How to Style Loafers for Fall, Whether Your Vibe Is Preppy, Playful, or Polished

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Photographed by Acielle / StyleDuMonde

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The word classic gets tossed around a lot in the fashion industry. What does it actually mean? For me, a true classic is timeless and versatile. Think: a Burberry trench or perfectly worn-in vintage Levi’s jeans–pieces that transcend trends and can be styled endlessly. When it comes to footwear, it’s the loafer that never fails me. With origins in the early 20th century, the best loafers have graced the feet of style icons for generations—and for good reason. Reimagined in countless iterations over the years, they remain one of the most effortless shoes to wear today. Simultaneously polished and comfortable, loafers can easily be dressed up for a meeting for work, or down for a weekend off-duty.

Vogue’s Favorite Spring Loafers

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The Simple and Sleek
Dries Van Noten leather loafers
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The Classic Suede
Gucci loafers with horsebit
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The High-Shine
Saint Laurent Le Loafer crinkled-leather loafers
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These days nearly every luxury fashion house has their version of the loafer, from Gucci and Loewe to Bottega Veneta and Celine. It’s easy to find excellent options for less, too. G.H. Bass for one, created its beloved Weejun style in 1936 and continues making them today.

Loafers are also seasonless. They can be worn year-round (barring the occasional snowstorm, of course) but it’s during the transitional months of early fall that they truly shine. They’re the perfect in-between shoe for unpredictable weather and shifting wardrobes. If you’re ready to slip into a pair this season, explore our styling guide for the chicest ways to wear them now.

The Sharp Penny

Style the season’s new favorite loafer—the sharp penny seen at Prada and Miu Miu—with a full skirt and a field jacket for a look that would make Mrs. Prada proud.

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Prada

brushed leather loafers

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The Row

Elodianna two-tone jacket

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Kallmeyer

Dakota pleated twill midi skirt

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Anine Bing

Essie shirt

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Miu Miu

leather loafers

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Emme Parsons

Danielle suede loafers

The Derby

Derbies walked the runways this season at Bally and Veronica Leoni’s new Calvin Klein. A chic suit matches their vibe.

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Church s

Shannon WR leather Derby shoes

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Toteme

Garderob oversized recycled blazer

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Toteme

Garderob recycled straight-leg pants

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Uniqlo

cotton shirt

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Lemaire

Souris leather brogues

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J.Crew

lace-up oxford shoes

The Soft Loafer

Soft, pliable leather loafers seamlessly compliment a pair of pleated khakis and a ladylike jacket. A tank top underneath keeps it from feeling too put-together.

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The Row

leather loafers

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Nili Lotan

Patti wool-twill jacket

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Vince

mid waist pleat front trousers

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James Perse

The Daily stretch-cotton tank

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Saint Laurent

Alain collapsible-heel leather loafers

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Khaite

Billy loafers

The Boat Shoe

For a cool off-duty look, add soft boat shoes to your typical jeans, tee, and cashmere knit ensemble.

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Tory Burch

The Boaty shoes

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Frame

The Collegiate jeans

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Khaite

Wolfe sweaters

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Leset

Kelly slim fit tee

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Aeyde

Jasper suede loafers

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Bally

Pathy leather boat shoes

Suede

Chunky suede loafers and a trench add heft to sporty shorts and a crisp red button-up.

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Gucci

loafers with horsebit

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Co

cotton and TENCEL-blend jersey shorts

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Mango

classic double breasted trench coat

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Cos

rounded Pima cotton shirt

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Gianvito Rossi

Georgie suede loafers

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Tod s

Mocassino suede loafers

The Patent Loafer

Anchor Loewe’s printed maxi dress with a shiny ruched loafer and a cropped suede coat.

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Dries Van Noten

leather loafers

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Loewe

one-sleeve asymmetric floral-print dress

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Nour Hammour

Louise suede jacket

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Lele Sadoughi

Rita claw clip

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Saint Laurent

Le Loafer crinkled-leather loafers

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Loewe

Campo croc-effect leather loafers

The Pump

Heeled loafers find their perfect mate in a knee-length skirt. Add a sweater vest and T-shirt for a cute twist on ladylike style.

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Burberry

leather cadet heeled loafers

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Róhe

woven midi skirt

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Jil Sander

cashmere vest

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Maria McManus

organic cotton-jersey T-shirt

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Reformation

Franca heeled loafers

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Bottega Veneta

Okinawa pumps