year, which beat luxury competitors to claim the number five hottest-selling product spot in Lyst's Q4 index. This season, it's M&S that's responsible for creating one of the most sought-after pieces of the moment.
The viral piece fashion folk can't get enough of? A pair of brown suede loafers, naturally. This humble, no-fuss shoe has eschewed 'dupe' culture, extravagant detailing and trending colours for a classic style that's secured its spot as a capsule wardrobe hero.
Fabricated out of a deep chocolate suede with ruched detailing, M&S's design features a flat sole and subtle heel in the classic 'grandad' style that's become a favourite choice for celebrities including Hailey Bieber and Gigi Hadid. The loafer also comes in a lighter sand hue, as well as versatile black leather version for those that are opposed to a suede finish.
While the classic loafer retains an enduring appeal, desire for this specific style of footwear has seen a big uplift of late. Searches for the "brown loafer" style on M&S' website are up 98 per cent week on week, while "women's loafer" has seen a 300 per cent increase year on year. On the catwalks, Jil Sander, Loewe and Miu Miu solidified the loafer's longevity for spring/summer 2025, with the latter styling the footwear with preppy knee-high socks.
This transitional style will see you from season to season, pairing as seamlessly with a pair of straight-leg jeans in winter as it does with a skirt and knee-high socks in the summer months. We also have to give the style its flowers when it comes to comfort; the soft suede finish is unparalleled for office days spent on your feet.
"Loafers have been having a moment for a couple of seasons now, and the addition of suede to our existing range of leather, faux animal, and patent styles feels extra exciting, along with being a huge colour and fabric focus on the catwalk," says Lisa Illis, head of womenswear design at M&S.
Whatever it takes to create a viral piece in an oversaturated market, M&S seems to have cracked the code. The high-street brand has achieved a run of sell-0ut pieces from its own-brand collection as well as its recent collaborations with Sienna Miller and Bella Freud, redefining itself as an essential high street style haven for the modern woman.
Restocked today, the brown suede loafer is already selling through its sizes, so if you're hoping to get your hands on a pair the second time around, we recommend making haste.
