If you’re ready to give ballet flats a break but are not yet ready to slip your feet back into boots, loafers are your next best bet.
Offering maximum comfort thanks to a low heel, and an elevated look to any outfit that proves much better than sneakers, they go with basically everything in a wardrobe.
Forever put through their paces by fashion girls, loafers are spotted worn from nine to five, into the evening, and even on weekends.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today
Heading to the office? Slip your feet into loafers with tailored suiting. Date in the diary? Team loafers with a flowing maxi dress and suede jacket. The list goes on.
While loafers tend to rear their head as we enter autumn and winter, there’s no reason why they can’t be sported throughout the warmer seasons too.
Perfect as a closed-toe shoe option when open sandals feel too informal, fashion girls say they “bridge the gap” between comfort and style.
2026 has seen a significant rise of the loafer style, with new earthy shades, new shapes, plus a mix of leather and suede materials.
No longer associated as a school shoe, they offer the same wearability as a pair of sneakers, but match a much more elevated attire.
While the Penny loafer remains a firm-favourite, we’ve seen a rise of heel heights, backless styles and embellishments (hello gold buckles, bows and even brand logos).
If you’re ready to invest in a new pair, these are seven of the best.
Jo Mercer Bass Loafers Olive Suede, $219.95
Classic loafers are proving to be remain popular, but there’s a quiet arrival of backless slip-on styles landing in our favourite Aussie shores.
A new arrival at Jo Mercer is the Bass Loafers in an olive-coloured suede.
Declared as “so soft and comfortable,” by shoppers, the pair has gentle stitch detailing and a tassel-bow for a modern twist.
Styling options are endless for backless loafers, and this pair could be worn with long pants that graze just below the ankle or delicate midi or maxi skirts.
To channel a touch of boho style, mix suede textures with satin, silk and lace.
Bared Footwear Curruca Chocolate Brown Leather, $289
On a hunt to track down loafers with a slight edge, we came across this ruched pair from Bared Footwear.
While not strictly a loafer, Bared describes the sleek-looking Curruca flats as “monks”, which is a style of shoe with a fastened buckle instead of laces.
Just like loafers, they rose to fame as a functional, fashionable closed-toe option to wear to work — and that’s exactly how we’re planning on wearing them.
To nail the preppy look, style an oversized rugby jersey, straight leg jeans and these Currucas.
Don’t forget to wear socks — preferably in a statement-making colour.
COS Polished Leather Loafers, $225
If the popular autumnal shades like olive, chocolate and camel have not taken your fancy, opt for a classic black colourway.
To keep things elegant and simple, avoid croc-effects and embellishments in favour of a polished, glossy finish.
We’re loving this pair from COS, with a timeless almond-shaped toe, that look like they should have a designer price tag to match.
An easy win for making any outfit look a touch more expensive, try pairing with a relaxed suit set like Bermuda shorts and a short sleeve blazer.
Perfect for dressing between seasons.
Birkenstock Naples Wrapped Carafe Suede Leather, $317
There’s no denying how Birkenstock shoes have become a staple in our everyday wardrobes.
From classic Arizona sandals worn almost anywhere to chunky Boston clogs keeping our feet warm when the weather drops, this cult-label is on constant rotation.
But the latest style to make it onto our wishlist is the Naples Wrapped Carafe, a sleek suede-leather style with a moccasin look that is available in both a regular or narrow fit.
Dubbed as the “next quiet-luxury footwear trend,” the styling options for this popular shoe are endless.
If you’re someone that keeps a chic pair of shoes by the door, add this pair to your daily line-up and head out the door in wide pants and an oversized crew neck.
Charles & Keith Kaiya Loafers, $129
While fashion girls are leaning towards small heel this season, chunky loafers are still a popular choice for adding height and a chunky, preppy feel to any outfit.
According to street style, lug-sole loafers can be worn anyhere, and with anything in your existing wardrobe.
Charles & Keith’s new collection for the colder months just arrived at David Jones, and we’re lusting over the Kaiya slip-on pair.
Sophisticated? Yes. Understated? Also yes, meaning you can dress up them and down. For a daytime outfit, wear yours with a mini skirt, frilly socks and a collared shirt and knit.
Alias Mae Apostle, $249.95
Every year Aussie brand Alias Mae treats our autumn / winter shoe collection to some delicious new additions.
This season is no different, with a certain flat style — the Apostle — taking centre stage.
Offering a wide-fit look with metal-ring detailing, this new arrival is available in black, bone and choc leather, each with a collapsible back which completely changes the look.
Since denim is a big player for the colder months, try pairing the Apostle’s with trending slouchy jeans and a relaxed knit.
If you’re leaning towards the brown colourway, make it match with chocolate accessories too.
Dune London Glances Loafers, $229.95
There’s no denying how a touch of embossed branding takes a shoe-robe to the next level.
If you have been debating splurging on a designer pair but the prices of Gucci and Saint Laurent are simply out of your budget, we’ve spotted an affordable contender.
Dune London’s Glances Loafers are crafted from 100 per cent leather and feature a subtle square toe and gold-tone branding.
While we love the gorgeous burgundy shade, it’s actually the crush-back heel that has us adding them to cart. Simply push down the back to wear them as a slip-on loafer or keep upright for a structured loafer look.
As for styling, lean towards loose silhouettes, fluffy textures and pops of pink to complement the colour.
