We've said it once and we'll say it again: every autumn/winter wardrobe needs a good pair of loafers, and this season, the trend is quite literally reaching new heights. First spotted on the catwalks of Gucci, Tod's and Prada, the preppy slip-on shoe has had a chunky, cool-girl makeover for AW24, and the only rule is, the bigger the better.
Forget the minimalist, slimline and decidedly more subtle styles favoured by The Row and Saint Laurent (or, rather, keep such classics on the back-burner for now): it's time to embrace the new wave of chunky, clunky, fashion-forward platform styles that we've spotted on the likes of Daisy Edgar-Jones, Hailey Bieber and Simone Ashley of late.
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As showcased by our favourite street style stars and fashion 'it' girls, this season's chunky loafers have the ability to elevate your autumnal ensembles to no end. Whether worn with baggy jeans and a cashmere jumper, oversized tailoring, an ultra-feminine midi skirt or a mini-dress by night, they will add an edge to any look, and go with pretty much everything.
Knowing how to style chunky loafers, however, can be tricky – as can be hitting that perfect balance between cool and chic. Keep scrolling for ELLE UK's failsafe guide to wearing the trending shoes for the season ahead.
But first, we've scoured the high street and high-end designer labels to bring you our edit of the best chunky loafers to shop now:
Gucci
The iconic Gucci horsebit loafer design gets a 2024 upgrade courtesy of thick rubber soles. Given their versatility and timeless appeal, we'd say they're well worth the price-tag.
Prada
Ultra-thick lug soles toughen up these otherwise classic Prada loafers, that are a favourite of the street style set.
Reformation
Tick off two trends in one go with these chunky-sole loafers in the autumnal shade of the season.
Bottega Veneta
You can always rely on Bottega to transform a simple shoe into a super-desirable, high-fashion gem.
Gucci
Take the trend to the extreme in the shoes of the season: Gucci's mega-platform loafers in chic chestnut.
H&M
Get the look for less with H&M's chocolate-brown loafers, that are already selling out fast.
Pair these square-toe loafers with oversize tailoring and a crisp white shirt for an AW24-worthy androgynous workwear look.
Prada
If you tend towards the all-black-everything look come winter, adding these leopard-print ponyhair loafers will add a pop of fun.
The pearl-embellished hardware on these glossy croc loafers makes them perfect for dressing up a casual look.
How to style chunky loafers in 6 different ways
To prove that chunky loafers are a trend well worth investing in – and help you justify that Gucci pair – we've broken down all the different ways you'll be able to style them this season. The best part? You probably won't need to buy anything (else) new.
Wear socks
Ever since Gucci sent models down the runway of its Resort 2025 show in chunky leather loafers and white cotton socks, the two have become practically inseparable – but you don't have to drop £150 on the luxury Italian brand's retro-stripe pair to get the look (tempting as that may be). As Simone Ashley (left) so perfectly demonstrates, any normal pair of thick white sport socks will do, as long as they extend beyond the ankle. Not only does the preppy combo look impossibly effortless and cool, but it will keep you gloriously blister-free, too. During the colder months, you can also double up on your hosiery by layering your socks with low-denier tights (see below).
Mini hemlines
The added height and heft of a chunky loafer means you'll need to balance out the proportions of the rest of your look. The easiest way to do this? Wearing them with a micro-mini hemline. Think 'high low' style in the most literal sense.
Jeans
Of course, loafers and jeans are an age-old combination, but keep it modern rather than old-school preppy by opting for straight-leg cuts. A slightly looser style works particularly well, and should stop just above the ankle to create a flattering flash of skin or sock. If you don't want the shoes to take centre-stage and haven't plumped for a logo-ed designer pair, the added height of thick-sole loafers is also great for keeping wide-leg jeans from dragging along the floor (or slurping up puddles).
Embrace contrast
Just as an oversize, boxy leather jacket pairs perfectly with something sheer, floral or flimsy underneath, the addition of chunky loafers to an ultra-feminine ensemble creates a stylish contrast. Use them to toughen up a delicate, diaphanous midi topped with a cashmere jumper, hold-up stockings and a mini-skirt, or anything lacy, silky or embroidered. A thick sole adds just enough edge to tip the scale from girly and twee to well-styled and cool.
Formal dresses
Ever heard of the 'wrong shoe theory'? Well, it basically suggests that wearing chunky loafers with eveningwear is very much right. Not in all contexts, of course, but for when you find yourself wanting to tone down the formality of an elegant dress, swap your heels for a pair of chunky loafers, and they'll bring the look straight back down to earth.
Tailoring
Speaking of formality... Tailoring, too, can benefit from the edgy vibes provided by the humble chunky loafer – provided it's more loose and luxurious than strictly boardroom-worthy. Try a bright or patterned style for a pop of fun amid all the grey and black.
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Clementina Jackson is Acting Site Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, working across news and features, trends, e-commerce and SEO. She was previously Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan and Women’s Health, and Acting Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, where she was named as a PPA 30 Under 30 award winner for her work on size inclusivity. An experienced fashion, travel and luxury lifestyle journalist, Clementina has also written for Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Condé Nast Traveller, Tatler, Red and Italy Segreta.
