In 2023 Vogue declared that loafers had overtaken sandals as the shoe of the summer, and two years later these flats continue to be a cornerstone of hot-weather looks. Loafers arguably were the dominant shoe trend across the spring/summer 2025 collections, with designers presenting a softer take on the traditionally structured shoe, with slipper-like flats that pair beautifully with linen shorts and slip dresses.
The classic loafer was reimagined for the summer months – Prada had a penny-less offering, Miu Miu added an elastic, ballerina backing to a traditional penny loafers, Tod’s added a row of statement annulets and JW Anderson continued to play on the nautical boat-shoe theme. As for styling, loafers typically have a back-to-school energy, and re-emerge every September worn with autumnal tailoring and denim, however for spring/summer 2025 the shoe was used to ground more whimsical, delicate looks.
For your next wedding or formal summer event, consider a loafer as an alternative to heels – it instantly makes your whole ensemble look effortless and your footwear won’t compete for attention with your main-event dress. At Loewe light, floral dresses that bounced thanks to circular underhoops, were paired with colourful leather Oxfords in red and green, which added an everyday charm to an otherwise theatrical look. At Jil Sander, a white embellished midi-dress that tipped into bridal territory was given a nonchalant edge with a pair of mustard loafers with ruching at the toe.
However, you don’t need to wait for an occasion to try this double act, as loafers also look stylish with your everyday, one-and-done summer dresses. Whether you opt for a cotton T-shirt dress or lace-trimmed slip dress, a slim-line loafer is not only a stylish choice, but it won’t get in the way of you and your step count. As for specific summer-ready loafers, we love Miu Miu’s nautical-inspired pumps, Arket’s chocolate suede slippers and Kurt Geiger’s more classic, buckled pair. Then as the weather begins to turn, you can get extra mileage out of the look with a pair of black or charcoal tights.
