‘90s Loafers Are Better Than Heels—and They’re Making a Comeback in Time for Fall 2025

Loafers are a classic shoe, and as such, were a favorite in the ’90s . In a decade where outfits that exuded luxury and frugal elegance were the norm, shoes like these were the most valuable asset of celebrities like Cameron Diaz, Julia Roberts, and Sarah Jessica Parker.

This season, the ’90s remain a key source of inspiration for fashion houses like Coach, Max Mara, and Ferrari. The elegance of the decade is still very much in evidence, especially when it comes to footwear. Just look at the wide range of loafers that were popular at the time, and have made a magnificent comeback this summer.

These are the ’90s loafers that are returning for the rest of summer 2025

Cameron Diaz was one of the first to opt for hard-to-miss loafers. In one particular case, a pair of red ones were the perfect way to liven up a monochromatic look consisting of a turtleneck blouse, leggings , and a light sweater, all in black.

Meanwhile, Julia Roberts, always one to make a statement, chose velvet loafers instead of strappy sandals to wear with a floral-print summer dress on the red carpet for the 1990 film Die Hard 2.

Sarah Jessica Parker has always had a soft spot for shoes. Her ’90s collection featured combat boots, low-heeled shoes with elegant clasps, and square-heeled loafers. She wore the latter during a time when she traded her curly blonde hair for a mahogany bob, opting for a classic white shirt and black pencil miniskirt. Without a doubt, a timeless combo that still looks incredible today

How to wear the ’90s-era loafers instead of heels

The always distinguished ’90s loafers are back to add variety to your wardrobe and give heels a rest from time to time, and the experts are demonstrating how to wear them.

Loafers with shirt dress

The same formal aesthetic as Sarah Jessica Parker ‘s look can be achieved using the same garments, or it can be reinterpreted with the help of a shirt dress. This way, you achieve the same elegance, but opt for a preppy interpretation by adding white socks , regardless of whether you wear almond-toed, flat, or slingback loafers.

Heeled loafers, dress pants, and shirt.

In the ’90s, the color palette was solid, with black, brown, and gray being the favorites. Taking this as a reference, you can create a perfect office look with high-waisted brown pants, a white shirt, and two-tone heeled loafers . If you’d like, you can add more dynamism with accessories, such as long necklaces or an animal-print bag.

Red loafers with flared jeans and off-the-shoulder blouse.

And speaking of a solid color palette, you can take inspiration from ’90s Cameron Diaz, but with a modern touch. Just combine flared jeans in black with an off-the-shoulder top, then add vivacity a bold pair of burgundy loafers.

Suede loafers with a mini dress

Julia Roberts liked to employ comfortable and distinguished shoes to pair minidresses which made her naturally gravitate towards loafers. She did so on red carpets and for going out for walks, as she was later seen wearing an Oxford style pair in 1991 while in New York. Therefore, summer-inspired mini-dresses are a must this season for suede loafers.

This article was originally published by Vogue Mexico and Latin America.