1 Bass kiltie tassel loafer | $78 after 20% off on Bass’ site (discount automatically applied)
*2 Dieppa Restrepo penny loafers | $276 at Totokaelo (I wear my true size in Dieppa Restrepo)
3 Rag & Bone Clarendon loafers | $495 at Shopbop
4 ECCO Perth calf hair loafer | $149 at Nordstrom
5 Dieppa Restrepo Dandy loafer | $245 at the Dreslyn
6 Circus by Sam Edelman loafer | $80 at Revolve Clothing
7 Rachel Comey Puissant perforated loafer | on sale for $170 at Rachel Comey
8 Repetto Michael Loafer | $256 after FALL20 code at Otte for 20% off (sizes are selling out fast since they’re 20% off – they also have patent leather, and suede versions)
After my post yesterday about what I’m shopping for for fall and mentioning that I’d like a pair of black loafers – waiting to see Everlane’s version – (or these Vince “Bogart” flats, which are more like a slipper), reader Virginia asked for recommendations. I don’t HAVE any black loafers yet, so I can’t necessarily speak to comfort levels, but I do have a pair of taupe suede Dieppa Restrepo loafers (last seen here) that I’ve found to be very comfortable, so I would recommend their penny loafers for a good, classic-but-modern black loafer (*2 above).
Other than that, I’ve found and posted some that I love from various places online. If you’re into classic throwbacks, nothing beats the good old Bass weejun, and the tassel loafers, in addition to the penny loafers are 20% off via their site right now. (or this Cole Haan version which is on sale for $109 now, thanks to Jen for her comment about them!)
Also, the Repetto Michael loafers (named after Michael Jackson!) are 20% off right now at Otte with code FALL20. They’re selling out quickly, but they do have suede, black distressed and patent leather versions available. I have always sized up one size in Repetto, but it’s generally recommended to size up at least a half size.
I do love the calf hair loafer by ECCO (number 4) and I imagine they would be comfortable. The Rachel Comey loafer with the perforated leather and bar on top are very cool, and easy (they’re on sale too!). Of course, the Rag & Bone loafer with calf hair inset are very “now,” but quite expensive. I’d wait for a code or for them to go on sale…
I’ve included many more of my favorites below, and I’d love your input as well. Do you have loafers you love that are comfortable and that you can recommend? I do also have a gray pair of Geox “Italy” loafers/moccs that are like walking on clouds…they’re more narrow than I’m used to – haven’t quite gotten accustomed to the style, but they are very comfortable and I intended to wear them for travel. They’re not exactly “stylish”…
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I recently bought the Cole Haan “Pinch Penny” flat (on sale now!) and they fit true to size (I’m an 8.5 and took an 8.5) and have the Nike Air insoles so are very comfortable.
http://www.colehaan.com/pinch-penny-black/D39014.html?dwvar_D39014_color=Black&dwvar_D39014_width=B#cgid=sale_womens&start=19
Madewell has a good-looking loafer / slipper style too, but I haven’t tried those on:
https://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/SHOESANDBOOTS/skimmersflats/PRDOVR~B2073/B2073.jsp?color_name=rubino
oh wow…what a good price for those cole haans!
i do love those madewell flats – remember last year’s version though? they were very similar to what it looks like Everlane’s will be…which i liked more than the ones in the link. and i’ve not had great luck with madewell’s shoes, i can never seem to find a good fit. of course, i’ve mostly tried on the booties, and those are hard to fit on me anyway…
Vince loafers are very comfy and look good on but they are a bit too trendy– With the price tag over $400 I want to make sure I will love them for seasons to come. I would consider them though if they go on sale (deep sale:00 Curious what Everlane loafers will be like.
I have Repetto Michael loafers in patent leather from a few years ago and I love them. They are so soft and comfortable I can barely feel them on my feet (exactly like the ballerina flats). I highly recommend them!
From your selection I like the Sam Edelman’s the most as they have a nice slick silhouette but I am not sure about comfort with pointed toe.
For some reason I cannot bring myself to wear hairy (calf hair) shoes, belts, handbags, it just creeps me out;-)
i have loved the michael loafers for so long, but have never managed to score a pair…now, i’ll have to wait a little longer!
i do like the sam edelman’s but you’re right about the pointy toe, i don’t ever think they’re very comfortable. although i am craving a loafer with a pointier toe lately. not quite so pointy though.
i didn’t think i could wear “hair” either, and probably won’t get anything with it ever again, but i love my vince sneakers. i tell myself it’s not like fur, but it really is 🙁 not exactly, but close enough.
Oddly enough, or maybe not odd at all given how often I read your posts, I’ve been wanting a pair of loafers. Specifically, the tassel ones by Dieppa Restrepo since I’ve admired their work from afar for some time now. I think it might be time for me to take some action after a more thorough investigation of potential closet holes ( Not likely, but I’m hoping!). The other pair I’m liking is Cole Haan’s “Ambrose” loafer: http://t.macys.com/shop/product/cole-haan-womens-ambrose-skimmer-flats?ID=1612886&upc_ID=33003648&Quantity=1&seqNo=6&EXTRA_PARAMETER=BAG
I’m going to let the idea percolate for a bit and see if I REALLY want/need them that bad, which is a technique that has worked well for me in the past. If I don’t think about them all the time, then the craving will probably pass (I call it my “Cheetos Theory”).
Oh no, I didn’t mean to make you ashamed for wearing what you like:-)
no! you didn’t!
You mean they don’t just give the animal a haircut and glue it on? Another one of life’s myths ruined… 😉
haha! uh…i wish 🙁
I got some patent ones, very like the DRs you show, at J. Crew last holiday season. They call them “Derby” loafers:). You can see them here, if you’re curious. http://amidprivilege.com/?p=18445 I wonder if J. Crew will bring back the style for this year’s holidays. They are so close to smoking slippers, seems like a natural idea? I love black loafers, and would crave most of the ones you show if I were still working.
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No more black shoes…..(sorry, that’s MY current closet mantra 😉 When I was in high school (late 80s) I got a pair of black patent bass weejuns and wore them til they fell apart. I loved those shoes. I probably wore them for a decade. I had been looking a couple years ago for another patent (but casual) option and didn’t see anything I loved. But the polka dot danksko pair I just got will probably fill that hole…I do love a smoking shoe (a velvet smoking shoe – I’ve always wanted – esp Stubbs & Wooten with a pirate or something whimsical embroidered!) but that’s not practical enough for me (and too much of an investment for that much whimsy 😉
Thanks Grechen for this post on black loafers! I really appreciate you answering my question in such depth and for all your readers suggestions too.
You have helped point me in the right direction, but I think that I really need to go and try some on. I am reluctant to purchase shoes online from a brand I haven’t worn before. I don’t have a great track record with that so far. Shoes can look comfortable, but aren’t for me. (although the Cole Haan loafers are tempting because they look fantastic and are at such a great price!)
So I need to take the time and go try some on.
For now I will wear my black sketchers when I need to give my feet a day of comfort at work, but they are definitely not anywhere as stylish as the beautiful shoes you found.
I’ve never really been into loafers because I just didn’t think I could pull off a masculine shoe but I’m starting to come around to them. I bought the Teddy loafer from Madewell in calf hair for a steal and it has me wanting more especially the wine colored zip ups from J.Crew that you featured. For me, I need the shoe to have some element of trend and/or femininity which is probably why the Circus by Sam Edelman are my favorite.
I think part of the reason I’m into them is because I saw these Miu Miu’s (I think on a blogger or on Instagram). http://www.net-a-porter.com/am/product/379542?cm_mmc=polyvore-_-cpc-_-shoes-_-http://www.net-a-porter.com/am/product/379542
Pointy toes are tricky but there is something about a Miu Miu/Prada shoe that works (and they are usually comfortable too).
I ordered the Everlane loafers in burgundy. I love them, but wish I had bought the black instead (now they’re sold out!). My wardrobe is primarily gray, black, and navy, so I think the burgundy will work with almost everything. Right?
Yes! I love burgundy shoes. I have a pair of burgundy clogs that I wear all the time when it’s cool. And my wardrobe is all black white and gray 😉
Phew! Thanks for the affirmation. 🙂
Dear Gretchen,
An avid reader who is commenting for the first time! Thanks to you I’ve been more focused now on minimal shopping ;).
I’m currently looking into purchasing a pair of loafers — could you help to advise how your DP and everlane loafers are holding up? My main consideration is that I have wide feet so appreciate it if you can advise on the width of both brands. I know that you purchased your usual size of 8 for Everlane — could you let me know about DP as well?
Many thanks!!!
hi inna – i would not recommend the everlane loafers if you have wide feet, i have “normal” width feet and thought they were rather narrow, and took some time to break in. the DP loafers are much more forgiving, and didn’t require any break-in time at all for me. my DP loafers are nubuck and a light taupe color, so they do show wear faster than leather, but in general they have held up incredibly well over the 3+ years I’ve had them. i took my true size (8) in both and would recommend doing that for DP. many people did say they sized up in the everlane loafers and that worked better for them though, see my everlane loafer review post for more reader reviews of those!