This season, city streets have been practically overflowing with the best loafers in every style and color. We have spotted everything from classic penny loafers all the way to acid-green lug soles. Whether you tend to stick to the classics or prefer to take fashion risks, there is a style for everyone—we mean it.
We’ve broken the preppy footwear trend (which is the perfect alternative to your best fall boots) down into eight categories to help narrow down your search. Each selection includes timeless classics as well as envelope-pushing designs. Pair them with an oversized blazer and tie to take your collegiate look to the max, or add an edge with a leather jacket or some shoulder pads and electric hues. Scroll on to see our curation of the best loafers for fall 2022.
Penny Loafers
If you’re someone who sticks to the classics, the penny loafer may be the shoe for you. Recognizable by the horizontal leather strap that runs over the middle of the shoe with a small insert just large enough to fit a penny, these shoes have been a staple in closets as early as the 1930s. From Church’s traditional take to Miu Miu’s slime green rendition, there are endless options to wear these classic shoes well into fall 2022.
J. Crew Winona Penny Loafer
Church’s Pembrey 2w Polished Fumè Loafer
Miu Miu Patent Leather Penny Loafer
Tassel Loafers
Like the penny loafer, the tassel loafer has been around the sun more than just a few times–close to 70, if we’re being specific. Equally as classic as the former but with a touch more flare, the tassel loafer is just as important of a closet staple.
Dr. Martens Adrian Arcadia Leather Tassel Loafer
Haruta Leather 907 Tassel Loafer
G.H. Bass Esther Lug Weejun
Minimal Loafers
For a slightly sleeker—but nonetheless timeless—style, shop our selection of loafers without all of the bells and whistles. Minimal loafers are the perfect non-statement statement this fall.
Acne Studios Square Toe Loafer
By Far Rafael Leather Loafer
Maison Margiela Brown Patent Stitch Camden Loafers
Heeled Loafers
Take your look up a notch (or a couple of inches) with a heeled loafer. They are the perfect style to dress up your office look or give your going-out ensemble a smart touch. No shoe will make your day-to-night transition as easy as this.
Nomasei Trench Loafer
Charles & Keith Lula Patent Loafer Pumps
Reformation Nadine Heeled Loafer
Driving Loafers
For the individual who likes no fuss when it comes to shoes, the driving loafer is your best bet. With an almost slipper-like quality, this shoe doesn’t pinch or need to be broken in. We love this classic style with a pair from Koio. Or, for something a bit more covert, this pair from Khaite will do.
KOIO Pavia Penny
Scarosso Ashley Driving Shoe
Khaite The Carlisle Loafer
Slip-on Loafers
Coming in as a close second for the most comfortable loafer style, we have the slip-ons. These backless options are effortlessly chic yet comfortable. Style them with jeans for a casual vibe or with a maxi skirt if you want to sport a more elevated look.
Proenza Schouler Square Loafer Mules
Hereu Cairel Slip-On Leather Loafer
Ganni Square Toe Backless Loafer
Platform Loafers
The ultimate stomping shoe. Tread over any kind of terrain without a second thought in a pair from Paloma Barcelo. Looking for a brighter style? We suggest this option from Camper.
Marni Green Piercing Loafers
Paloma Barceló Chunky 60mm Leather Loafer
Camper Twins Loafer
Lug Sole Loafers
For those who want to take the treads up a notch, lug sole loafers will be your new favorite shoe. The perfect marriage between prep and punk, this style is essential for the individual who likes to play with contrast.
Vagabond Cosmo 2.0 Loafer
Officine Creative Prove 023 Platform Loafers
Alexander McQueen Wander Loafer
Emma Sutich is the second assistant to the Editor-in-Chief at ELLE Magazine. She thinks listening to electronic music, wearing all black, and stopping for something sweet are always good ideas.