Fashion

How to Wear Loafers

The preppy footwear staple is becoming a high fashion mainstay.

Bella Hadid.
Bella Hadid.

As you start planning your fall fashion attire and checking Pinterest for the latest academia styles, you may have noticed that loafers have been a footwear favorite in the last year. But this fall, it's clear that loafers are expected to have a major resurgence. Originally a preppy style through the '90s and early 2000s, the silhouette has evolved into a fashionable mainstay across the runways of the industry's biggest brands and in the wardrobes of stylish celebrities. 

The loafer originated in the early 1930s by Norwegian farmers who needed a simplified slip-on shoe that could withstand daily activity. Inspired by moccasin shoes worn by Native Americans in North America, the Norwegian shoe was eventually exported to the United States and other European countries in the 1950s. The shoe would rapidly become the optimal choice for young men and students and would be worn across social strata and subcultural groups.

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Left: Ralph Lauren wears loafers, 1980s. Right: Fred Perry loafers, 1990s.

Whether it be Bottega Veneta, Prada, or The Row, luxury labels are introducing innovative loafers crafted in a variety of hues and fabrications. Modern loafers infuse a unique sense of utility with upgraded silhouettes and design notions.

Looking forward to the Fall/Winter 2022 season, neutral colorways, chunky soles, and silver hardware will be loafer-style notions to watch. Below, see how to wear the loafer trend from stylish celebrities, brands, and models.

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Prada Re-Nylon.
Photo via Getty Images.
The Row Pre-Fall 2020.
Photo via Getty Images.
Gucci Fall/Winter 2021.
Proenza Schouler Fall/Winter 2021.
Photo via Getty Images.
Bottega Veneta Fall/Winter 2019.
Gigi Hadid.
Pernille Teisbaek.
Christian Dior Fall/Winter 2021.
Thom Browne Resort 2022.
Hailey Bieber.
Selena Gomez.
Altuzarra Fall/Winter 2020.
Gabriela Hearst Fall/Winter 2021.
Zoë Kravitz.

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