The Classic Flat Shoe Fashion People in London and Paris Reach For Every Spring
If the last few years have been good for anything, it's the prolific rise of the flat shoe. Although we have plenty of excuses to enjoy impractical shoes, heels just don't seem to have the same hold on our wardrobes as they once did.
From mary janes to ballet flats, Birkenstocks to trainers, it seems like every month a new flat shoes is rising to the top of the trend charts. But there's one timeless style that constantly sits at the top of all our editors' wish lists, and that's loafers.
With their classic charm and minimalist versatility, loafers, from the original Gucci Horsebit Loafer to the more modern, chunky-sole versions from Prada, are still an undeniably appealing addition to our wardrobe. If you choose (wisely) to invest in a luxury pair, you can be sure the cost-per-wear will tick down steadily over the many years you own them. But there are also some excellent, more affordable, iterations on the high street now too. Just be sure to opt for real leather and they'll age gracefully alongside you.
Keep scrolling, and you'll not only find a thorough (trust us, we've scrolled through them all) list of the best loafers out there for 2024, but also some chic loafer outfits to inspire you for the season as well. You're welcome!
Classic Loafer Outfit Ideas:
Okay, I'm adding this look to my outfit inspo pile ASAP.
Loafers with socks softens up the tailored look.
Bare ankles with loafers and jeans is such a chic, French-girl approved way to wear them.
Every fashion girl owns a pair of loafers. They look especially stylish paired with a trench coat.
This is a masterclass in using loafers for a modern tailored look.
Shop The Best Loafers:
These loafers are peak quiet luxury. The slim-fit, horsebit-detailed loafers are recognisable worldwide as a cult shoe.
Prada loafers are notoriously difficult to get hold of but these have just had a restock.
I love how these contrast the elegance of the horsebit detail with the edginess of the chunky sole.
Penny loafers are so charming. Crafted from glossed leather, these will last seasons beyond.
Gucci's preppy iteration has been a popular choice since the '50s.
Russell and Bromley should be your go-to if you're looking for good-quality loafers that don't boast a high-end price tag.
After Chloé's lauded runway, I know these loafers will fly this season.
Up Next: I'm a Shoe Expert—5 Spring-Ready Pairs That Belong in Every Capsule Wardrobe
This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.
Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.
Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.
When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.
Emily is currently on maternity leave.
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