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- Laura Dern, 58, recently wore black loafers with easy straight-leg jeans.
- Loafers are a classic, outfit-elevating shoe that can be worn year-round.
- The practical shoes are also ageless, worn by everyone from Bella Hadid, 28, to Jane Fonda, 87.
Like everyone else, I’ve spent a good chunk of my summer in sandals. But when I need something cool but a little more elevated, loafers—the ageless shoe Laura Dern and Bella Hadid wear—are what I’m reaching for.
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Loafers are a classic for a reason. The polished shoes go with pretty much everything, can dress up basics, and offer actual comfort and support (they won’t completely replace your sneakers, but I will say that I once walked three miles in mine). They’re also something you won’t have to pack up when summer ends. So if they’re not in your wardrobe yet, why not grab them now? Below, shop the eight pairs I’m loving, from just $20.
8 Trending Loafers
Dream Pairs Penny Loafers
Amazon
You don’t have to splurge on the timeless style. At Amazon, Dream Pairs’s ruched penny loafers are on sale for just $20. These have a flexible outsole, cushioned insoles with built-in arch support, and a classic, all-black look that looks good with pretty much everything: jeans, trousers, slip skirts, the list goes on.
Quince Italian Leather Soft Loafers
Quince
To get Dern’s easy-yet-sleek look, grab Quince’s soft leather loafers in black. These have a slim silhouette, which enhances the shoe’s polished look. They also feature a bit of stretch at the heel, ensuring that you get the perfect no-slip fit.
Sam Edelman Loraine Bit Loafers
Amazon
Sam Edelman’s Loraine loafers, which feature gold bit hardware across the foot, are the best lookalike for Hadid’s Gucci loafers. The slim silhouette and chocolate brown color are already chic; that metal detail takes the elevated look one step further.
G.H. Bass Weejuns Penny Loafers
Nordstrom
My go-to loafers are a pair of G.H. Bass Weejuns. They’re incredibly sturdy—I’ve worn them for nearly two years and they look barely used—and have a classic look that works with my entire wardrobe. It’s worth noting that you will need to break these in (it took me a few wears) but it’s absolutely worth it. I comfortably (!) walked all over Los Angeles, New York City, and Rome in these.
Tory Burch Embellished Classic Lug-Sole Loafers
Tory Butch
Tory Burch’s pearl-adorned loafers are a must-grab while they’re on sale. Their thick lug-soles are undeniably cool, but it’s those pearls and the silver chain that makes these such a stand-out. These will of course look great with jeans, but I love the idea of wearing them with trousers. They’re the easiest way to make the work-ready bottoms less stuffy.
Sperry Seaport Penny Loafers
Nordstrom
I love Sperry’s tortoiseshell Seaport loafers. That print is eye-catching and not quite as basic as a simple black, but it’s nearly just as versatile since it features light and dark brown. Plus, shoppers love these loafers, raving that they’re “beautiful, soft,” and “comfortable right out of the box.”
FP Collection Blanket Stitch Loafers
Free People
Metallic shoes are one this year’s biggest footwear trends, so of course Free People’s silver penny loafers had to make my list. The shoes have a slight crinkled texture, which gives the silver leather an almost foil-like look. Because these are such a statement, they’re the perfect shoe to spice up your wardrobe basics and all-black outfits.
Schutz Tilly Tassel Loafers
Anthropologie
Tassels are a classic loafer detail, but Schutz made them feel modern. The brand covered its chocolate brown tassels in small silver studs; it’s a small update that makes the sophisticated shoes feel way cooler.
