Autumn is here, and with it comes the need for a practical yet highly stylish shoe. Cue the loafer. From Church's to Loewe, the classic slip-on shape gets a contemporary update this season. Think chunky lug soles, block heels and bold colourways.
Fun fashion fact: the classic loafer style can be traced back to Norwegian fishermen in the 19th century. Originally called “tesers”, the shoe was designed for rural life before becoming the inspiration for the modern-day loafer in the 1930s, courtesy of Norwegian shoemaker Nils Gregoriusson Tveranger. The penny loafer, AKA Bass Weejuns, followed shortly after. Designed by American footwear label G.H. Bass, the loafer took its name from the small slit on the top of the shoe's tongue that was the perfect size to hold a coin. At the time, payphones were more commonly used and putting a penny in the shoe's slot became a popular trend on Ivy League campuses.
Then, in the 1950s, Gucci created its namesake loafer. Seen as the ultimate status symbol, the shoe became an instant hit among slick city dwellers. Three decades later, the Gucci loafer was adopted by Sloane Rangers. Today, it remains the footwear of choice for a cool fashion crowd and A-listers.
With plenty of designs to choose from on Bond Street this season, let our guide to the cream of the crop save you the legwork.
Timeless Classics
The understated loafer style is synonymous with Gucci. Take the classic Jordaan, £810. Its instantly recognisable slender shape is an update on the Florentine luxury house's iconic shoe style, which was first launched in 1953. In this latest incarnation, sumptuously soft, supple leather is topped with a light gold-tone signature horsebit detail across the front.
For a dash of Parisian attitude, Chloé's Marcie loafer, £650, will elevate your new-season look in an instant, especially if it includes pairing slim jeans and an oversized houndstooth blazer from the brand's current autumn/winter 2025 collection. These classic loafers are cut to perfection from shiny black calfskin, while the minimalist upper combines with an almond toe shape and a slight heel. The Chloé-engraved gold-tone hardware lends a distinct finish to the proceedings.
The New Luxe
If you are looking for a twist on the classic loafer silhouette, then this pair of Astaire loafers by Bottega Veneta, £800, are just the ticket. Blurring the lines between loafer and mule, they are crafted with black leather calfskin and feature a signature metallic knot detail. The open-back design lends itself perfectly to thick socks, or, on warmer autumn days, opt for bare legs and a pair of voluminous silk and cotton twill culottes from Bottega's current autumn/winter 25 collection.
Prada's brushed leather loafers with metal detail, £1,100, are the result of refined craftsmanship, bold and unexpected design touches. Made with brushed fumé leather in a soft shade of white, the shoes feature a supple upper topped with a logo-engraved metal ornament and a continuous monoblock rubber sole, hot-stamped with the Prada logo.
Well Heeled
Dior's Boy Pump, £950, takes the loafer to new heights with a chunky 2-inch block heel. Made with black brushed calfskin, each shoe is topped with a gold-finish metal Christian Dior Paris signature on a tonal leather band at the front. Meanwhile, sturdy rubber soles are stamped with a star, Monsieur Dior's lucky talisman.
Burberry's leather Cadet heeled loafers, £750, featuring a chunky block heel, are made in Italy from supple calf leather, hand-stitched for a gathered effect. The front is detailed with an enamelled Knight stamp plaque, an archival motif first seen emblazoned on Burberry bags in the 1980s. Other design touches include leather soles embossed with the Equestrian Knight design in signature “Knight Blue”. The satisfyingly rotund toe makes them perfect for crunching through the autumn leaves.