Sandal trends come and go every summer, with one or two styles making it big for a season before teetering off. Same goes for boots — one year, all anyone can talk about are lug soles, the next, cowboy boots, and so forth. All to say: In footwear, a silhouette rarely makes it past its designated season. That isn’t the case, though, with loafers, which, since stepping out of the shadow of Wall St. brokers and prep school kids, have become a staple in many people's year-round wardrobe. (Birkenstocks are another year-round favorite.) But despite their seasonless appeal, we’ll always equate loafers with fall and back-to-school fashion, meaning that now is the time for you to either jump on board the loafer train, or, if you’re anything like me, continue adding to your already overflowing collection.
This fall’s loafer selection took a step down from last year’s, which were ultra-lifted and more grunge. Designers like Martine Rose are now offering up backless styles with metal hardware, while Ganni put a feminine spin on the traditionally masculine shoe by embellishing the brand’s fall lineup with flower-shaped gemstones. Logo styles courtesy of Prada and Telfar add a fresh take on the heritage style, and collapsible heels by Loewe and Maison Margiela offer unprecedented versatility. Colorblock styles, bold animal prints, high heels, and more — these fall loafers are not the ones you grew up wearing, which is all the more reason to introduce them now.
Ahead, click through to shop this season’s finest loafers.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
G.H. Bass & Co. Whitney Colorblock Weejuns, $, available at G. H. Bass & Co
On Tuesday morning, a select few gathered at The Grand Palais in Paris to watch as Virginie Viard presented her third ready-to-wear collection for Chanel since taking over from the late Karl Lagerfeld in 2019. While travel restrictions and social distance guidelines kept many of the brand’s loyal fans away from this season’s catwalk, some familiar faces managed to make it to Avenue des Champs-Élysées to show their support — including The King actress and a friend of Lagerfeld’s Lily-Rose Depp.
As expected, Depp arrived at the show dripping in Chanel. Her look, a Gen Z take on the brand’s iconic items, included hot pink tweed jacket, straight-leg jeans with matching tweed patches, and gold sandals. Under the brand’s signature jacket, she wore a multicolored tweed bra and a ‘00s-esque belly chain (yes, a belly chain!) with “CHANEL” written across her midriff in gold letters. She finished off the look with a gold, double-chain pendant and a pink leather bucket bag.
From top to bottom, everything Depp chose for the show was from the brand’s resort ‘21 collection, which made history as the first high fashion collection to be presented virtually following a worldwide lockdown due to the pandemic. The collection was initially supposed to be shown on the Italian island of Capri, but, after being postponed by the brand, debuted a month later digitally. In the lookbook, Depp’s look was styled the same — yes, midriff belt as a belly chain included! — except, instead of gold sandals, the model wore a casual pair of black, CC logo slides. (Personally, we prefer Depp’s take.)
Depp was joined by her mother, fellow model, actress, and Chanel muse Vanessa Paradis, as well as Caroline de Maigret, Blanca Miro, and Camille Charriere, all of whom were also adorned in Chanel. The collection, which was inspired by vintage Hollywood and film, included all our favorites from the brand, from tweed and pearls to suits with a grunge twist. “This collection is a tribute to the muses of the House,” said Viard in the show notes. “Some of them are far away — it’s been a long time since we saw them. Gabrielle Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld dressed so many actresses in films and in real life. I was thinking about them who make us dream so much. But without wanting to replicate.” In addition to the classics, Viard threw neon accents on pedal pushers and printed T-shirts. Gym shorts, quilted wristlets, and sweater vests all also made the cut.
See the spring ‘21 collection in full below.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Take it from me, someone who’s notoriously hard to shop for: buying a gift for people who love fashion is not easy. For starters, fashion people have very specific taste — like really specific. (Ask someone in fashion to describe their style, and you’ll get a hodgepodge of references, all of which involve designers so niche that anyone outside of the industry will likely be hearing of them for the first time.) Unless they show you their desired item in person or send you a link to buy it online, it’s highly likely that you’ll end up ordering the wrong thing, even if the only difference is that one was the product of a fall ‘20 collection, and the other was from spring ‘21.
And yet, despite their pickiness, we love them, and they deserve a little something special during the holidays too, especially after a year like 2020. Luckily, there are some gifts that all of your fashionable friends will love. For example, a pair of loafers, AKA the only shoe style you’re going to see on Instagram until the first snowfall; a satin, printed scarf to be worn as a face mask, a head wrap, or, if your fashion friend doubles as a member of Gen Z, a top; and anything that’s tie-dye. A Connell Waldron-inspired chain will also do, as will a pearl necklace à la Harry Styles and Marc Jacobs. Of course, even with the 20 tried-and-true fashion gifts ahead, it’s best to be prepared for the worst — in other words, don’t forget to include a gift receipt.
Click on for fashion gifts to give your most stylish friend(s) this holiday season, all of which were chosen by one of their own.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Comme Si Boxer Shorts
These just-launched white boxers from luxury sock brand Comme Si are a must for lockdown during the holidays.
Comme Si La Boxer Classica, $, available at Comme Si
G. H. Bass Loafers
Just wait, your BFF (best fashion friend) will be styling these under-$150 loafers with a pair of statement socks and some cropped wool trousers.
G. H. Bass Women's Multicolor Loafers, $, available at Amazon
Baggu Reusable Tote Bag
So they can look cool, be eco-friendly, and have a nice day this holiday season.
Baggu Standard Reusable Tote Bag, $, available at Urban Outfitters
KES Plaid Face Mask
For every sale of this plaid face mask, KES, an NYC-based indie label, will donate one face mask to a healthcare professional. Plus, it's Camila Mendes-approved.
KES Sustainable Washable Face Mask, $, available at KES
ASOS Curve Faux Leather Dress
So they don't have to worry about finding the perfect holiday dress to wear throughout the party season ahead — even if said parties will only exist on Zoom.
ASOS CURVE Curve Leather Look Square Neck Midi Dress, $, available at ASOS
Sleeper Pajama Set
This is the pajama version of the slouchy suits that were all over catwalks in New York and Milan. 'Nuff said.
Sleeper “Sizeless” Pajama Set with Pants in Concrete, $, available at Sleeper
Aimé Leon Dore Keychain
For the fashion girl who pairs a sweatsuit with New Balance kicks and a baseball cap for a Saturday afternoon.
Aimé Leon Dore ALD Leather Key Fob, $, available at Aimé Leon Dore
New Balance 990 V5 Sneakers
"Worn by supermodels in London and dads in Ohio."
New Balance Grey Made In US 990 v5 Sneakers, $, available at SSENSE
Prada Catwalk: The Complete Collections
Given that this holiday season likely won't involve travel plans or a jam-packed party season, your fashion friend will be desperately seeking something to fill their time, which is why this 632-page book of Prada collections from 1998 to 2019 is exactly what they need.
Thames and Hudson Ltd Prada Catwalk: The Complete Collections, $, available at Amazon
Mejuri Gold Chain
Connell Waldron called. He wants you to wear a chain just like his.
Mejuri Baby Box Chain Necklace, $, available at Mejuri
J.W. Pei Handbag
This bag might look like a million bucks, but it'll only cost you $49.
JW PEI Carly Saddle Bag - Brown Croc, $, available at JW PEI
Daily Paper Bike Shorts
Give them a little something to look forward to spring in.
Daily Paper Black Rebike Shorts, $, available at Daily Paper
COS Dickey
It's like a sweater, but without the bulk.
COS High Neck Wool-Cotton Hybrid Collar, $, available at COS
Pêche Platform Loafers
Your BFF never has to know that these Gucci-esque platform loafers cost you less than $100.
Take it from me, someone who’s notoriously hard to shop for: buying a gift for people who love fashion is not easy. For starters, fashion people have very specific taste — like really specific. (Ask someone in fashion to describe their style, and you’ll get a hodgepodge of references, all of which involve designers so niche that anyone outside of the industry will likely be hearing of them for the first time.) Unless they show you their desired item in person or send you a link to buy it online, it’s highly likely that you’ll end up ordering the wrong thing, even if the only difference is that one was the product of a fall ‘20 collection, and the other was from spring ‘21.
And yet, despite their pickiness, we love them, and they deserve a little something special during the holidays too, especially after a year like 2020. Luckily, there are some gifts that all of your fashionable friends will love. For example, a pair of loafers, AKA the only shoe style you’re going to see on Instagram until the first snowfall; a satin, printed scarf to be worn as a face mask, a head wrap, or, if your fashion friend doubles as a member of Gen Z, a top; and anything that’s tie-dye. A Connell Waldron-inspired chain will also do, as will a pearl necklace à la Harry Styles and Marc Jacobs. Of course, even with the 20 tried-and-true fashion gifts ahead, it’s best to be prepared for the worst — in other words, don’t forget to include a gift receipt.
Click on for fashion gifts to give your most stylish friend(s) this holiday season, all of which were chosen by one of their own.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Comme Si Boxer Shorts
These just-launched white boxers from luxury sock brand Comme Si are a must for lockdown during the holidays.
Comme Si La Boxer Classica, $, available at Comme Si
G. H. Bass Loafers
Just wait, your BFF (best fashion friend) will be styling these under-$150 loafers with a pair of statement socks and some cropped wool trousers.
G. H. Bass Women's Multicolor Loafers, $, available at Amazon
Baggu Reusable Tote Bag
So they can look cool, be eco-friendly, and have a nice day this holiday season.
Baggu Standard Reusable Tote Bag, $, available at Urban Outfitters
KES Plaid Face Mask
For every sale of this plaid face mask, KES, an NYC-based indie label, will donate one face mask to a healthcare professional. Plus, it's Camila Mendes-approved.
KES Sustainable Washable Face Mask, $, available at KES
ASOS Curve Faux Leather Dress
So they don't have to worry about finding the perfect holiday dress to wear throughout the party season ahead — even if said parties will only exist on Zoom.
ASOS CURVE Curve Leather Look Square Neck Midi Dress, $, available at ASOS
Sleeper Pajama Set
This is the pajama version of the slouchy suits that were all over catwalks in New York and Milan. 'Nuff said.
Sleeper “Sizeless” Pajama Set with Pants in Concrete, $, available at Sleeper
Aimé Leon Dore Keychain
For the fashion girl who pairs a sweatsuit with New Balance kicks and a baseball cap for a Saturday afternoon.
Aimé Leon Dore ALD Leather Key Fob, $, available at Aimé Leon Dore
New Balance 990 V5 Sneakers
"Worn by supermodels in London and dads in Ohio."
New Balance Grey Made In US 990 v5 Sneakers, $, available at SSENSE
Prada Catwalk: The Complete Collections
Given that this holiday season likely won't involve travel plans or a jam-packed party season, your fashion friend will be desperately seeking something to fill their time, which is why this 632-page book of Prada collections from 1998 to 2019 is exactly what they need.
Thames and Hudson Ltd Prada Catwalk: The Complete Collections, $, available at Amazon
Mejuri Gold Chain
Connell Waldron called. He wants you to wear a chain just like his.
Mejuri Baby Box Chain Necklace, $, available at Mejuri
J.W. Pei Handbag
This bag might look like a million bucks, but it'll only cost you $49.
JW PEI Carly Saddle Bag - Brown Croc, $, available at JW PEI
Daily Paper Bike Shorts
Give them a little something to look forward to spring in.
Daily Paper Black Rebike Shorts, $, available at Daily Paper
COS Dickey
It's like a sweater, but without the bulk.
COS High Neck Wool-Cotton Hybrid Collar, $, available at COS
Pêche Platform Loafers
Your BFF never has to know that these Gucci-esque platform loafers cost you less than $100.
