The Best Loafers for Women to Step Into Fall on a High Note (2024)

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This season, city streets have been practically overflowing with the best loafers in every style and color. We have spotted everything from classic penny loafers all the way to acid-green lug soles. Whether you tend to stick to the classics or prefer to take fashion risks, there is a style for everyone—we mean it.

We’ve broken the preppy footwear trend (which is the perfect alternative to your best fall boots) down into eight categories to help narrow down your search. Each selection includes timeless classics as well as envelope-pushing designs. Pair them with an oversized blazer and tie to take your collegiate look to the max, or add an edge with a leather jacket or some shoulder pads and electric hues. Scroll on to see our curation of the best loafers for fall 2022.

Penny Loafers

If you’re someone who sticks to the classics, the penny loafer may be the shoe for you. Recognizable by the horizontal leather strap that runs over the middle of the shoe with a small insert just large enough to fit a penny, these shoes have been a staple in closets as early as the 1930s. From Church’s traditional take to Miu Miu’s slime green rendition, there are endless options to wear these classic shoes well into fall 2022.

Tassel Loafers

Like the penny loafer, the tassel loafer has been around the sun more than just a few times–close to 70, if we’re being specific. Equally as classic as the former but with a touch more flare, the tassel loafer is just as important of a closet staple.

Minimal Loafers

For a slightly sleeker—but nonetheless timeless—style, shop our selection of loafers without all of the bells and whistles. Minimal loafers are the perfect non-statement statement this fall.

Heeled Loafers

Take your look up a notch (or a couple of inches) with a heeled loafer. They are the perfect style to dress up your office look or give your going-out ensemble a smart touch. No shoe will make your day-to-night transition as easy as this.

Driving Loafers

For the individual who likes no fuss when it comes to shoes, the driving loafer is your best bet. With an almost slipper-like quality, this shoe doesn’t pinch or need to be broken in. We love this classic style with a pair from Koio. Or, for something a bit more covert, this pair from Khaite will do.

Slip-on Loafers

Coming in as a close second for the most comfortable loafer style, we have the slip-ons. These backless options are effortlessly chic yet comfortable. Style them with jeans for a casual vibe or with a maxi skirt if you want to sport a more elevated look.

Platform Loafers

The ultimate stomping shoe. Tread over any kind of terrain without a second thought in a pair from Paloma Barcelo. Looking for a brighter style? We suggest this option from Camper.

Lug Sole Loafers

For those who want to take the treads up a notch, lug sole loafers will be your new favorite shoe. The perfect marriage between prep and punk, this style is essential for the individual who likes to play with contrast.