Trends come and go, but loafers? They remain a mainstay in every well-dressed woman’s wardrobe. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of a Gucci horsebit, the modern edge of a chunky Prada platform, or the effortless cool of a sleek, minimalist leather pair, the best loafers for women offer the perfect mix of style and substance.
Gone are the days when loafers were just for the office or your grandfathers shoe rack. This year, the loafer renaissance continues with bold colours, luxe textures and a healthy dose of attitude.
Think buttery-soft leathers, sculptural hardware, and soles sturdy enough to support you from morning meetings to late-night martinis.
The best part? Available in just about every material and style – kiltie, tassel, penny, driving, slipper or lug-sole – just to name a few, there’s a sartorial solution for every dress code from casual to cocktail.
If you still need convincing, then scroll down for the perfect pairs to shop, style and invest in, for a timeless wardrobe upgrade.
The Loafer Trends Dominating 2025
1. The Elevated Classic
Some styles never fade, and the classic penny loafer is one of them. In 2025, we’re seeing this heritage design reimagined in patent leathers, two-tone colourways, and subtle details that give it a contemporary twist. Brands like Tod’s and Church’s are keeping things refined, while G.H. Bass offers a lesson in elevated tradition with preppy perfection.
2. Coloured Coded
Given a collective shift away from the quiet luxury of it all, it’s no surprise that we’re starting to see a renewed embrace of colourful footwear from retail offerings to the runway. Think rich burgundy, chocolate brown, or bright pops of powder blue and two-tone styles – whatever your outfit, or mood, requires, it’s likely there’s a pair of loafers to match.
3. Textured & Embellished
If smooth leather feels too predictable, why not experiment with texture? Suede, velvet, and even woven raffia are making their mark, adding depth and a tactile quality to this timeless shoe. Expect brands like Miu Miu and Manolo Blahnik to push the envelope with intricate detailing, or seek out brands like Ganni, Mach & Mach and Toga Pulla for embellishments that elevate.
How to Style Women’s Loafers in 2025
From Fashion Week runways to city street style, there’s inspiration aplenty around right now. After all, the beauty of loafers lies in their versatility.
But if you’re still in need of a starting point, here’s how to make the best loafers for women work for every occasion:
- Workwear Whimsy: Pair a patent leather loafer with tailored trousers and an oversized top for a Prada-worthy power look that’s both comfortable and commanding.
- Weekend Ready: A low-line style or chunky sole silhouette with relaxed jeans, a suede jacket or cosy knit? Off-duty perfection.
- Evening Edge: Don’t sleep on loafers for after-hours – metallic finishes and luxe textures make them just as dressy as heels when paired with a little black dress or silky slip skirt.
- Contrast Cool: Beige suede with red socks, or classic black with a bold stocking? Rules need not apply to your preferred pairing – it’s all about having fun and bringing a dose of dopamine dressing to everyday attire.
Whether you love a textured type or are coveting a classic, we’ve rounded up the best loafers for women that are designed to turn heads and last seasons.
The Best Classic Loafers For Women
G.H. Bass Weejun Penny Loafers
$299 at The Iconic
Whether going for playful or polished, the Weejun penny loafers by G.H. Bass are firmly elevated to icon status for a reason. Not only do they offer superior comfort and durability with buttery soft leather and a cushioned insole, but the flexible leather sole and slip on design mean there’s no breaking-in necessary. And any less hoops to jump through before being able to add these classics to our weekly outfit rotation is a win in our eyes. Plus, available in myriad classic and contemporary colourways, there’s a Weejun penny for every mood. Just don’t take our word for it – scour the internet and you’re guaranteed to find a pair of these on any ‘top loafers for women’ article out there.
Colours: Black Leather, Wine Leather and White Leather & Black.
Materials: Leather
Key features:
- Slip on design
- Handsewn detailing
- Cushioned leather insole
- Anti-Slip rubber heel
- Penny loafer style
The Modern Loafer
$230 (usually $307) at Everlane
Frequently featured on the marie claire team’s most-wanted list, these Everlane loafers are a wardrobe staple with serious substance. The tapered toe and stitch detailing elevate an everyday look with its edgy, yet refined, silhouette. Worn with shimmery sheer stockings, you’ll be the talk of the room when you enter with a pair of these accessorising your little black dress. Or, for a contemporary, yet casual take, opt for an ankle-length relaxed jean and statement socks to turn your daily commute into a subtle sartorial statement. One of the best loafers for women, undoubtedly.
Colours: Black, Camel & Rum
Material: Leather
Key features:
- Fits true to size
- Foam-cushioned insole
- Made from sustainably sourced leather
- Stacked heel for superior comfort
- Slip-on style
Loraine Bit Loafer
$480 at Sam Edelman
Love the look of the iconic Gucci horsebit but not the price point? These Sam Edelman Loraine Bit loafers are the pair for you. Another one for the zero break in time club, your ankles will breathe a sigh of relief when slipping on a pair of these classics. Available in both a medium and wide fit, as well as a huge array of colourways and material finishes, the Loraine loafer can be as timeless, or trendy, as your wardrobe whims desire. We love the refined look of a Loraine with bare legs and a sculptural mini (ala Miuccia Prada’s recent take on undone femininity), or accessorising an office to after-hours look with a pair of cosy rib socks and a sleek midi skirt suit.
Colours: Black, Terazzo Brown, Modern Ivory Croco, Bright White, Cabernet Red, Soft Beige, Saddle, Baltic Navy, Cedarwood, plus over 30 more colourways.
Material: Leather, Velvet or Fabric.
Key features:
- Almond toe style
- Peta approved, cruelty free and ethically sourced lining
- Padded leather insole
- Slip-on style
Maleo Loafers
$289 at Bared Footwear
While these elegant loafers come in five different colours, mahogany brown has our hearts well and truly set on adding a pair to our year-round wardrobe rotation, stat! The classic penny strap and handstitched detailing are a contemporary twist on the traditional style, while the easy slip on design means they’re ready to go as soon as you are. Expertly engineered for foot support (because who doesn’t need a little extra these days?) the biomechanical footbed works overtime to make sure you’re feet aren’t, making them a go-to for anyone sick of stuffing their tote with an extra pair of shoes for the commute.
Colours: Mahogany Brown, Nutshell, Black, Oatmilk, Silver.
Materials: Leather
Key features:
- Customisable fit
- Orthotic friendly
- Leather Working Group certified
- 26mm heel
- Fully leather lined footbed
Zac Black Hi Shine Loafers
$219.95 at Tony Bianco
Another must-have for the penny loafer enthusiasts among us. These chic little numbers will add instant flair to any outfit, whatever your wardrobe looks like. With a muted patent finish, the Zac Black Hi Shine loafers for women work just as well with bootcut jeans as they do with tights and a dress. The black is, of course, guaranteed to be a hardworking wardrobe staple, but the variety of textural options are just as alluring. The only problem with these, is that once you try a pair, it’s impossible to stick to just one.
Colours: Black Hi Shine, Taupe Suede, Black Anguille, Espresso Suede, Choc Croc.
Material: Leather
Key features:
- True to size
- Round toe
- 2cm heel
- Open stitching
- Penny loafer style
The Best Designer Women’s Loafers
Women’s Jordaan Loafer
$1600 at Gucci
An accessory icon for a reason, the Gucci loafers are the ultimate sartorial symbol. Defined by the instantly recognisable house marker – the Gucci Horsebit – once you’ve added a pair of these to your wardrobe, it’s hard to find an excuse not to wear them. Crafted from super soft leather with a minimalist shape and light-gold toned hardware, the Jordaan loafer is made to last a lifetime with the proper care and treatment.
Colours: Black, Dark Brown, Brown, Black GG, Black Patent, Rosso Ancora.
Material: Leather
Key features:
- Leather lining
- Made in Italy
- 10mm flat heel
- Gold-toned horsebit hardware
Saint Laurent Penny Loafers
$1400 at Net-A-Porter
Another coveted classic with a twist, the Saint Laurent penny loafers are a versatile pick for when you’re looking to nail the smart-casual dress code with designer flair. Though the Saint Laurent silhouette might feel more modern than its sleeker stablemates with its chunkier sole, its refined-yet-relaxed simplicity will stand the sartorial test of time in every measure. A true investment piece that will pay -very fashionable – dividends.
Colours: Black, Black Eel.
Material: Leather.
Key features:
- True to size
- Penny loafer style
- Slip-on design
The Row Canal Loafers
$1665 at Mytheresa
Mention The Row and its likely you’ll hear of the brand’s coveted loafers before anything else. Designed as a staple in The Row’s luxury offering, each season reveals a slight twist on the traditional iteration, and this season’s Canal loafers are no exception. Crafted to envelop the foot in butter-soft leather, the rounded toes offer visual intrigue while maintaining the inimitable brand essence that put quiet luxury on the map.
Material: Leather
Key features:
- Fits large to size – recommended to size down
- Wider toe design
- Suede lining
- Rubber sole
- Classic slip-on style
Tom Ford Embellished Loafers
$2105 at Net-A-Porter
What’s not to love about this embellished Tom Ford pair? When it comes to the best loafers for women, you’ll be hard pressed to find a list that doesn’t feature a set of these – and for good reason. Not only does the gold-toned hardware provide the ultimate IYKYK symbol with its subtle ‘T’ monogram, but it adds intrigue to an otherwise traditional take. Crafted from the house’s sultry smooth leather with handstitched detailing and just the right amount of shine, these are a wardrobe staple guaranteed to survive endless seasons without suffering from the back-of-the-wardrobe slump.
Colours: Black and Burgundy.
Material: Leather
Key features:
- ‘T’ monogram detailing
- Stacked wooden heel
- Fits small to size – recommended to size up
- 20mm heel
- Slip-on style
Loro Piana Sergio Loafers
$1615 at Mytheresa
Loro Piana know how to make shoes that surpass seasonal shifts with a timeless luxury. The Sergio loafers – designed for the brand’s founder’s ’70s-inspired tastes, are a particularly covetable style imbued with a classic elegance that’s rarely matched these days. The deep maroon colourway – though left of centre for a capsule wardrobe – is just one of the new neutrals we can’t get enough of and is just as versatile as its monochromatic cousins. Paired with tailored trousers or relaxed jeans, there’s no limits when it comes to how to style this perfect pair – just don’t expect to be able to stop at just one. You’ve been warned.
Colours: Black, Wot, Deep Maroon.
Material: Leather
Key features:
- 1.5 cm heel
- Fits true to size
- Made in Italy
- Round toe shape
- Penny loafer style
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