22 best women’s loafers to buy this season
They’re the footwear of the moment, with one style in particular sparking a frenzy after Emma Chamberlain was spotted wearing them.
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When it comes to loafers more is more right now. No longer shy and retiring, the big and bulky loafer of the Y2K era is back in a big way.
“Chunky black loafers with gold or silver hardware are a popular option on THE ICONIC right now,” says Nicole Adolphe, Head Of Style at the retailer.
Here’s our round up of the top loafers you can shop right now — including our pick of the best Gucci-inspired ones you can get.
BEST LOAFERS: EDITOR’S PICKS
Dr Martens Adrian Tassel Loafers, THE ICONIC, $289.99
Designer dupes not for you? Then these too cool for school Dr Martens will be right up your alley. They’ve gone viral on TikTok after YouTuber (and undisputed Gen Z queen) Emma Chamberlain posted several photos on Instagram of her wearing the platform loafers.
Made with Dr Martens’ signature anti-shock Airwair soles they have topstitching and fringe detailing that make them perfect for work, play and everything in between.
Bosccolo Women’s Moccasins Black Leather, OZSALE, $139 (down from $381)
These loafers caught our eye for being a classic style (if the current chunky styles are not your thing) and for being incredible value for money.
Featuring a patent leather mock-crocodile finish and horsebit detailing, these are ideal for the office. With a 2cm heel they’re also a great alternative to other high heels if you like something shorter.
BEST GUCCI LOAFER DUPES
Gucci has been a popular brand for designer loafers for years, with their $1,610 Leather lug sole Horsebit loafer a stylish favourite at the moment.
But for us mere mortals who can’t afford to fork out over a grand for shoes, here’s our pick of the best Gucci-inspired loafers you can buy right now.
Jo Mercer Brixton Loafers, THE ICONIC, $229.95
Jo Mercer is a Melbourne-based shoe brand known for its high quality footwear that’s always on trend. These chunky loafers are no different, made from leather with a 4.5 centimetre chunky heel.
The shoes also have gold hardware reminiscent of Gucci’s famous horsebit as well as a almond toe shape.
Sandler Kalista, THE ICONIC, $189.95
These Sandler loafers are a great dupe for the Gucci version thanks to their gold-toned horsebit detailing.
They also get top marks for having a raised treadsole for comfort as well as having a leather upper, lining and sock.
Ravella Samuel Loafers, THE ICONIC, $99.95
A pair of patent shoes is a great way to instantly make any outfit you wear more dressy. These synthetic leather look shoes have a chunky four centimetre heel, gold detailing and a rounded toe.
Betts DEVIN Chunky Round Toe Loafers, THE ICONIC, $129.99
Silver or gold detailing not your thing? Not to worry, these Betts loafers give you the look of Gucci’s signature chunky version but without the bling.
Made from a leather look patent these shoes have a 3.5 centimetre heel and rounded toe for comfort.
ASOS DESIGN Magnus chunky loafers in black, ASOS, $51 (down from $60)
I’m a big fan of ASOS DESIGN’s footwear range — they offer great on-trend styles for an affordable price tag. These Magnus loafers are popular and frequently sell out, so if you like these shoes and see your size in stock don’t wait.
Made from a smooth leather-look material the shoes have a trendy chunky sole and hardware.
Tony Bianco Axell Black Hi Shine 4.5cm Casual Shoes, Tony Bianco, $199.95
Tony Bianco was founded in 1972 by Italian-born shoemaker Tony Bianco. Fifty years later Tony Bianco the shoe label is still 100 per cent Australian owned and family run, as well as continuing to offer fashion-forward, high quality shoe designs to shoppers.
These Axelle loafers are one of the brand’s bestsellers, with a 4.5 centimetre chunky heel and patent leather upper.
ATP Atelier Manduria, THE ICONIC, $552.30 (down from $789)
These ATP Atelier shoes are definitely at the pricey end but well worth the investment if you want a pair of loafers to wear season after season.
Why are they worth $789? Well, they’re designed in Sweden and handmade in Italy from high quality materials — a vegetable tanned Tuscan vacchetta leather upper and with a Vibram® rubber sole.
Eytys Rio Loafers, THE ICONIC, $580
Another investment shoe, these loafers are from unisex brand Eytys are designed in Stockholm, Sweden by former Acne Studios designer Max Schiller and friend Jonathan Hirschfield.
Hand stitched from a premium leather, they have a metal branded tag at the back as well as tassel detailing.
BEST LOAFER SLIDES
Billini Olivia Slide On Loafers, THE ICONIC, $69.95
Billini is an 100 per cent Australian owned and run shoe brand since 2009. These slide-on loafers are great as they’re dressy enough for the office while also making a simple jeans and tee combo on the weekend look chic.
Made from a faux grainy leather material they have a Gucci-inspired gold horsebit across the vamp.
Sandler Pivot Black Croc Print Flats Shoes, Myer, $169.95
These Sandler slides are a slightly more dressy option thanks to their chunky gold chain detailing and patent crocodile look leather upper.
The loafers have a 2.5cm hell and almond rounded toe and would look great paired with a tailored trouser.
Sol Sana Tuesday Slides, THE ICONIC, $169.95
Worn by celebrities like Gigi Hadid and Sofia Ritchie, Sol Sana is an Australian-designed footwear company founded in 2010 that’s all about affordable luxury.
Their Tuesday slides are one of THE ICONIC’s most popular loafers with its unique sliver-toned studs featuring a leather upper and lining.
Novo Carletta Flats, Novo, $59.95
Novo is another Australian-born footwear brand known for their affordable on-trend shoe styles.
These chic loafer slides are made from a leather look material and have a thick metal chain detail, as well as a cute low heel.
ASOS DESIGN Miles chunky loafer flat mules in white drench, ASOS, $47.60 (down from $68)
These ASOS DESIGN slides are the perfect pair if you want the chunky loafer look. Made from a smooth white faux leather upper they have a chunky heel and almond toe shape.
BEST CLASSIC LOAFERS
Novo Elyria Loafers, Novo, $40 (down from $74.95)
These Elyria loafers are a great option if you’re looking for a pair of dressy shoes that are comfy enough to wear all day. Perfect for the office, they have a 3.5 centimetre block heel and pointed toe with a studded gold detail across the vamp.
Atmos&Here Alexandra Leather Flats, THE ICONIC, $109.99
Another THE ICONIC brand exclusive, Atmos&Here never gets it wrong when it comes to style classics. Featuring a leather upper and inner, these loafers have a gold-toned horsebit detailing and slight 1.5 centimetre heel.
Country Road Dahlia Loafer, Country Road, $159
Featuring an on-trend square toe these Country Road loafers are made from a gorgeous woven leather that’s sourced from a Leather Working Group certified tannery.
They have a padded insole for comfort as well as a one centimetre heel.
Jo Mercer Ireland Loafers, The Dom, $129.95 (down from $199.95)
Another pair from one of our favourite brands Jo Mercer, these are a great dressy loafer option for work. Made from a chic beige leather with a stacked 4.5 centimetre heel they have a pointed toe shape and double stitching.
Wittner Fletcher Vintage Ivory Leather Flat Loafer, Wittner, $100 (down from $200)
Wittner was founded in Melbourne over 100 years ago by HJ Wittner in 1912. Fast forward to today and Wittner are still known for their high quality leather shoes and these loafers are no exception.
Made from an ivory leather with a block rubber heel, each shoe has a double layer of in-built padding for ultimate comfort.
Easy Steps Gala Cognac Glove Flat Shoes, Myer, $159.95
These gorgeous brown leather loafers are not only built for comfort, but make a great casual shoe. Featuring a low heel and gold trim detailing, simply throw on with your favourite jeans for a breezy weekend look.
Tony Bianco Ruiz Black Hi Shine 2.5cm Flats, Tony Bianco, $199.95
Another bestseller at Tony Bianco, these chic loafers will instantly elevate any outfit. Made from an all leather upper and lining they have gold panelled detailing at the front as well as a 2.5 centimetre heel.
HOW SHOULD YOU STYLE LOAFERS?
“The loafer is the ultimate cool girl shoe of the moment. Pair with white socks, wide leg or slouchy pants and an oversized blazer for a very on trend look,” says Nicole.
“Thanks to Miu Miu, we are also seeing the mini skirt worn with socks and loafers on and off the runway.”
Her biggest advice when wearing them is to keep the rest of your look simple.
“My advice when buying and styling loafers is to stick to a black pair and wear them with more minimalistic outfits,” Nicole said.
“Think classic black and neutral tailored looks worn with loafers, or dimply, an oversized shirt and jeans.
“Don’t bother styling them with more floaty or girly printed dresses, let the loafers be your statement piece.”
More Coverage
Chanel’s ballet flats are another classic designer shoe but at $1270 they’re not cheap — luckily we’ve found the “perfect dupe” that costs just $120. Need new rainboots? Check out these ones that have over 6000 five star reviews.
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