The Modern Loafer Trend Is A Comfy Shoe Lover's Dream
"I've spent $40,000 on shoes and I have no place to live? I will literally be the old woman who lived in her shoes!" So said Carrie Bradshaw in Season 4 of "Sex and the City," per Vogue Arabia. Fans of "Sex and the City" know that Carrie had an impeccable and pricey collection of shoes. And while most of us aren't spending Carrie-level cash on footwear, it turns out that in the course of their lives, a study found that American women will spend over $20,000 on shoes (via Daily Mail).
Having just the right shoe for the occasion can sometimes be daunting — here are 15 types of shoes every woman should have in their closet. You want them to be able to do the job; you don't want to be doing something like accidentally ruining your workout with the wrong shoes. And whether it's for work or if you're exploring a new city, if you're going to be on your feet, comfortable shoes are a must. Sometimes, it's easy to think that with comfy shoes you have to sacrifice style, but the latest modern loafers blend both fashion and comfort.
Loafers can be worn with just about anything
While the classic penny loafer has been around for decades, loafers are having a bit of a fashion renaissance, and you can use them to embrace a number of different trends. Dress shoes, including the easy-wear, slip-on loafer, have been surging in popularity (via Glossy). Bianca Gates, co-founder and CEO of Birdies told Glossy, "we've seen a 31% increase in our loafer sales year-over-year, which will likely double between now and the end of the year."
Loafers have been spotted on the likes of Hailey Bieber, Tessa Thompson, and Kendall Jenner, per Vogue. They're perfect for looking more put-together than wearing sneakers and more professional without having to wear heels. Birdies' modern take on loafers includes embellished styles, like The Starling with over 150 sparkly rhinestones on each pair. Sparkly embellishments on all kinds of shoes are a trend that's going to continue into 2023, according to Cosmopolitan.
Along with sparkly trending options, for a modern loafer style, look for an updated silhouette. Chunky shoes in general are having a moment on the runway, Harper's Bazaar reported, and loafers are no exception. Prada has their Chocolate chunky loafers and their ultra-thick soled Monolith leather loafers that are popular with celebs, as noted by Preview. For a more budget-friendly option, try H&M's chunky loafer option.
Platform loafers give a modern feel to the classic shoe
There's almost no wrong way to style a loafer, platform or otherwise: such is the versatility of the shoe. Antonia Kraskowski, stylist and fashion editor, describes loafers to Woman & Home as "a shoe that doesn't date and works with every outfit — from flippy mini dresses . . . to tailored outfits for work." For a loafer that will go with just about everything in your wardrobe, Jamie Lee, shoe buyer for Moda Operandi, told Marie Claire she "would definitely recommend black for your first pair."
You can lean into the school-girl look by pairing chunky loafers with a plaid miniskirt and oversized blazer and a pair of long socks or tights; the thick soles will give the look some edge, per InStyle. Keep the blazer and swap the skirt for some tailored pants to make a perfect loafer work look, Woman & Home suggested.
If you want to pair your chunky loafers with denim, go for straight-leg jeans (via Who What Wear). Skip skinny jeans with chunky loafers unless you're pairing it with a boxy jacket or chunky sweater to help create a balanced silhouette, Charmed by Camille recommended. And a flowy midi dress or skirt with loafers will give you a blend of feminine and masculine, as Style Your Occasion showcased.
Make a statement by wearing socks with loafers
Don't be afraid to wear loafers with socks like fishnets or colored socks if you really want to make a fashion statement, per Chic Pursuit. Gigi Hadid did it when she wore pink socks with leopard print loafers with stacked soles, according to Vogue UK. If you don't want to go all-in on a platform loafer, go for other twists on the traditional loafer for a modern look. Nisolo's Emma d'Orsay Oxford loafers, which were designed for Emma Watson, have an open in-step and a stacked leather heel. They make a great transition loafer into the warmer months, and they're less heavy looking on your foot than a platform loafer (via StyleCaster). Another trendy variation on a classic loafer with an overall smaller silhouette is the chunky chain detail on the Dolce Vita Crys loafers, as Today noted.
Something to keep in mind — before wearing your loafers for a full day out in the world, spend some time breaking them in, especially if they're leather. Wear a pair of socks for a comfy, fashionable look, InStyle advised.