The word classic gets tossed around a lot in the fashion industry. What does it actually mean? For me, a true classic is timeless and versatile. Think: a Burberry trench or perfectly worn-in vintage Levi’s jeans–pieces that transcend trends and can be styled endlessly. When it comes to footwear, it’s the loafer that never fails me. With origins in the early 20th century, the best loafers have graced the feet of style icons for generations—and for good reason. Reimagined in countless iterations over the years, they remain one of the most effortless shoes to wear today. Simultaneously polished and comfortable, loafers can easily be dressed up for a meeting for work, or down for a weekend off-duty.
Vogue’s Favorite Spring Loafers
Featured in this articleThe Simple and Sleek
Dries Van Noten leather loafers
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Saint Laurent Le Loafer crinkled-leather loafers
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These days nearly every luxury fashion house has their version of the loafer, from Gucci and Loewe to Bottega Veneta and Celine. It’s easy to find excellent options for less, too. G.H. Bass for one, created its beloved Weejun style in 1936 and continues making them today.
Loafers are also seasonless. They can be worn year-round (barring the occasional snowstorm, of course) but it’s during the transitional months of early fall that they truly shine. They’re the perfect in-between shoe for unpredictable weather and shifting wardrobes. If you’re ready to slip into a pair this season, explore our styling guide for the chicest ways to wear them now.
The Sharp Penny
Style the season’s new favorite loafer—the sharp penny seen at Prada and Miu Miu—with a full skirt and a field jacket for a look that would make Mrs. Prada proud.
The Row
Elodianna two-tone jacket
Kallmeyer
Dakota pleated twill midi skirt
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The Derby
Derbies walked the runways this season at Bally and Veronica Leoni’s new Calvin Klein. A chic suit matches their vibe.
Church’s
Shannon WR leather Derby shoes
Toteme
Garderob oversized recycled blazer
Toteme
Garderob recycled straight-leg pants
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The Soft Loafer
Soft, pliable leather loafers seamlessly compliment a pair of pleated khakis and a ladylike jacket. A tank top underneath keeps it from feeling too put-together.
Vince
mid waist pleat front trousers
James Perse
The Daily stretch-cotton tank
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Saint Laurent
Alain collapsible-heel leather loafers
The Boat Shoe
For a cool off-duty look, add soft boat shoes to your typical jeans, tee, and cashmere knit ensemble.
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Suede
Chunky suede loafers and a trench add heft to sporty shorts and a crisp red button-up.
Co
cotton and TENCEL-blend jersey shorts
Mango
classic double breasted trench coat
Cos
rounded Pima cotton shirt
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The Patent Loafer
Anchor Loewe’s printed maxi dress with a shiny ruched loafer and a cropped suede coat.
Loewe
one-sleeve asymmetric floral-print dress
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Saint Laurent
Le Loafer crinkled-leather loafers
Loewe
Campo croc-effect leather loafers
The Pump
Heeled loafers find their perfect mate in a knee-length skirt. Add a sweater vest and T-shirt for a cute twist on ladylike style.
Burberry
leather cadet heeled loafers
Maria McManus
organic cotton-jersey T-shirt
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