Loafers are easy to wear, look smart, and can elevate any outfit. We have compiled a list of the best loafers for women so you can choose your perfect pair to wear to work this fall and winter. From more simplistic silhouettes to penny loafers and the most comfortable loafers for women – there is a pair for every type of businesswoman.

Loafers for women put the finishing touch on any outfit and can add a distinguished flair to a simple pair of jeans, making them one of the best business casual shoes for women in 2024.

Recommended Reading: Must-have Business Casual Shoes for Women in 2024

What Loafers to Wear to Work

The 5 Best Loafers for Women Who Work

1. Minimal, Modern Loafers for Women

More modern loafers for women have a flat sole, a half-inch heel, and some of them have hardware on top, like a liver bar with a slightly pointed toe. These understated shoes are one of the best loafers for women because they are so versatile and can be paired with a range of outfits, like jeans and wide-leg trousers—making them great for work.

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2. Classic, Penny Loafers for Women

A penny loafer was worn in the olden days and now, they are classics, vintage items that are perfect for the office, lunches, and evening outfits. Penny loafers have a small slit in the leather detailing on the top of the shoe that is the perfect size to hold a coin, and back in the days when using payphones was the norm, many young women would keep money in their shoes in case they needed to make an emergency call. Now the design looks detailed, classy, and vintage.

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3. The Chunky Loafer (with Lug Soles)

Chunky loafers for women have thick soles. They often have a lug sole. Lug soles are thick, rubber, and have a patterned outsole – think rubbery and deep groves. These shoes look bulky and mostly have a round toe. Often chunkier loafers for women can be harder to pair than more modern, simplistic loafers. But when you do find the perfect outfit, they can make a statement and elevate any outfit.

If you are an ambitious woman who likes an edge to your outfits – choose some chunky loafers and be bold.

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Read about one of our Bold BusinessWomen, Loes Daniels

4. Heeled Loafers for Women

Heeled loafers are often forgotten, which shouldn’t be the case as they are one of the best loafers for women, especially working women. They are edgy, elevated, and can be a more comfortable version of your classic heels – giving you a confidence boost.

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5. Comfortable and Casual Loafers for Women

If you are looking for more comfortable loafers for women so you can feel light, agile, and ready for the day – there are some great options for you.

More casual loafers are often made with a soft material and have a soft feeling giving your foot more freedom. Some of these loafers for women also incorporate different patterns to add more fun to your day – because business casual for women does not mean boring.

More comfortable loafers for women often have a more moccasin style – they use soft leather, they don’t have a heel, and the whole shoe seems to be made from the same piece of material. Even though they are not your traditional loafers they can be one of the most comfortable and best loafers for women on the the move.

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How to Style Different Types of Loafers for Work

Now that you have a list of the best loafers for women, we can help you find an outfit for work that makes you feel powerful and trendy and meets the business casual for women criteria. Here is how to wear loafers to work in 2024 and 2025.

How to Style Modern Loafers for Work

A woman wearing one of the best loafers for women - a modern style

Christian Vierig/Getty Images

Modern loafers are very versatile and can easily be paired with trending business casual wide-leg jeans and trousers. Pair your modern loafers with a poplin top, and wide-leg pants for a look that screams modern, fun, and professional. Modern loafers also pair well with the best women’s work tops and blouses.

How to Style Penny Loafers for Work

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Penny loafers are a statement on their own – they can elevate a look and add an edge of fun and trendiness. As they can look quite chunky, we recommend that you pair them with cropped or ankle jeans to break them and a classic blazer for women or a trench coat – you now have a simple yet fashionable fall fit for work.

How to Style Chunky Loafers for Women

Jeremy Moeller

If you want to style chunky loafers for work, we recommend pairing them with long socks, a button top, and a skirt or a structured dress. A dress or a skirt can complement their bulky style.

How to Style Heeled Loafers for Work

Heeled loafers for women can be versatile and incredibly classy, making them one of the best loafers for women. You can pair these shoes with slightly cropped tailored pants or an A-line skirt and a cardigan for a classy, cozy, and professional look.

How to Style Casual Loafers for Work

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Casual loafers often have a more sleek and understated look which means that they can pair with a lot of different outfits. As these shoes can look more casual, we recommend that you pair them with more professional or elegant pieces to nail the business casual dress code. Comfortable loafers for women can be paired with long skirts and dresses – making them perfect for women who like a more demure or feminine look.

The Criteria for the Best Loafers for Women Who Work:

The best loafers for women are ones that are considered the best business casual shoes in 2024 and 2025 because they meet the following criteria:

Versatility – they can be paired with and elevate a lot of existing outfits that you already own
Classic – they are professional, high-quality, and hold value
Timeless – they are not one-season wonders and will hold onto their status and be fashionable for seasons to come
Empowering – they make you feel good, confident, and ready for the day

Step into Your Style This Fall

Choose from the best loafers for women and step into your style (and success) this fall and winter. From classic penny loafers to modern styles and comfortable loafers for women – you can gain confidence, and feel trendy and empowered at work and home.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Loafers for Women

Are loafers business casual for a woman?

Yes, loafers are one of the best business casual shoes for women as they look polished, professional, and trendy.

What are the most comfortable loafers for women?

The most comfortable loafers for women are loafers that support wider feet, have arch support, and are flexible. The Uptown Hybrid Penny Loafer (Women) – Wide Width Available are the most comfortable loafers for women.

What are the best casual loafers for women?

M.GEMI The Felize Suede and Birdies The Starling are more casual loafers for women because of their simple, understated style, lines, and soft material.

What are the best women’s loafers for work?

The best women’s loafers for work are a more modern and simplistic style with a slight heel and a slightly pointed toe as they can be paired with business casual pants, skirts, and more. The Nordstrom Loraine Bit Loafer (Women) is a great option.

What’s the difference between a loafer and a moccasin?

Loafers are laceless, slip-on shoes with a more structured design. A moccasin is often softer, and flatter, and has a single piece of leather that encloses the whole shoe. They often fall under the same umbrella as loafers but are often considered more casual and comfortable.

What is a penny loafer?

A penny loafer has a leather strip over the top of the shoe with a hole in between the leather detailing that could fit a coin (or penny like they did in the olden days).

What is a lug sole?

A lug sole is a thick, rubber outsole that often has groves in it for greater traction. You can find a lug sole on chunkier loafers for women.