Loafers are still the most versatile shoe of autumn, but with a twist! Here's the update to know - from £34

It's no secret that we love a loafer here at Good Housekeeping - they've been one of the most popular shapes of fashion footwear for well over a year.

But as the autumn/winter collections take full occupancy both online and in stores, it's clear the style of this perennially stylish, practical and useful shoe has been given a subtle update for the new season, and it's one you need to know about if you're considering buying a pair now.

And its this: the defining elements of the autumn 2025 loafer is marginally less boyish, classic and preppy than Loafer 1.0. The latest loafers are more feminine, chic, burnished in colour, textured in detail, and with many featuring an elegant small block heel and a slightly more pointed toe, along with the addition of fun tassels and gilt snaffles. In short, they've become more snazzy.

Of course the classic shapes are still around, you can't go wrong with a penny loafer, but why not break out of your comfort zone a little bit? M&S Collection's brown leather tassel flat loafer hits right at the balance point between classic and new look loafers. Or why not go one further and choose a pair in light grey gathered suede with a softly rounded toe from & Other Stories or in glossy silver leather from Mint Velvet?

Or, to really move on your loafer game, consider one of two burnished brown moc croc leather loafers from Cos, both with ever-so-slightly more pointed toe, and one with a block heel. If you want to play it safe, and be on your style game, choose a brown leather loafer which is both the footwear colour of now, and will stay the distance as a forever shoe when fashion moves on.

The master loafer to know if you are aficionado of design history, is the Weejun from American company G.H Bass who first introduced their loafer in 1936, and offer them today in a range of finishes and styles. Insider tip - for its slim cut, and burnished brown leather finish (and its similarity to Miu Miu's autumn/winter 2025 brown leather loafer) the one to go for now is the 'Whitney.' Better still, it was recently voted the best loafer in the world for comfort, longevity and repairability.

With so much on offer when it comes to loafers - Massimo Dutti has 19 on their new-in page and there are dozens of styles available at both John Lewis and M&S - it really helps to know the direction of travel. So consider our edit below as your starting point.

The pair, winning above them all now is, of course, the M&S version, with its distinctive gathered moccasin style stitching and cheeky tassel, and if you want a pair, now is the time to get them.

Best women's loafers for autumn/winter 2025