We’re not saying it’s entirely time to put your open-toed shoes away indefinitely, but with the fall fashion season, also known as loafers season, already here, you’ll probably want to anyway. The now academia-inspired trend heavily infiltrated the mood board of fashion girls every few seasons ago, and comfy, cute, and versatile as they are, they don’t look to be going anywhere any time soon. As you’re deciphering which fall shoe trends you want in on this year, loafers have proven to be an easygoing style worth considering.
Introduced in the 1930s and initially inspired by house slippers, loafers have come a long way from its origins. And while the style may have since become a mainstay in workwear (they’re polished and easy to walk in all day), designers have, as of recent, have been working in updates to the style that just may have landed them upgraded them to the most fashion-forward they’ve ever been. There are intricately designed croc embossing, slingback options, and outright unexpected (but definitely welcome) elements for loafers, such as velvet textured and embroidery. In a nutshell, there is something for nearly any fall outfit you could conjure up this season.
See our favorites ahead.
These patent loafers are dark academia personified. For styling, try pairing them with a chunky cable knit sweater, a knit skirt and leg warmers.
Available at Free People
Many loafer styles follow a tried and true formula — leather or faux leather that may or may not be accompanied by accent hardware details, but these from Farm Rio are anything but ordinary. Elaborate and intriguing, play these up by styling them with even more intricacy and texture (think velvet, suede or embroidered pieces), or try them styled as the statement piece to a Canadian tuxedo.
Available at Farm Rio
Where have slingback loafers been all our lives? Essentially, with their skin-baring nature in mind, they’re the transitional season shoes we didn’t know we needed. For example, try pair them with an earth-toned maxi dress or a denim skirt (sans socks) for an outfit that says fall, even if the weather doesn’t yet.
Available at Revolve
This classic tri-color option is one that’s bound to stay in your rotation for a long time, not just a good time.
Available at Steve Madden