“I’m a fashion writer and a minimalist at heart – these are the loafers I swear by for looking smarter at work”

Autumn is well and truly here, and despite having left the classroom behind many years ago, I still get that familiar back-to-school feeling every season. The urge to buy fresh stationery, get my life in order and, most importantly, find a new pair of smart shoes. Some habits are simply too hard to shake.

These days, though, my footwear needs are rather more demanding than they were at school. I want something polished enough for the office, comfortable enough to survive the commute and versatile enough to work with practically everything in my wardrobe. Is that really too much to ask?

As a fashion writer and a minimalist at heart, I’ve always been drawn to shoes that do the hard work for me yet pair perfectly with all my favourite hard-working basics. Mary Janes and ballet flats are firm favourites, but when it comes to navigating crowded trains, unpredictable British weather and the occasional mad dash between meetings, they don’t always quite cut it. That’s where the humble loafer shines. 

There’s a reason loafers have remained a workwear staple for decades. They’re smart without feeling stuffy and practical without sacrificing style. They have an innate ability to make even the most thrown-together outfit look put-together: pop them on with jeans and a shirt? Instantly polished. Tailored trousers? Very chic. A pleated mini skirt and socks? A little collegiate, in the best possible way.

Their history is rather impressive, too. In 1936, American shoemaker G.H.Bass introduced its now-iconic Weejuns, inspired by traditional Norwegian slip-on shoes. The style went on to become a fixture of Ivy League wardrobes, later finding favour with everyone from preppy college students to the most discerning dressers. Decades later, the penny loafer has lost none of its allure.

Credit: Karl Largerfeld

Which brings me rather neatly to my latest footwear obsession: the new Karl Lagerfeld x G.H.Bass collaboration. Celebrating the American shoemaker’s 150-year heritage, the collection brings together G.H.Bass’s traditional craftsmanship and Karl Lagerfeld’s signature Parisian feel. And the loafers? They’re particularly good.

Crafted from polished black-and-white leather, the hand-stitched penny loafers have a wonderfully graphic, almost architectural quality. The contrasting colourway feels modern without straying too far from the classic silhouette, while a silver-tone Karl Lagerfeld autograph coin sits where the traditional penny would usually go. A rather clever little detail that gives a heritage shoe a contemporary edge. There’s substance behind the good looks, too. Leather soles, protective rubber heel taps and cushioned insoles make these a considered addition to a workwear wardrobe. 

How to style loafers for work

As for how I’d wear them? I’m a firm believer that loafers look even better with a good pair of socks. Picture fine ribbed cotton in cream, camel or black peeking out beneath the hem of beautifully tailored wool trousers. Add a crisp white shirt, perhaps a striped one if I’m feeling adventurous, and a structured pea coat, and that’s my ideal autumn office uniform sorted. On days when I want something a little less traditional, I would pair them with a sleek midi skirt or a pleated mini, a rugby top or a neatly buttoned crew-neck cardigan. It feels slightly preppy and borrowed-from-the-boys.