Loafers are a perfect choice if you’re looking to invest in shoes. Their versatility means you can style them for any occasion, while the leather makes them a transitional shoe you can wear every season.
While there are dozens of loafer styles to choose from, we’re highlighting 7 of the most popular styles, each a staple in its own right.
The three most common loafer shoe types are penny, tassel, and bit loafers (Credit: Istry Istry / Shutterstock)
When choosing which loafer is right for you, consider how you will incorporate it into your everyday closet and which style best suits your lifestyle.
With the classic silhouette of a loafer, you can experiment with different textures and design elements to add your own twist to this classic shoe. The shoes featured below are available at Nordstrom and Zappos.
1. Classic Penny Loafers: The American Twist on Loafers
Although loafers are primarily viewed as a European shoe style, originating in Georgian England, penny loafers represent the American twist on this classic design.
Penny loafers are classic slip-ons featuring a distinctive vamp detail, blending timeless style with ease
The distinctive saddle across the upper of the shoe, designed to hold a small coin, is what gives penny loafers their iconic name
2. Heeled Loafers: Adding Elegance and Elevation
If you’re a fan of block heels, you’ll fall in love with this style. Heeled loafers take the front section of traditional loafers and add a blocked heel for extra versatility.
This style is the perfect hybrid between heels and flats, giving you the classic look of loafers but with the sleek finish of a block heel.
High-heeled loafers combine elegance and lift, proving loafers can be both stylish and elevated
Heeled loafers are also a feminine twist on what’s largely considered a more masculine shoe style. Most heeled loafers balance the block heel with a design element across the front vamp, whether a horsebit or a metal bar.
3. Platform Loafers: A Bold Take on Classic Style
Are low-sole loafers not your style? Platform loafers offer the perfect solution, adding height without the need for stilettos. This trendy twist on the classic loafer is gaining popularity for its added lift and contemporary look.
We love platform loafers as a more contemporary twist on the classic silhouette. These shoes are perfect if you want a younger streetwear look for your outfit.
Platform loafers add a stylish lift with bold soles, blending sophistication with a modern edge
They’re a more elevated alternative to platform sneakers and offer a twist to your outfit if you’re usually a fan of ballet shoes.
4. Tassel Loafers: Sophisticated with a Decorative Touch
Loafers are known for their lace-less design, meaning that the front of the shoe is often left blank for a minimalistic design. This silhouette means that the front vamp of the shoe has limitless potential.
Tassel loafers are characterized by decorative laces hanging from the vamp
Tassels are amongst the most popular choices to help dress up the loafers for a business casual look.
5. Velvet Loafers: Luxurious and Perfect for Evening Wear
When it comes to loafers with a unique design element, velvet loafers are in a league of their own. This style is more elevated than its penny loafer counterpart.
Brands like Kate Spade often take this silhouette and give it a quirky twist. Velvet loafers are a go-to for evening wear and special occasions when you don’t want to slip into stilettoes or high-heeled shoes.
Velvet loafers are a tasteful and elegant option for weddings and formal occasions
The one thing to consider with velvet loafers is their practicality. Although they’re sleek and stylish, these aren’t the loafers you want to be wearing when it starts to rain or in the snow.
6. Driving Loafers: Designed for Comfort and Style on the Go
Driving loafers are closer to the moccasin design than other styles on this list. They focus on giving you the best grip possible without compromising on comfort.
Driving loafers offer comfort and grip, making them perfect for style on the go
The shoes were explicitly designed with driving in mind to make it a more comfortable experience. The lace-less design makes it easy to kick off other shoes and slip into these loafers just before driving. This style of loafers is the ultimate travel shoe.
7. Iconic Horsebit Loafers: Gucci’s Signature Style
If you’re a fan of Gucci shoes, you’ll recognize horsebit loafers. A ‘70s classic, horsebit loafers have had a major comeback in recent years.
Gucci is widely credited with reviving this style in 2015, thanks to Alessandro Michele’s vision as the brand’s Creative Director.
Guccio Gucci’s son Aldo Gucci was inspired to create horsebit loafers in the 1950s after a trip to New York
Horsebit loafers are amongst the most elevated options on this list and a more wearable alternative to velvet loafers. You’ll usually find these shoes with gold hardware for a sophisticated finish. If you’re going to invest in any loafers, horsebit loafers are our top pick.
In conclusion, loafers are a versatile and timeless addition to any wardrobe. They offer styles that range from classic penny loafers to bold platform designs. Whether you’re dressing up or keeping it casual, there’s a loafer style to suit every occasion. For a deeper dive into the best brands for both men and women, you must visit this guide on top loafer brands.