The New Sleek Loafer Trend That’s About to Take the Street Style Scene by Storm

Photo: Courtesy of Acielle / Style Du Monde.

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Though it’s hard to imagine in the midst of winter’s chill, loafer season isn’t too far away. From polished penny loafers to chunky lug-soles, the fashion crowd’s love affair with the loafer is well-documented. These days, however, the loafers on everyone’s–and we mean everyone’s–lips is the classically-cool driving loafer. The trend first caught our attention during Miu Miu’s spring 2024 runway collection, when models made their way down the catwalk in preppy pairs of leather loafers reminiscent of the traditional boat shoe. From there, slightly softer and less-structured styles have emerged from several of our other favorite labels, like The Row, Khaite, Bally, and Tod’s. In the months since, driving loafers have become a staple among those in the ever fashionable street style scene, and they’ve taken our shopping carts by storm.

Vogue’s Favorite Women’s Driving Loafers:

• The Luxe Leather Loafer: The Row Lucca bow-embellished loafers, $1,990
• The Moccasin Model: Minnetonka Driving Shoe, $83
• The Traditional Boat Shoe: Bally Pathy Leather Loafers, $970
• The Classic Black Option: Aeyde Harris Leather Boat Shoe, $445
• The Chocolate Brown Suede Style: Dear Frances Drew Loafer, $590
• The Sleek Slipper: Khaite Monroe Loafer, $840
• The Everyday Essential: Church’s Maidstone Tasseled Loafer, $995
• The Beige Beauty: Veronica Beard Jia Driving Loafer, $295
• The Best Distressed: Miu Miu Unlined Bleached Leather Loafers, $995

While options in classic black are to be expected, like the below from Gucci, Aeyde, and M.Gemi, bright white varieties from Miu Miu and Brunello Cuccinelli will be especially fitting come spring’s much-anticipated arrival. Not to mention that for right now, the latter completes any all-white winter outfit formula to monochromatic perfection. There are also chocolate brown styles that range in textures–like sumptuous suede from Dear Frances to luxe shiny leather from Khaite.

Styling-wise, we recommend wearing these women’s driving loafers with everything from great lived-in denim and knits to tailored trousers and outerwear. Below, the new sleek loafer trend that’ll have you stepping into spring (or any season for that matter) in style.