The fashion pack have spoken: chunky loafers are here to stay. The perfect smart-casual choice when you want some height but don't fancy a heel, the best chunky loafers have transcended that ‘one-season wonder’ title and are fast becoming a year-round item (up there with white t-shirts, striped shirts and blazers).
Yep, they work for every forecast, and when it comes to cost per wear, your trusty chunky loafer will probably outlive your favourite pair of fashion trainers. When you commit to a loafer life, you make a smart financial choice and a sustainable one. Double win.
Need more convincing? The best loafers – platform or not – are every ‘it’ girls' favourite form of footwear. From the streets of New York, where Kendall Jenner was spotted donning them in ultimate off-duty-model fashion with an oversized blazer and baseball cap, to Hailey Bieber’s California cool styling with white socks and denim shorts, chunky loafers have become part of their permanent rotations. So it's only right you adopt them, too.
Their thick soles are a nod to the '90s and '00s trends that are making no apparent retreat from our favourite online clothing stores. Designers like Prada, Gucci and GANNI continue to lead the runways with them, while high-street brands such as Topshop and Dr Marten are bringing bold, statement options via metallic hues and tassel trims.
Ever put on an outfit and think, “this is too good for just trainers”? Us too. Whether it’s jeans and some knitwear, a wide-leg trouser at the office, or girly dress that needs something to tone it down, chunky loafers seem to be the constant solution.
If we could only choose one pair? Prada's Monolith loafers in black leather are the most desirable new season style to shop and a perpetual top ten on the GLAMOUR fashion team's wishlist. For more affordable loafer shoes, ASOS is a must-shop destination while COS's chunky penny loafers are an on-trend take if you're looking for a classic style.
Brushed Leather Monolith Loafers
Chunky Leather Penny Loafers
The key to elevating your chunky loafers to the next level of stylishness is to consider proportion. When wearing chunky loafers with high-waisted trousers or boyfriend jeans, choose a style that either pools over the shoes (baggy jeans are excellent for this aesthetic), or a pair that finishes on the ankle. Capri or mid-calf lengths can throw off the silhouette and make your outfit look unbalanced, and if you're wearing your chunky loafers with skirts, we recommend you go maxi or mini. If you're keen to go in between, though, consider pairing them with some funky socks to make the look a little less history teacher and a little more fashion week.
Ahead: the 21 best chunky loafers for 2023 that are new in and ready to shop right now, along with some tips and tricks on how to style them.
For more from GLAMOUR UK's Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd. For more from GLAMOUR UK's Fashion Director At Large Alexandra Fullerton, follow her on Instagram @alexandrafullerton. For more from GLAMOUR UK's Freelancer Ria Wolstenholme, follow her on Instagram @riawolstenholme.
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